Colts Patrick Robinson Rated as NFL’s 2nd Best Slot Cornerback

According to Sports Illustrated’s Doug Farrar, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Patrick Robinson is the 2nd best slot cornerback in the NFL:

"Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Patrick Robinson (26) runs after making a third quarter interception against the Detroit Lions at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports“Robinson is the most underrated slot defender in the league right now, and he was especially good in his one-year stint with the Chargers in 2015 after five seasons with the Saints,” writes Farrar.“Robinson allowed 20 catches for just 159 yards and no touchdowns, producing an interception and a 67.7 opponent quarterback rating from the slot in ’15. He’s also a credible outside guy, but when he kicks to the slot, he uses his body control and recovery speed to expertly navigate all kinds of route concepts over the middle. Put on the tape, and you’ll be impressed at how easily Robinson pattern-matches and follows his assignments through the route, and how seamlessly he peels off one receiver to cover another through the catch.”"

The Colts signed the former San Diego Chargers cornerback to a 3-year, $14M deal earlier this offseason in the hopes of shoring up their starting secondary.

The former 1st round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2010 resurrected his career on a 1-year stint with the Bolts this past season, recording 49 tackles, 8 passes defensed, and an interception in 16 games–making 10 starts.

It’s hard to argue with his aforementioned slot ranking, as the numbers don’t lie:

Additionally, Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke notes:

"“When he (Robinson) lined up in the slot, he allowed just 0.78 yards per coverage snap—2nd best for cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps in the slot, behind only Chris Harris.”"

Not coincidentally, the Denver Broncos Chris Harris Jr. is the only slot cornerback placed ahead of Robinson in Farrar’s rankings. Considering the former is one of the best cornerbacks in football, and it’s simply elite company for Robinson.

Did I mention that Robinson is ranked ahead of Arizona Cardinals All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu too?

Of course, the underlying question is how much slot cornerback Robinson will actually play with the Colts this season, as he’s currently slated to start on the opposite side of Vontae Davis along the outside:

"“He is a versatile, experienced and steady corner that gives us immediate help opposite Vontae [Davis],” said general manager Ryan Grigson earlier this offseason."

With San Diego, Robinson would routinely play outside in base packages, but kick-in to the slot position in obvious nickel packages.

While this theoretically could still work with the Colts, the team’s 3rd cornerback Darius Butler is much more effective and comfortable playing in the slot–having struggled last season on the outside when called upon to replace the injured Greg Toler during 2 starts.

There’s a chance that last season’s 3rd round pick D’Joun Smith could emerge as an outside cornerback option, allowing Robinson to man the slot for the Colts in nickel packages. However, the 2nd-year cornerback was limited to just 4 games this past season due to a lingering knee injury, and the jury is still out on his long-term potential. Smith can’t make an impact if he can’t stay on the field.

Behind them are Jalil Brown, who’s best suited as a backup, as well as other young, yet unproven cornerback options.

More than anything, the Colts may simply want to tailor their secondary to the opposing wide receiver matchups, as it relates to deploying Robinson in the slot.

For instance, against a team like the New England Patriots, where wideout Julian Edelman routinely wreaks havoc in the slot–maybe the Colts consider deploying one of their best cornerbacks like Robinson in the slot given the Patriots lack of elite wideouts elsewhere.

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Either way, having Robinson gives the Colts additional versatility for covering the slot, as the team has two capable cornerbacks in that regard. He’s clearly one of the league’s best slot cornerbacks, and the Colts would be wise to at least occasionally let him man the inside this upcoming season given his past success.