Wan’Dale Robinson | Kentucky| 5’8” 179 lbs.|01/05/2001 (Age 21)
Wan’Dale Robinson was drafted 43rd overall by the New York Giants, becoming the eighth wide receiver and 43rd overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2019 (FR) | 10 | 40 | 453 | 11.3 | 2 |
| 2020 (SO) | 8 | 51 | 461 | 9.0 | 1 |
| 2021 (JR) | 13 | 104 | 1,334 | 12.8 | 7 |
If he didn’t transfer away from Nebraska after his first two seasons, there’s no telling if Robinson would have ever made it to the NFL. In his first two seasons with the Cornhuskers, the shifty receiver played in 18 games, hauled in 91 receptions for 914 yards, produced 580 rushing yards, and scored seven combined touchdowns. He decided to move closer to his hometown (Frankfort) and transfer to Kentucky University. That decision allowed Robinson to show the true player he was, and he broke out in a big way. In 13 games played, the standout receiver hauled in a whopping 104 receptions for 1,334 yards and seven touchdowns. His 104 receptions were the third-most in all of FBS. On top of that, his 1,334 receiving yards were the 11th most. He did see a dip in production as a rusher, but he turned in 111 yards on the ground on seven attempts. He was Kentucky’s top option on offense, and they did everything they could to get him the ball. Unlike many pro prospects, Robinson decided to play in Kentucky’s bowl game win over Iowa. He was named the Citrus Bowl MVP after hauling in 10 receptions for 170 yards.
STRENGTHS
Can line up anywhere on the field. Used a ton as a rusher during his time at Nebraska. Blazing straight-line speed and able to take the top off defenses. Willing to layout for throws and adjust accordingly on back-shoulder passes. He plays with toughness. Gadget-type of player who shows the capability of slipping out of traffic nearly untouched. Has excellent vision in the open field. Quick with his change of direction and very talented with the ball in his hands.
WEAKNESSES
Small for his position and has the shortest wingspan out of every receiver that attended the combine. Below-average strength, which will diminish his productivity against press coverage. Average route-runner. Drifts through cuts and turns. Hardly used on the outside during collegiate career. He also drops easy throws at his body too often.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Robinson measured in at 5’8” and 179 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 27.2. He ran a blazing 4.44 40-yard dash (81st percentile), equating to an 85.8-speed score (25th percentile). Robinson also displayed a 118.5 burst score (35th percentile) and a college dominator score of 37.3 percent (75th percentile).
Robinson shows elite downfield speed, as well as the ideal traits of a solid slot receiver. He is a little small, and his 67 ⅝” wingspan was the smallest recorded wingspan amongst all receivers at the combine. On top of that, he lacks great strength, as he opted out of all the strength drills.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Fair
Robinson was selected with the 43rd-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Robinson joins a crowded receiving room that rosters Kenny Golladay, Ka’Darius Toney, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton. Some of those names have questioning futures with the team, as Robinson could see an immediate impact.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Robinson will likely serve as a WR2/3 for New York eventually. If the names above are all on the roster when September rolls around, it will be hard to imagine the Kentucky product having much fantasy impact. He’s a top-20 receiver in this class, and he should be drafted in the middle rounds of dynasty start-up leagues. Toney is currently on the trade block, and both Shepard and Golladay have a history of injuries on their records. Be patient with Robinson, but for now, don’t be too optimistic just yet.
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