The New York Giants selected UCF cornerback Aaron Robinson with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Alabama had eight players selected in the Top 38 and you can make it 8 1/2 with Robinson, who spent 2016 with the Tide as a true freshman before transferring to UCF. The former four-star recruit sat out a year and then missed much of 2018 due to a concussion, but he was a Second Team All-AAC two years in a row as the Golden Knights' nickel back in 2019 and 2020, and has the physicality to play outside or in the slot.
Measurables: 5'11 1/2"/186
School: Central Florida
2020 stats: 10 games (9 starts), 41 tackles (31 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 7 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered
Accolades: 2020 Second-Team All-AAC; Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists
Strengths:
• Captain as redshirt freshman
• Strong body, athletic
• Plays with good body control and balance
• Changes direction easily
• Speed and force off the edge
• Explosive first step
Weaknesses:
• Undersized
• Limited go-to moves
• Improve awareness in space
• Refine technique
Expert scout analysis: "Robinson was given middle-round grades by scouts entering the season but plays more like a late-round choice. He’s a dime back who must face the action, and at the same time, he must improve his instincts." - Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
NFL.com Draft Prospect Overview: Cornerback prospect with inside/outside potential featuring good size and adequate speed. The former four-star prospect possesses quality athletic ability with good transition quickness and foot agility. He has press potential with the ability to open and connect with routes. However, he does have issues losing patience and opening his hips too soon against release and route fakes. He's a willing tackler and proved to be much more consistent in that area in 2020. Robinson possesses the size and traits to garner attention, but teams will have to decide whether he has the speed to play outside or if he's a better fit for nickel duties.
Tape:
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