Kentucky coach hypes up Wan’Dale Robinson’s impact on offense
By Mike Luciano
The New York Giants have tried everything in the book to ensure that Daniel Jones can succeed in 2022. From hiring an offensive coach in Brian Daboll to using a second-round draft pick on Kentucky speedster Wan’Dale Robinson, the Giants look much more lethal than they did last year.
Robinson remains one of this draft’s ultimate wild cards. While he fell down draft boards after some shockingly poor physical evaluations at the NFL combine, his speed and change of direction skills will likely help him overcome his size issues in the pros.
What makes Robinson such an interesting prospect is how dominant he was in college. Everyone knew who was getting the ball, and no one could stop him. On the Giants Huddle podcast, Wildcats WR coach Scott Woodward fawned over Robinson and his ability to impact the game.
"“I threw on his Nebraska tape, and the thing that pops off right as you watch it is this man is special with the ball in his hands,” Woodward said. “He would line up in the slot, at running back, all over the field.” Woodward drew comparisons between Robinson’s usage at Kentucky and the way Cooper Kupp gets utilized in Los Angeles.”"
Wan’Dale Robinson could thrive with the New York Giants.
Kentucky only had two players with more than 20 receptions and 195 receiving yards last year. Robinson smashed those benchmarks by catching 104 balls and piling 1,334 yards receiving. That ability to separate at the line of scrimmage is nothing short of fantastic.
Robinson has some hills to climb before he can earn a starting spot. With Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney likely penciled in for the top two wide receiver spots and Sterling Shepard likely returning from injury, Robinson is probably starting his career fourth on the depth chart. It might not take long for him to earn more snaps, however.
As a rookie, look for Robinson to fill the role that Isaiah McKenzie played so perfectly in Buffalo. As he adds some muscle and learns how to get away from professional defensive backs, Robinson should be someone who eventually challenges for 1,000-yard seasons regularly.
While it is important to temper expectations for a player who some considered a reach early in the second round, we have evidence that Robinson’s speed and shiftiness can be a nightmare to defend if he is utilized properly. Time will tell how long it takes for him to start tearing teams up in the pros.