Jacksonville Jaguars' Allen Robinson Proving He's Among Top Receivers From 2014 Draft Class

Allen Robinson had the misfortune of being part of one of the most talented classes of receivers in recent memory. He was the 11th wideout selected when he was taken No. 61 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. He could’ve stayed in school for his senior year and entered a more favorable draft, though his accomplishments at Penn State speak for themselves.

That grab was the defining moment of a four-overtime thriller against Michigan in 2013. In his final season with the Nittany Lions, he caught 97 passes for 1,432 yards and six touchdowns.

Robinson played well in his rookie season in Jacksonville, but he really came alive in 2015 with 80 receptions for 1,400 yards. He led the young, talented corps in receiving and was selected to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl.

He’s been getting a lot of love lately from former NFL coaches and players who think that Robinson is going to be something special for a lot of years. Former Dallas Cowboys receiver and Hall-of-Famer Michael Irvin told Jacksonville.com over the weekend that Robinson reminds him a lot of himself.

“[Former] coach [Jon] Gruden always tells me, ‘Michael, I’m telling you, A.R. reminds me a lot of you.’ I see that, too,” Irvin told the website. “He wasn’t drafted in the first round, but he said he would change the game for his team and that’s what he’s done. I text him about what it takes to be great and he soaks it up with a sponge and it shows on the field.”

Coming out of college, Robinson was competing with studs like Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandin Cooks. Those were just the first four drafted. There were also six others taken prior to Robinson. A few breakout wide receivers were also taken later in the draft, including Donte Moncrief, John Brown and Martavis Bryant.

The Jaguars are on the cusp of turning the corner and competing for an AFC South division title. They have a very young offense led by quarterback Blake Bortles. Other receivers on their roster include Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee, while T.J. Yeldon mans the backfield. Head coach Gus Bradley has this team moving forward, so expect Robinson to continue growing towards the ranks of the NFL’s elite receivers.