"Offensive weapon." That is the official title of Denard Robinson on the Jacksonville Jaguars' roster page. The Michigan quarterback has turned into a hybrid player since turning professional and the team intends to use him in every way possible. Since being drafted, Robinson has seen time at quarterback, kick returner, wide receiver and now running back. With uncertainty surrounding the likes of Maurice Jones-Drew and Justin Blackmon, Robinson is set for a possible break-out season in 2013.
Known for his speed and explosiveness on the field, Robinson had been a fixation of general manager David Caldwell for years. Caldwell was intrigued by Robinson ever since he was scouting him while with the Atlanta Falcons. They expect Robinson to touch the back around 10 to 15 times per game in multiple positions.
"I am in the running back meeting room, so that's where I'm going to continue to make my plays and just be an offensive weapon-go to receiver, or go to quarterback or go to running back and make plays happen. So, I want to be an offensive weapon," Robinson said.
With several key players' futures in question, Robinson could truly be that weapon. No. 1 running back Jones-Drew is coming off a season where he underwent Lisfranc surgery on his foot. While Jones-Drew is confident that he will be able to return for 2013 totally healthy, no one knows for sure. At one point in time, Jones-Drew was at the top of the NFL, rushing for 1,606 yards and leading the league in rushing. However, the running back has only played in four games since Dec. 2011. If Jones-Drew cannot return to form, Robinson will be the guy.
There is also the issue of Blackmon being suspended for the first four games of the season. He was one of Jacksonville's biggest producers last season and will be a big hit to the offense while absent. Robinson has not seen a lot of time at wide receiver, but during the NFL Combine, he showed a lot of promise with his pass catching abilities. He originally worked out with the receiving group before getting switched to running back.
The Jaguars will need Robinson to truly be that weapon. With 2013 being a crucial for Blaine Gabbert, the quarterback will need all the help he can get. Jacksonville is expecting a lot of that help to be from Robinson.