STRENGTHS - A dynamic athlete, Robinson's ability ability to make big plays with running with the ball is what gives him a chance to make it in the NFL. Great foot quickness and agility allow Robinson to change directions fast, which should allow him to burst out his cuts to get separation in routes. According to sources, Robinson has displayed soft, natural hands catching the ball during practice, so he will just need to prove he this in actual games. Naturally instinctive running with the ball, Robinson finds open space/creases well, can make the sharp cut to get to it and has the elite burst to get through it before it closes. Robinson is a "blur" getting to full speed and once he does, he has the playing speed to take plays the distance and can out-run defenders who have the angle. Despite being cinsidered thin by many in the media, sources who have been at practice tell us that he is well built and has maintained a weight over 195 pounds throughout the 2012 season. A real team leader with outstanding toughness, more than a few scouts have told us that Robinson is spoken about as the same type of team player as Antwaan Randle El was when he came out of Indiana.
WEAKNESSES - A poor passer, Robinson is not going to play quarterback in the NFL. He lacks the arm strength to make all the NFL throws, does not have good mechanics and is not an accurate passer. Despite adding weight during his career to get close to 200 as a senior and his toughness, there are real concerns about Denard's durability as he is just not a big, thick bodied player. Having played quarterback, there is no doubt that Robinson will have a major adjustment learning to play as a WR or RB. On few chances he lined up as a RB in 2012 he was not effective when asked to make chip blocks to help in pass pro, so he would need to greatly improve in this area to be able to get on the field as a RB in passing situations in the NFL.
SUMMARY - A dominant college player who has consistently made game changing plays with his feet/running ability and occasionally with his arm, Robinson is going to have to learn a new position (Either RB or WR) if he is going to last long in the NFL. There is no doubt about Robinson's toughness, character, intangibles and willingness to do anything for his team, which is why I would be willing to gamble on him higher in the draft than I normally would for a college quarterback who has to switch positions to succeed in the NFL. Additionally, although he has not returned any kicks at Michigan, I believe he has the skill set to be effective as a punt and kickoff returner. Overall, Robinson is going to be one of the most debated players in this year's draft as teams try to figure out if he is going to become Antwaan Randle El or Eric Crouch. I would take a chance on Robinson in the third round because I am confident in his ability to make big plays with the ball in his hands and would also be an outstanding goalline and two point conversion option quarterback.