The Jacksonville Jaguars traded down from choice No. 17 to pick No. 23, which resulted in an additional pick in the sixth round. With the 167th overall pick, they selected Texas running back Keilan Robinson.
For 2024, the backfield of the Jaguars is essentially set. Trevis Etienne is the starting quarterback, with Tank Bigsby, a sophomore, and D’Ernest Johnson serving as his primary backups. Robinson, though, possesses the ability to contend for a roster place in 2024.
Robinson, a four-star prospect out of high school, enrolled at Alabama to begin his collegiate career in 2019. Due to the COVID pandemic, he chose not to play in the 2020 season and moved to Texas the next year.
Robinson saw little action in the Texas backfield behind Jonathon Brooks. He did, however, make the most of his opportunities, carrying the ball 12 times for 134 yards and three touchdowns. Nevertheless, his greatest influence is felt on special teams. On Twitter, Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times Union noted that the former Longhorn had a kick return of 95 yards that resulted in a touchdown the previous season.
In 2024, what can the Jaguars anticipate from Keilan Robinson?
Keilan Robinson isn’t big enough to be a three-down back at 5’9″ and 188 pounds. He plays little offensively due to his minimal playing time in the Texas backfield, which makes it difficult to estimate his role. However, in the return game, he can be a useful backup.
Devin Duvernay, a former First-Team All-Pro, was signed by the Jags in free agency. Next season, he will be the team’s primary returner, but Robinson may challenge him for the backup role. When Jamal Agnew lost time in the return game last year, it saw a sharp drop.
Agnew was replaced by Parker Washington, and Robinson will have to contend with Washington if he want to be the primary backup to manage return duties in 2024. D’Ernest Johnson, who also plays special teams and may be RB3 on the depth chart, may be let go by the coaching staff if he shows promise during training camp.
What grade is Keilan Robinson’s draft selection by the Jaguars worth?
Robinson is unlikely to see a lot of playing time in the starting lineup for running backs. It will be due to his skill on special teams that he makes the 53-man roster. That being said, his inclusion provides insurance in the event that Duvernay is sidelined.
