Draft Analysis: Wan’Dale Robinson

March 2, 2022 /
  • Height: 5’8″
  • Weight: 178lbs
  • College: Kentucky
  • Tape watched: Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia
  • NFL Comparison: Tavon Austin

Pros

  • Explosiveness
    A literal blur on the football field, Wan’Dale Robinson escapes the tightest of situations and would-be tacklers. His acceleration is top notch and he goes 0-60 at the snap of fingers. He has premier lateral agility, and will be a huge issue to tackle in space.
This is silly from Robinson. If the right team can create touches for him look out.
  • Route Running
    Robinson is methodical in his route running. He changes his tempo well, and naturally finds space in the defense. He is lightning out of the break, and has a good rocker step at the top of stems to pair with. A little more consistency with deep routes and positioning for the football will be vital in the NFL for Robinson.
Robinson is great at dipping his shoulder past contact and stacking defenders.
  • Hands
    Robinson shows good hands in most situations. He struggles getting into position to make more difficult diving and leaping catches, but if the ball is in his immediate area he makes the play. He had no drop issues at Kentucky.

Midline

  • Release
    While Wan’Dale Robinson has every tool to be excellent at the line of scrimmage, he may seriously be hindered by longer corners. His quick feet and burst will help him immediately in the NFL, however there could be growing pains with press coverage.

Cons

  • Size
    Unfortunately, the as the NFL adapts to the passing game, the windows to catch a football become smaller and smaller. Statures like Robinson are more consistently being phased out of offenses for bigger, bulkier receivers that have range. There are major concerns over his catch radius and his overall size limiting his availability on certain downs.
Robinson doesn’t fully finish his stack, and is limited to reach for this football with his catch radius.
  • Usage
    Will Wan’dale find himself in an offense that can maximize his strengths? A role like Rondale Moore would fit Robinson perfectly year one, and create the best path towards success. However, landing in an offense like Detroit, Pittsburgh, or Houston could seriously limit Robinson.

Overview

Wan’dale Robinson is a highly electric, big play waiting to happen out of the University of Kentucky. A converted running back, Robinson made the most of his one year at Kentucky, racking up 104 catches, 1334 yards and 7 touchdowns. His upside year one could look something like Rondale Moore when healthy, but his downside is Tutu Atwell. There is no doubt his physical abilities will be enticing to teams in the early rounds of the draft. His measurables will be extremely important this week at the combine, as his listed 5’11” may very well fall short.