Read NFL.com's scouting report of Kentucky wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, who was drafted in the second round:
SUMMARY
"Dale" transferred from Nebraska to Kentucky for the 2021 season to be closer to his hometown of Frankfort -– his grandmother's post-COVID complications were one factor. He excelled at a second-team All-SEC level by ranking third in the country with a school-record 104 receptions that covered 1,334 yards, also a Kentucky record. He scored seven times through the air while rushing for 111 yards (seven carries, 15.9 per att.) and returning punts (6-20-3.3) in 13 games with 12 starts. Robinson was named the 2022 Citrus Bowl MVP (10-170-17.0 receiving), which the Wildcats won over Iowa. He was a four-star recruit and Mr. Football in the state of Kentucky as a senior at Western Hills High School (6,795 career rushing yards, averaged 11 yards per carry). Robinson was an honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference pick and Freshman All-American for the Huskers in 2019, starting four of 10 games played (40-453-11.3, two TDs receiving; 88-340-3.9, three TDs rushing; 11-236-21.5 kick returns; three starts at receiver, one at running back). He had won the Paul Hornung Award as Kentucky's top high school football player in 2018 and was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award as college football's most versatile player the following fall. Robinson was an honorable mention all-conference pick in 2020, as well, leading Nebraska with 51 receptions for 461 receiving yards (9.0 per, one TD) while starting six games outside and two at running back (46-240-5.2, one TD rushing). His father, Dale, played football at Western Kentucky.
SCOUTING REPORT
Robinson will be tabbed as a slot receiver but that is underselling his potential. He's sudden and slick with an ability to make plays from a variety of alignments. He has gadget potential and can function as a dump-and-run target, acting as an extension of the running game. A lack of length and play strength could be a concern until he tightens up the route-running to prevent contested catches. He's much lighter than Deebo Samuel, but the competitiveness, acceleration and run-after-catch talent could have teams eyeing a somewhat similar usage for Robinson in the future.
STENGTHS
- Plays with ideal toughness and competitiveness.
- Gadget-guy talent for creative play-callers.
- Juice to consistently uncover on option routes.
- Leverages the coverage on downfield breaks.
- Talented with the ball, possessing excellent vision.
- Has feet to slip out of traffic untouched.
- Adequate acceleration to gain early vertical separation.
- Eludes route traffic and tracks throws effectively.
- Quick with his change of direction.
