New Colts CB Patrick Robinson Already Earning Praise by Teammates
While his tenure with the team has been short-lived, new Indianapolis Colts cornerback Patrick Robinson has already earned praise for his performance during the team’s offseason program and mini-camp:
"“He’s definitely quicker than I thought,” said safety Mike Adams of Robinson via Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen. “He caught me off guard how he comes out of his breaks and how he moves back there.”“He’s definitely showed some flashes in practice,” added Adams. “I see good things from him.”"
High praise indeed from the 13-year veteran Mike Adams, who’s likely seen his fair share of cornerbacks come and go during his lengthy time in the NFL and has played behind the likes of Vontae Davis and Champ Bailey as teammates in recent seasons.
Of course, Davis had his own compliments to dish out for his cornerback counterpart:
"“(Robinson’s) very impressive,” said Vontae Davis via Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen. “You can tell he’s been around the league for some time. He’s smart. He understands defenses, and I’m impressed by him. He’s a good addition to the defense.”"
Originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 1st round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Robinson finally put his talent all together last season with the San Diego Chargers–showing the special ability that once made him such a highly touted draft pick:
No CB with 500+ snaps has allowed fewer rec yards than SD's Patrick Robinson (300). No CB has allowed more than PIT's Antwon Blake (1,003)
— PFF (@PFF) December 28, 2015
Robinson figures to be a significant upgrade to departed starting cornerback Greg Toler, who struggled with injuries and showed a propensity to give up the big play while with Indianapolis.
Per Pro Football Focus, Robinson received a +79.4 grade overall while with the Chargers last season–tied for the 30th best cornerback. Specifically, that grade tied him with the New York Jets Darrelle Revis and was just one spot lower than the Colts very own Vontae Davis, who received a +79.5 grade overall.
For comparison purposes, Toler received a +35.9 grade overall and was ranked 106th among 111 qualifiers at cornerback.
Having signed Robinson to a 3-year, $14 million deal earlier this offseason, the Colts are clearly expecting big things from the talented cornerback. Having seen him on the field firsthand, by the sound of things, so are his new teammates.