When the New York Giants drafted Wan’Dale Robinson out of Kentucky with their second-round pick, many questioned the decision from general manager Joe Schoen. However, the Giants were looking for a versatile offensive weapon that could serve multiple roles and feature in a variety of alignments as they put together a new scheme.
The Giants hired former Buffalo Bills OC Brian Daboll and Kansas City Chiefs offensive quality control manager Mike Kafka to serve as the team’s new head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively.
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Both coaches are known for their offensive pedigree, helping build two of the league’s most potent offenses as part of their resume. Management had plenty to do renovating the roster and adding pieces to both sides of the football that would fit specific schemes and styles.
Robinson is a product of scheme-related drafting, especially since Kafka is coming from an offense that features quick and agile receivers that can play multiple roles.
“Whatever they want me to do, whether that be run the ball, catch the ball, catch a bunch of screens, sweeps, whatever they ask me to do, I’ll be able to do it. That’s just what I want to do,” Robinson said at rookie minicamp, per John Fennelly of Giants Wire.
Robinson tallied 1,342 yards last season for Kentucky, with 12.9 yards per reception and seven total touchdowns. All of his best games came in 2021, and despite being a bit undersized at 5’8″, he has elite change of direction capabilities and proven health history.
Robinson isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver in the draft class, but he hosts several impressive numbers, including his 40-yard dash, at 4.44, 20-yard shuttle at 4.13, and 19 benchpress reps. Putting up 19 reps of 225-pounds under 180 pounds is extremely impressive and showcases Robinson’s underrated strength as a ball carrier. He ranks in the 0 percentile in arm length, meaning his catch-radius is tiny, but once he gets the football in his hands, he’s electric.
The Giants can utilize Robinson out of the slot or on the outside, enjoying 487 snaps in the slot and 239 outside last season. However, Robinson is also lethal on jet sweeps, and screen passes, providing him so much value for an offense that will likely focus on creativity and unpredictability.
With multiple home-run hitters like Robinson, Kadarius Toney, and Saquon Barkley, the Giants will feed them snaps until one of them breaks off a big chunk of yards.