James Robinson 2020 NFL Draft Profile

James Robinson is a workhorse running back who has shown resilience, grit, and patience in his three-years as a starter. He was first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in his sophomore year with 933 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He continued to improve in 2018, finishing as a runner up for the FCS Walter Payton Award. His work ethic knotted him 1,917 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019, and an FSC playoff trip that ended in a loss to North Dakota State.

Robinson has a lot of yardage on his legs, but in those yards has proven he can excel as a first-cut runner. What he lacks in NFL “pop” run quality he makes up for in contribution to special teams and pass protection. He is a refined running back that has a work ethic guaranteed to intrigue coaches.

Strengths

Smooth, gap runner with a low center of gravity;

Patient in the backfield;

Gritty pass protection;

Finesse within the box;

Uses his offensive line wisely;

Plethora of experience as a three-year starter;

Refined running style.

Weaknesses

Does not have the dynamism to create holes;

Will get clogged in the backfield if he does not make immediate cut;

Needs to improve at running east to west, outside of the box;

Will need an experienced offensive line;

Does not bring much in the range of screen or receiving game;

Has an extra lag step that may impede him at the NFL level.

Projection: Seventh Round

Bottom Line on James Robinson

James Robinson will be a competitive running back wherever he lands in the NFL. He may not be selected on draft day as there are running backs who own more explosive running styles. No matter, his work ethic and patience at the line of scrimmage will intrigue coaches. He brings a level of consistency to his leg work that will be crucial for depth on an NFL roster. An added bonus is the form and grit he brings in pass protection – a skill superior running backs will have to be taught.

Eventually, Robinson may find a career as a third-down back in the NFL. He brings a smooth, low center of gravity teams that can excel behind a good offensive line. The lack of an extra step or ability to work outside of the box may limit his play productivity, and ultimately how much coaches can utilize his efforts. Those are skills hard to develop at this level, but it is not impossible for a running back as consistent in fundamentals as Robinson.

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