The New England Patriots are on the hunt for speed and athleticism at the edge rusher position, and they might just have found their man in Janarius Robinson. This former fourth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings is now in Foxborough for a free agency workout, and he certainly has the athletic profile that the Patriots are seeking.
Robinson's Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.31 during the 2021 pre-draft process is impressive, with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, a 1.64-second 10-yard split, a 34-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-1 broad jump. These numbers showcase his exceptional speed and explosiveness, which are crucial traits for an edge rusher in today's NFL.
However, Robinson's journey to the NFL has been filled with setbacks. He suffered a season-ending leg injury during his rookie training camp with the Vikings, and after being waived, he found himself on the practice squad. He then moved on to the Eagles, but his wait for an NFL debut continued. Robinson's big break came when the Raiders added him to their practice squad, and he finally got his chance to play, appearing in 16 games over two seasons with three starts.
Despite showing promise, Robinson was not retained by the Raiders. He then joined the Chiefs, but his time with the Super Bowl champions was short-lived due to a season-ending injury. Now, the Patriots are giving him another opportunity to prove his worth.
The Patriots' edge group is already quite competitive, with Harold Landry, Dre'Mont Jones, and Gabe Jacas already on the roster. However, Robinson's speed and athleticism could be a valuable addition, especially if he can stay healthy. The team also has Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, Jesse Luketa, Quintayvious Hutchins, and Xavier Holmes, but Robinson's unique skill set could provide a different dynamic to the defense.
In my opinion, the Patriots are taking a calculated risk with Robinson. His injury history is a concern, but his athletic profile and potential impact on the defense make him an intriguing prospect. If he can stay healthy and contribute, he could be a game-changer for the Patriots' pass rush. However, if he struggles to stay on the field, it might be a case of too little, too late for his NFL career.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Robinson to become a key contributor to the Patriots' defense. His speed and athleticism could create mismatches and disrupt opposing offenses, which is exactly what the Patriots need. But, as with any player, there are risks involved, and the Patriots must carefully consider their decision.
In my view, the Patriots should give Robinson a fair chance to prove himself. His athletic profile is exceptional, and his experience in the NFL, albeit limited, shows he has the mental toughness to handle the challenges of the league. If he can stay healthy and contribute, he could be a steal for the Patriots, providing a much-needed boost to their pass rush.
