Amik

Robertson

Keim lists the team’s No. 2 need as “a cornerback with length.” Delane stands 6'/187. His arms measured 30" at the NFL Scouting Combine. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spent the 2010, 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Seahawks under former head coach Pete Carroll, who eagerly drafted cornerbacks standing at least 6' with arms measuring at least 32". We have no way of knowing if Quinn values arm length like Carroll used to, but Delane is generating first-round buzz. The Commanders signed former Lions CB Amik Robertson in free agency. He is expected to man the slot. CBs Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil are currently expected to start on the perimeter. Drafting Delane in the first round could mean he is allowed to compete for a starting role on the outside.

The deal includes $9.3 million guaranteed. 27-year-old Robertson is not quite an every-down player, but he is capable of playing both inside and out. At 5-foot-9, 183 pounds, he is ideally a slot man. That is where he spent most of 2024 before bouncing around more last year. Robertson is durable, appearing in all 17 games each of the past four years. He’s a solid player to have fill out your cornerback rotation.

Good thing, too, because the entire rest of the Lions defense found their way on to this report. Terrion Arnold (concussion), Kerby Joseph (knee) and Josh Paschal (back) were all ruled out. D.J. Reed (hamstring) and Amik Robertson (hamstring) are questionable. Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith should see slight matchup uggrades given the CB injuries.

Robertson (5’8/187), a three-year starter and first-team All-American in his final year with Louisiana Tech, joined TCU’s Jeff Gladney as the only two FBS players with 15-plus passes defended in each of the last two seasons. Very small in stature, Robertson displays high-end confidence and competitiveness against much bigger receivers, most recently allowing 6.4 yards per target (albeit versus Conference USA talent) in 2019. His 14 interceptions and 48 pass breakups across 38 starts also warrant attention at the next level. Robertson’s groin procedure from January (which nixed his participation at Indy’s combine) appears to be a non-issue with front offices. Thus he projects as a feisty nickel corner for any team willing to overlook his nimble frame.

Robertson (5'8/187) was unable to run at the NFL Scouting Combine as he was recovering from off-season groin surgery, and the hope was that he would get to run in front of NFL decision makers/scouts at some point this spring. Unfortunately the coronavirus pandemic ended that possibility, so his agent had Robertson run during a private pro day presided over by former NFL scout Bruce Plummer. The tape was sent to all 32 teams, and three defensive coordinators have reached out to Robertson with many other teams reaching out to his agent. Originally believed to be a Day 3 prospect, he could hear his name called on Day 2.

Robertson (5'8/187) sits atop PFF’s grade list for corners in four scenarios: single coverage, against clean-pocket throws (92.6), obvious passing situations (91.0) and contested-catch situations (98.3) . With regard to his work in man, the former Louisiana Tech standout allowed a completion percentage of just 32.5% in 2019. But he’s projected by multiple draft analysts to be a Day 3 selection in this month’s draft, with the lack of size being the biggest concern. And if that comes to fruition, Robertson could wind up being one of the steals of this draft. “An extremely feisty corner from La-Tech, Robertson may have to move inside at the next level, but don’t be surprised to see him make plays in the NFL,” PFF’s Sam Monson wrote in his breakdown.

“The instincts and ball skills are rare and should translate to this level of competition in zone and man as long as he can shadow routes,” Zierlein wrote in his analysis of Robertson (5'8/187). “Teams may worry about his size, but run support will not be a concern and Robertson could become a starting nickel as a Day 3 selection.” Robertson earned second team AP All-America honors in 2019, as he picked off six passes and broke up 16 others. As Zierlein notes his size isn’t optimal, especially when it comes to dealing with some of the top receivers in the NFL, but Robertson has the ball skills to be a solid addition especially if used as the nickel corner.

Robertson (5'9/183) announced on December 17 that he had decided to forego his final season of eligibility to enter the 2020 NFL Draft. While he hadn’t made public that he would not play in the bowl game at that point in time, the cornerback has played his final game in a Louisiana Tech uniform. Robertson tallied 60 total tackles, five interceptions and 16 passes defensed in 2019. His decision will give senior DB L’Jarius Sneed an opportunity to showcase his talent against the Miami wide receivers as Louisiana Tech’s top available defensive back.

Robertson (5'9/183) turning pro is not a surprise, as Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline reported back on December 9 that this was likely. In his announcement the standout cornerback did not say whether or not he’ll be playing in the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl vs. Miami, but if he does sit out that would be a big personnel loss for the Bulldogs. Robertson accounted for 60 total tackles, five interceptions and 16 passes defensed this season. His measurements during the pre-draft process will be key when it comes to Robertson’s draft prospects, as he was listed at 5-foot-9 by Louisiana Tech.

What makes Pauline’s report even more interesting is the fact that Robertson (5'9/183) may not play in the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl vs. Miami. That would be a huge personnel loss for the Bulldogs, as the junior cornerback has accounted for 60 total tackles, one sack, five interceptions and 16 passes defensed. Robertson, who has run back two of those picks for touchdowns, would represent a major challenge for a Miami offense that has had its issues with turnovers this season. But if he turns pro and sits the game out, that would help the Hurricanes.