Adrien

Robinson

Robinson made just 29 catches in four years at Cincinnati, but rocketed up draft boards thanks to impressive workouts. A sculpted 6-foot-4, 267 pounds, Robinson ran a 4.56 40 at Cincinnati’s Pro Day. On paper, he boasts similarities to one of the Giants’ main offseason signings, TE Martellus Bennett. Robinson should spend most of his rookie year developing, but playing in a pass-happy Giants offense that loves to throw to the tight end, he’s a player to watch in Dynasty leagues.

Robinson caught 29 balls in four years at Cincinnati, but is considered to be a late bloomer with significant upside and excellent athleticism. Standing 6'4/267, Robinson ran a 4.56 at his Pro Day, moving him up several draft boards. Robinson will be in developmental mode behind starter Martellus Bennett this season, but he’s a name to consider late in deep dynasty leagues.

Robinson will need to develop technique and in-line blocking, but he certainly has the measurables at 6'5", 264 pounds with a 4.51 forty and a 39.5" vertical leap. Although he won’t contribute in the passing game as a rookie after recording just 12 receptions for 183 yards and three touchdowns at Cincinnati last season, he’s an intriguing developmental prospect behind Martellus Bennett.

There’s no update on Bennett’s weight after he pumped up to 291 pounds from 265 in the offseason. “You are hoping Martellus [steps up]. ... That is why he was brought here,” said OC Kevin Gilbride. “You are hoping that (fourth-round pick) Adrien Robinson down the road would be the guy.”

“Robinson appears to have gone to the land of believers,” TEs coach Mike Pope said. Robinson is expected to take over blocking tight end duties this season. He ran a 4.57 forty at last year’s Combine. With Brandon Myers on a one-year deal, Robinson is an intriguing dynasty flier. He won’t be a major factor in 2013.

"[Robinson]'s a big, talented guy that’s fast and can run and can do all the things... It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to get him the suit on Sundays and get him some experience playing in the National Football League. We hope he’ll continue to develop,” said Reese. Robinson only “got the suit” for two games in his rookie year, but he’s drawn comparisons to Giants impending free agent Martellus Bennett. Reese even called him the "[Jason Pierre-Paul] of tight ends,” as a guy that showed flashes late in his college career. Robinson and futures signee Larry Donnell are currently the only New York tight ends under contract for 2013. Robinson is a guy to keep an eye on in Dynasty leagues.

Martellus Bennett signed with the Bears on Tuesday and Bear Pascoe is a strict blocker. That leaves Robinson, a raw 2012 fourth-round pick that goes 6'5/269. GM Jerry Reese has likened his athletic ability to Jason Pierre-Paul while raving about his upside. Robinson will be a name to watch this offseason, especially if the Giants don’t add any talent to their tight end room.

Brandon Myers will be the pass catcher. Robinson, who was 6'5/269 coming out of Cincinnati, added over ten pounds during his rookie year. “The guy is 280 pounds, he ran a 4.57 at his Pro Day, and we think he can really develop into a terrific blocker,” said Reese. “We’re expecting him to make a jump this season and ... give us some contributions as our big blocking tight end.”

Robinson didn’t practice all week and remains without a timetable to return. He’s still dealing with a foot sprain suffered in the preseason finale, but is already out of his walking boot and will avoid surgery. Bear Pascoe will serve the Giants’ No. 2 tight end in Week 1.

Per coach Tom Coughlin, it’s “not exactly” a mid-foot sprain, but Robinson is without a timetable for a return. Ostensibly, he’s week to week, but Robinson might not take the field before October. The G-Men are now stuck with only Bear Pascoe behind Brandon Myers.