When the NY Giants drafted Kentucky wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson in the second round, many people didn’t know the type of player that they were adding. After watching just some of the things that Robinson was able to do in college, you’ll quickly become excited. He was a dynamic playmaker at both Nebraska and Kentucky. He was able to impact the offense through both the air and the ground. There is hope that he will be able to do the same in the NFL.
During his three collegiate seasons, Robinson recorded 104 receptions, 1,334 receiving yards, 691 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He proved to be one of the most versatile players in the draft. The expectations will be high for the Giants second-round pick.
While Robinson isn’t currently at the top of the depth chart, there will be opportunities for him to make his mark. Nearly the entire Giants main receiving core has missed time at some point in recent history. Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Kadarius Toney and Darius Slayton all missed time last season. If that trend continues into 2022, Robinson could find himself playing early and often.
Here are three ambitious goals for Robinson during his rookie season
700+ yards from scrimmage for Wan’Dale Robinson
While also being consistent when catching the ball, Robinson was also a threat once he got it into his hands on the ground. He finished the season ranked 11th in the nation with 1,334 receiving yards. He also averaged nearly 13 yards per reception. He was often able to help stretch the field as well as he had 10 receptions of more than 20 or more yards.
His influence within the run game will also lead to him gaining yards frequently. On 141 rushing attempts in college, Robinson racked up 691 yards, averaging nearly five yards per attempt. Much like how his versatility will lead to him reaching the end zone, it will also lead to him running all over the field. With an offense that can utilize him effectively, he’ll be touching the ball often.
Even Toney, who played in just 10 games last season, was able to record 420 receiving yards, which was the second most on the team. With such similar play styles, defenses will have a difficult time stopping two players of this caliber. Whether it be through pre-snap motions or things like RPOs, the ball will be given to these players often. If Robinson can do the things that he was able to do last year in the SEC, he should be able to replicate at least some of it in the NFL.
50+ receptions for Wan’Dale Robinson
Robinson proved to be one of college football’s most consistent pass-catchers last season. In his lone season at Kentucky, he caught everything thrown his way. He finished the 2021 season with a total of 104 receptions. In the two seasons that he spent at Nebraska, he recorded 91 receptions.
Based on what he was able to accomplish in college, 50 receptions isn’t unrealistic for Robinson. Over the past two seasons, 15 rookie receivers have caught 50 or more passes. When looking at how many rookie receivers have impacted the game over the past few seasons, he could be on par with some of the top performers. While he won’t be the WR1 for this Giants team, he could find himself in a big role fairly soon.
With other receivers such as Toney, Golladay and Shepard to share the ball with, Robinson could either thrive or fall behind the mix. The sheer amount of receivers ahead of him are the only thing that could stop him from being productive early on. When looking back on last season, it is also important to note that no Giants player recorded more than 46 receptions. Any success that Robinson finds will mean that the offense as a whole is successful.
As the offseason has progressed, it is worth noting that Robinson and quarterback Daniel Jones have already formed a little connection. The pair have developed a rhythm early on that will hopefully roll over into the season.
5+ touchdowns for Wan’Dale Robinson
Last year’s Giants offense was one of the worst in recent history. No player on the team recorded more than three receiving touchdowns. The stagnant offense led to the team as a whole often struggling. Tight end Evan Engram, who led the team in receiving touchdowns, isn’t even on the roster anymore. The two receivers who were meant to headline this core last season, Golladay and Toney, combined for a total of zero trips to the end zone.
With a new offensive approach this season, led by some of the best minds in football in Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka, it’s a fair assumption that this group will look very different. An increase in play from everyone on this roster should be the expectation.
During his three collegiate seasons, Robinson was highly effective, but that didn’t correlate to scoring touchdowns. He reached the end zone just 14 times over 31 career games. While he didn’t score often, he was versatile when doing so. He scored 10 touchdowns through the air and added another four on the ground.
It’s Robinson’s versatility that could make him reach the end zone at least five times possible. The Giants have already spoken about using him all over the field. This could mean both as a receiver and out of the backfield as a running back. The more touches he gets, the likelier he is to find himself making big plays. Keep an eye on the youngter.