Jacksonville Jaguars: Allen Robinson poised for breakout season in 2015

By Brett Clancy | Jun 6, 2015

Coming out of Penn State in a historically talented wide receiver class, Allen Robinson faced plenty of speculation from analysts over whether or not he could be a number one receiver in the NFL. Late in the second round the Jacksonville Jaguars made him the 61st overall selection and second wide receiver taken by the talent poor Jags.

Thanks to a strong preseason and a lengthy injury report at receiver Robinson found himself as a week 1 starter and quickly established himself as a reliable target for rookie QB Blake Bortles, hauling in 48 catches for 548 yards over the first 10 games of the season. Then, making a start against Dallas, Robinson suffered a broken foot, ending his standout rookie season early.

More from Jacksonville Jaguars

In the 2015 NFL draft the Jaguars selected University of Florida pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. with the third overall pick. That may sound like an arbitrary statement of fact, but it was incredibly significant to the role and expectations of Robinson in 2015. One time top target, Cecil Shorts III, had already departed for division rival Houston and Alabama’s Amari Cooper looked like a ready made superstar pass catcher.

By passing on Cooper in favor of Fowler the Jaguars let the league know they think they may already have their answer at wide receiver. There’s no promise attached to that statement, and Robinson will have to prove it on the field if he wants to keep hold of the top receiver spot, but there is no reason to believe Robinson cannot pick up where he left off last season, with an even stronger supporting cast to push his game to the next level.

It starts with free agent addition Julius Thomas, the former Broncos star tight end proved the last few seasons that he is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the field. Defenses will have to account for Thomas on every play, which should leave Robinson with plenty of one-on-one matchups outside. Thomas also provides an additional red zone threat and his presence should bring additional red zone opportunities and allow Robinson to improve on his 2 TD mark from 2014.

As for the man who will be throwing those touchdown passes, Blake Bortles has already spoken openly about his offseason improvement regarding his throwing mechanics: “…it’s a big difference. It’s just more efficient. It’s better.” Bortles showed a lot of promise as a rookie, but his on field performance ultimately left a lot to be desired.

Allen Robinson seemed to be the only receiver who stayed healthy long enough to develop a rapport with the young QB and that trend could continue with Thomas as the new man in town and Marqise Lee currently listed as week to week after suffering a knee injury in offseason workouts (per NFL.com.)

Allen Hurns played in all 16 games, and lead all Jacksonville receivers with 677 yards and 6 touchdowns but never quite got the attention from Bortles that Robinson did. Robinson had at least 10 targets in 4 of his 10 games, while Hurns managed 10 targets just twice.

Jun 17, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (80) during the first day of minicamp at Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson has only just returned to the practice fields this week as he continues to work his way back from injury. Though he’s had seven months to let the bone in his foot heal, the Jaguars will likely be monitoring the injury closely.

For his part, Robinson is happy just to be back out on the field, “Just getting back out there with the guys and running routes was real fun today,” he told News 4 Jacksonville.

Hurns, Lee, and Thomas will all have their roles to play in the new and improved Jaguars offense, but Robinson will lead the charge.

Coach Gus Bradley has preached a more run heavy offense in 2015 with rookie T.J. Yeldon expected to lead the charge. This could work in Robinson’s favor as the 6’2, 210 pound receiver is an ideal chain mover in ball control offense, think Anquan Boldin the past few years in San Francisco.

Robinson has already shown an ability to run crisp routes and make contested catches, if he can show he’s fully recovered from his foot injury and add some of the explosiveness we saw flashes of last season he’s sure to quiet the critics wondering if Jacksonville will draft a ‘true’ number one wide receiver in next year’s draft.

Next: Can Jacksonville Jaguars T.J. Yeldon win Offensive Rookie of the Year?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Jacksonville Jaguars