2021 NFL Draft: Aaron Robinson Player Profile

2021 NFL Draft: Aaron Robinson Player Profile

Not the biggest cornerback in the draft, Aaron Robinson is nonetheless as versatile as it gets. He played at the University of Alabama in 2016 before transferring to the University of Central Florida for the final three years of his collegiate career. Unfortunately, he only appeared in a limited capacity during his sophomore campaign: just five games. As such, he only recorded nine total tackles and a pass deflection.

His production increased drastically during his junior season, however. He played in 12 games and recorded 54 tackles—4.5 of which were for a loss— and snagged three interceptions, including a momentum-shifting takeaway in a massive win against the Stanford Cardinal. Robinson also had active hands, batting away ten passes as well. For his efforts that season, he was named Second-Team All-AAC.

Robinson continued his exceptional play as a senior for the Knights. Improvingly, he recorded 41 tackles in this shortened college football season. He was also able to deflect six passes and force one fumble. His most notable 2020 game came against the East Carolina Pirates. Effectively, he recorded eight tackles and two deflections in the game. Despite lacking in size, he plays with a surprising level of physicality for a mere 186-pounder.

Strengths

• Plays with surprising physicality despite a slight frame;
• Great against the run, can close the gap on ball-carriers with great urgency;
• Tackles well in space;
• Above-average closing speed in coverage;
• Great vision for the ball;
• Very good in man coverage.

Weaknesses

• Gets beat off the line of scrimmage too often despite a sub-4.4 40-yard dash;
• Low takeaway numbers: only three interceptions and two forced fumbles in his four-year career;
• Instincts in coverage can prove a little slow at times;
• Did not play much zone coverage in college, will be asked to play a considerable amount as a pro;
• Needs to use his hands more effectively at the line of scrimmage.

Teams in Need of a Cornerback: Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers.

Draft Projection: Late Second Round, Early Third Round

Bottom Line on Aaron Robinson Player Profile

Right now, Robinson projections range from backup to low-end starter in year one. However, he could offer a team an upgrade at nickelback from the get-go. This savvy is a significant reason for his inclusion in discussions about potential picks late in the first round.

His best attribute is his tackling ability against runners from the backfield or receivers once they have caught the football. He has the speed and tackling ability to have any team fall in love with him. Unfortunately, his lack of experience in zone and his shortcomings at the line of scrimmage will cause him to slip in the draft. Receiving more repetitions in training camp and during the season itself should help compensate for Robinson’s limited collegiate playing experience.

Robinson could and should provide upside for whatever team drafts him. If he is able to refine his skills in man coverage while learning how to play zone coverage at a high level, he could become a Pro-Bowl caliber cornerback in the NFL. He will likely hear his name called on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft, and whatever team drafts him is unlikely to regret it.

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