Matthew Lenix
The Dallas Cowboys had several defensive players join their roster in 2020 via the NFL Draft, and one of the most intriguing came in the middle of it. In the fourth round, the Cowboys selected defensive back Reggie Robinson, who played cornerback and some safety during his days at Tulsa. Although corner was his primary position, he was switched to safety midway through the season.
Unfortunately for Robinson, he didn’t log a single defensive snap as a rookie, calling into question the Cowboy’s move to switch him. Now, according to Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated, Robinson met with Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn as well as defensive back coaches Joe Whitt and Al Harris, and he will be making a switch back to cornerback in 2021, his natural position.
Robinson only had four interceptions (all during his senior season in 2019) at Tulsa but he was excellent in several other areas. He ended his college career with 34 passes defended. Of his 132 tackles, 101 were of the solo variety, showing he has great instincts out in space. Also, he showed his value on special teams with four blocked field goals.
The Cowboys have a very solid collection of talent at the cornerback position. 2020 second-round pick Trevon Diggs will be the team’s CB1 after becoming the first rookie in franchise history to lead the team in interceptions (3) and passes defended (14). Kelvin Joseph, taken in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, will be the CB2. Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown are the team’s slot corners. What that means is that Robinson will have his work cut out for him in his quest for playing time especially when factoring C.J. Goodwin, Maurice Canady, and rookie Nahshon Wright into the mix as well.
At 6’1 and 205 pounds and clocking 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, he has the size and speed to match up with big and small receivers. Also, he is good in press man or zone coverage, with the former being his preference as he mentioned when addressing the Dallas media after he was drafted in 2020.
“I’m physical,” Robinson said. “I’m an in-your-face type of corner. I like to press. That’s what I did most of my college career. I get in your face and I just harass you on the line of scrimmage.”
I mentioned before last year’s draft that Robinson was a sleeper that the Cowboys should consider. Also, I took a dive into his skill set and what he brings to the table. Now, it’s time for the Cowboys to let Robinson focus on his natural position and maximize his potential which he has plenty of.
I swear that those were my exact words while reading this. I cannot begin to understand why they won’t draft a safety.
The Cowboy’s defense will never be great until they focus higher picks on the D-line. 2nd & 3rd. round picks just aren’t going to cut it.
I don’t think Reggie Robinson has that much work cut out for him to get playing time, for one, Cj Goodwin only plays special teams, and now that Robinson is moving back to corner and the edition of Nahshon Wright, I don’t think Maurice Canady will be on the team when the season starts!! So I think it’ll be him and Nahshon Wright as backups to Joseph and Trevon Diggs!!
Man good article I hate when these teams draft a player in one position and move him to another. They stunt his growth by moving him back and forth. Look, if you want a safety draft a damn safety!!!
I truly believe that the Cowboys defense is going to be one of the best defenses in the league in 2021 because of the coaching staff they have now. Especially when it comes to Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator.