Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson proved to be a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners after injuries opened up more playing time for him last year. In a four game stretch, Robinson rushed for 389 yards and four touchdowns with a 5.3 yards-per-carry average. Unfortunately, a foot injury sidelined him down the stretch and limited his effectiveness.
For anyone potentially interested in drafting him this season his health doesn't appear to be a concern.
"The foot is fine - Robinson said he was cleared to do everything in February," Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union wrote.
But bigger questions remain. For starters, how will Robinson fit into new offensive coordinator Greg Olson's scheme? The former Michigan QB has been trying to improve as a pass-catcher to make himself more versatile this year.
"I just line up as a receiver and run routes and then run flares out of the backfield. I feel a lot better than I did before," Robinson said.
However, his pass-blocking is still an issue and will likely remain so. At 6-foot and just 197 pounds, Robinson isn't built to be a thumper or possibly even an every down back. He'll face competition from Bernard Pierce and Toby Gerhart for carries. But perhaps most threatening to his fantasy value is a possible running back addition made in the draft. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Jags to select Indiana running back Tevin Coleman in the second round.
"No. 36 overall is a spot where I can better justify taking a RB, even for a team that could use help in other positions, simply because I feel like Coleman immediately becomes the best running back on the roster," Kiper wrote. "Given that I think my roster is now in a position to win more games, I can take a play-right-away player who has shown explosiveness and durability. That's an immediate upgrade, and the opportunity cost isn't too high in Round 2."
Jacksonville has also been linked to Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon as well. So for owners who are looking at the depressingly thin running back position, I'd wait to see what the Jags do in the draft before making my mind up on Robinson.
