Column: Robinson Ready for NFL Draft

Story posted October 31, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Zach Lacher

Is Allen Robinson NFL Draft Ready?

The answer is a resounding yes!

After last season with senior quarterback Matt McGloin throwing the ball, many questioned whether Robinson’s production would suffer after Bill O’Brien chose the true freshman Christian Hackenberg to start this year.

Proving his doubters wrong, a season after being voted the Big Ten Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year, Robinson has returned and is probably playing the best football of his college career.

Thus far, Robinson has recorded 878 receiving yards on 55 catches with six touchdown grabs through the Nittany Lions’ first seven game. His campaign has been highlighted by a magnificent leaping grab versus the Michigan Wolverines in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, which set up Hackenberg to punch in the game tying touchdown to help send the game to overtime. Penn State went on to defeat the Wolverines 43-40 in four overtimes.

Which bring us back to original question, should Allen Robinson declare for the NFL at the conclusion of this season?

If Robinson stays on his current pace putting up extraordinary numbers back to back seasons, his NFL draft stock will be the highest it could possibly be. This makes it a smart decision to declare for the draft at the conclusion of this season. You must consider if he comes back for his senior season, he can risk getting injured and will be unable to unleash his full potential in the NFL.

Of course no one can predict if Robinson will get hurt. It could be this season; it could be his next game. But one thing is for certain, if he remains healthy and stays on track he will once again be the best wide receiver in the Big Ten, making it an ideal situation for him to declare. Putting his stats, physical 6-3, 210 pound frame, an outstanding vertical, and proving he can perform when the lights shine the brightest, all into consideration; Robinson will be a top target for many NFL teams who are looking for depth at the wide receiver position.

Zachary Lacher is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zjl5023@psu.edu.