Denard Robinson looked ‘far more confident’ this offseason

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson didn’t see the field much as a rookie last season, as the team’s “offensive weapon” received just 20 carries, turning them into a mediocre 66 yards. The former Michigan star QB also fumbled the ball twice, but he did get some work in as a kick-off returner. Better games will be ahead for Robinson, and he could be a big wrinkle in the Jaguars offense in 2014 as a running back and wide receiver hybrid. It’s been a very productive offseason for Robinson, who will get to compete for snaps, as he made plenty of progress on the health front and as a pass-catcher, which is key if he wants to be used significantly as a mis-match maker and movable chess piece on offense.

According to Jaguars official site beat writer John Oehser, Robinson has looked “far more confident” this offseason after a hand injury has healed, and the nerve damage in his hand may have contributed to ball security issues that became the hallmark of his rookie season. Nobody really should have expected much out of the converted QB as a rookie, though, because he came into the league as one of the most raw players. Now that he’s healthy and has put in an incredible offseason, he’s one of the more intriguing names on a roster filled with interesting players on the offensive side of the ball.

It will be interesting to see how Gus Bradley and Jedd Fisch harness Robinson’s speed and explosiveness next season, because he has the upside to be a playmaker as a receiver or rusher. I expect a handful of touches per game from him, and there’s the potential for a bit more than that. I do think he’s more of a wrinkle than a staple, but that’s perfectly fine. His carries will be optimized, he is a home-run threat with the ball in his hands, and his versatility and playmaking can keep defenses on their toes.