Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Review 2016: DeMarcus Robinson
By Matt Conner
Before the Chiefs draft an entire new draft class to analyze, let’s take a look back at 2016. Our next Rookie Review is WR DeMarcus Robinson.
After some trades back, Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey had 3 fourth round picks at his disposal. After using the first two on the offensive line and the secondary, Dorsey added his first skill position player in the draft: Florida wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson.
We’ve already discussed the risk-reward of KeiVarae Russell, and we’ll eventually get to Tyreek Hill, but it’s easy to forget that DeMarcus Robinson was the ultimate hit-or-miss candidate coming out of that draft. No one saw Hill’s emergence coming, and Robinson was actually the likeliest of all to make that leap with pro comparisons to Mike Wallace and deep speed for days. Unfortunately, Robinson was also suspended a total of four times with the Gators, a key reason why Dorsey found him available at the bottom of the fourth round.
Measurements
6-1, 203 lbs.
Key college stats
47 catches for 520 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns his junior season (early entrant).
What they said at the time
"“If the offseason is any indication, the Chiefs are looking to graduate from their dink-and-dunk offense they sported last year. Robinson is the latest indicator, as he provides Alex Smith with a speedy field-stretcher. There’s plenty of untapped potential here.” -Mark Dulgerian"
One year later
Robinson is still a question mark. Eric Murray made waves as a special teams ace. Tyreek Hill emerged as an offensive star and dynamic wideout. Robinson has yet to find his niche on the Chiefs other than earning reps with special teams units.
The good news: Robinson has stayed out of trouble and headlines since landing with the Chiefs, and it’s good to remember he’d just now be coming out of school as a senior. The big play ability is still here, and as he learns the playbook, here’s hoping the Chiefs give him a chance to (literally) stretch his legs a bit in the offense as the season goes on.
If anything, Robinson might be the guy who benefits most from an eventual quarterback change in Kansas City. If Alex Smith ever moves on and the Chiefs switch to someone else in 2018, Robinson might have a better chance of showing what he can do with a stronger arm at quarterback. For now, he’s insurance on the depth chart and an experienced special teams player who should continue to push himself in workouts and film study until his time comes.
Summary
Special teams help and a still-intriguing offensive option who awaits his turn.