Robinson: On The Roster Bubble
There are two preseason games left and for some players these last two upcoming games could be the difference between making the 53 man roster or not. One of the players that is hanging on the fringe is Tight End Gerell Robinson, who is in a heated battle for the third string Tight End position with Jake Stoneburner and Tim Semisch.
Robinson was a former Wide Receiver turned Tight End, and is entering his fourth year in the league. He actually played in 2 games last year for Miami but didn’t record a catch. He is a very big and athletic young man at 6’4” 248 pounds and was an honorable mention All-Pac 12 wide receiver in his senior year at Arizona State, where he had 77 catches for 1,397 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has bounced around the league the last 3 years, but has also been learning the nuances of a new position. However, with Miami this off-season, he has shown some flashes, and has become more comfortable at the tight end position.
In last week’s Panthers game he had one short catch from Josh Freeman, which he was able to turn into a 56 yard touchdown with a few nifty moves and a nice explosion of speed. Sure it was in the fourth quarter against the Panthers third stringers, but there is no denying that Robinson showcased some talent and skills.
Another thing that bodes well for Robinson’s chances to make the team is that the Dolphins recently waived their former 5th round pick from 2014, Arthur Lynch. Lynch injured his back in his rookie season and was never able to get on the field. Then in this year’s training camp the coaching staff clearly saw more upside in Robinson and Semisch, so they were willing to toss a way a former 5th round draft pick. To me that shows a lot of confidence in Robinson and Semisch and means at least one of these players are going to make the team.
Semisch is bigger than Robinson, standing in at 6’8” 267 pounds, but most football gambling fans would say that Robinson has done more this training camp to warrant a roster position. There are still more preseason games left, so anything can happen. But, my money is on Robinson making the team and actually getting some valuable playing time this season. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts on Robinson, and whether or not he can make the team as the third TE behind Cameron and Sims?
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I cannot overlook Semisch’s physical upside. There are simply not that many players that stand at 6’8″ 270 lbs and can run. I am not so much interested in route running from the 3rd string TE. I agree with Jimmy that based on Lynch getting cut one of these two will make the team, but I think the job will go to the better blocker. If your 3rd string TE is on the field is because you are in some sort of jumbo package. Dion Sims is good at pass protection but not great. Jordan Cameron is notoriously suspect at it. What is interesting g to me is that in Semisch college scheme he played more of the typical old school pass protect first model TE, and though it doesn’t necessarily mean he can do it in the NFL, I would put my money on him versus on 4 year journeyman converted WR. He is obviously the more unpolished of the two, but if he has more upside as your 3rd stringer, then I pick him who will rarely see the field but will have time to grow. The routes can be learned. The size can’t.
Some very good points Diego
Robinson better route runner and pass catcher, which is the emphasis in this scheme. He gets the nod.