With the 35th pick in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select LSU CB Rashard Robinson. He is the team's second cornerback selected in this draft. They used their third round selection on Mississippi State CB Will Redmond.
In two years with LSU, he played in 15 games compiling 30 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, an interception, and three passes defended. He was suspended at LSU for failing a drug test as well as academic issues. He has not played football in 18 months.
NFL.com projected that Robinson would be selected in rounds 6 or 7 of the NFL Draft.
Analysis
Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, who compares Robinson to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, had the following to say in his scouting report:
He might look like he skipped "leg day" for several years, but his height, speed and man-cover talent is undeniable. Robinson has the traits and talent to be considered one of the best press corners in this draft, but teams will have to weigh the character against the talent. Look for an electric combine which could create new buzz around the former LSU Tiger. Robinson has the raw ability to become a good NFL starter who can play on an island if asked, but I am downgrading his draft grade due to his character concerns.
DraftInsider.net had the following to say about Robinson in their scouting report:
Robinson displayed flashes of dominance the short time he played at LSU and comes with incredible upside. Likely to be drafted much earlier than people think, he could develop into a starter if he keeps his focus on the field, makes football a priority and matures as a person.
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus had the following to say about Robinson in his CB ranking:
The hype machine on Robinson lost the run of itself when disinformation was put around that he would run a 4.2 40-yard dash time at 6-foot-3 at the combine. In the end he measured at 6-foot-1 and ran a 4.43, which is good but unspectacular. He does have speed to burn, and showed some incredible make-up speed when beat, but was beaten enough that he needed it. Robinson is very raw and inconsistent with his technique, getting too high and losing his balance and footing, but there are few better athletes and measurables profiles in this draft class.
Measurables
Height: 6-1
Weight: 171 lbs.
Arm length: 32 1/4 inches
Hand length: 9 inches
NFL Scouting Combine
40-time: 4.49 seconds
Vertical: 35.5 inches
Broad jump: 121 inches
Pro Day
40-yard dash: 4.43 seconds
Vertical: 34 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet
Short shuttle: 4.44 seconds
3-cone: 7.31 seconds
Bench: 5 reps of 225 pounds
