The University of Texas produced one of the best running back prospects in recent years with Bijan Robinson last year but also saw Roschon Johnson garner a fourth-round selection with his impressive draft profile entering the NFL.
After working behind the talented Jonathon Brooks for most of the 2023 campaign, does Keilan Robinson’s scouting report demand more attention as we quickly approach the 2024 NFL Draft?
Keilan Robinson’s Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’8″
- Weight: 191 pounds
- Position: RB
- School: Texas
- Current year: Senior
- Hand: 9 5/8″
- Arm: 30 5/8″
A standout RB prospect from St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., Robinson was labeled one of the best all-purpose backs in the country by popular recruiting outlets before committing to the University of Alabama to start his college career.
But as is the case with most players joining a stacked program like the Crimson Tide’s, Robinson found it difficult to get on the field during his time at Alabama. He would finish his two-year tenure under Nick Saban with just 254 yards and two scores on just 39 carries prior to transferring to Texas ahead of the 2021 season.
Unfortunately, Robinson transferred to a school that had one of the best RB prospects the country has seen over the last decade, which limited him to just 70 carries, 408 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns through his first two years in Austin.
Bijan Robinson run?
Quinn Ewers dart?
Overshown pick six?No, the #Longhorns first touchdown of the season comes on this block punt returner for a score by Keilan Robinson
pic.twitter.com/Avl2hIDTSr— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 4, 2022
After Texas saw two backs enter the professional ranks ahead of the 2023 campaign, Robinson appeared set for an expanded role heading into his senior year. Yet, Brooks emerged as the leading ball carrier, leaving Robinson with just 20 total touches for 190 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
Robinson’s Scouting Report
Strengths
- Home-run-hitting speed is present in his limited sample size in college.
- Flashes impressive agility and change-of-direction skills to destroy pursuit angles of undisciplined defenders.
- Patience when operating through congested rushing lanes suggests Robinson is capable of carving out extra yardage by reading leveraged defenders on zone concepts.
- Limited role didn’t prevent him from flashing legitimate receiving capabilities out of the backfield; Fluid pass catcher who tracks the ball well in the air.
- Could be a moveable weapon as a satellite player in the right scheme; Dangerous weapon in space.
- Burst jumps off the tape when he’s decisive with his rushing lane.
Weaknesses
- Play strength is average at best; Doesn’t possess the power to overwhelm defenders at the point of attack; Unlikely to be a contributor in short-yardage situations at the NFL level.
- Lack of size could limit Robinson’s potential as a leading ball carrier at the next level and could relegate him to a career change-of-pace role.
- Failure to capture a significant role in his final collegiate year and lack of overall production raises questions about Robinson’s lack of involvement during college.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Robinson flashed some big-play ability during his limited time on the football field with two powerhouse programs in college football.
His home-run speed, fluid movement skills in space, and eye-popping acceleration will undoubtedly grab the attention of some NFL personnel evaluators searching for a weapon in space.
Yet, his lack of size paired with a smaller frame does bring into question Robinson’s effectiveness as an inside runner at the next level.
KEEP READING: What Time Is the 2024 NFL Draft?
Despite his overall lack of production during his collegiate career, Robinson still has the elite movement skills to become a nice rotational piece for a backfield that needs a player who can create mismatches against slower linebackers and safeties in space as a Day 3 prospect.
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