DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum What's the deal with Robiskie?

Anybody wanna speculate on why Robiskie has yet to see the field. Or when he might get a chance to see the field? Aside from the usual comments like he sucks, or we should of drafted Rey Maualuga.. He was suppose to be the most polished WR available in the draft..

Well..the word is it is because Robo lacks or will not play special teams..which is crap in my book.We have one WR that plays on ST and that is Cribbs..not Edwards,Furrey,Massaquio,Patten..none of these guys are required to play ST..so why is that a hang up on Robo? Just as you stated..he is and or was the most polished WR in the draft..so why is he not playing? Because as I have stated before..This coaching staff is clueless and nothing more than a one year band-aid until (no names please)is ready to come back to coaching.

Either to dumb to learn the playbook, or coaches actually say his talent level. Dude was average at best at OSU, never will be a #2 in this league.

He isnt dressing because he stinks, to sum it up.

I can't wait till he proves you wrong.

If you're going to name players who aren't even on the team, then it negates your entire post, and makes you look exceptionally foolish.

People keep referring to him playing special teams or refusing too..where has this information come from? I just can't understand why a player taken so high in the draft (by the current men in charge) is inactive. I'm not buying that he isn't a good WR. He may not be the fastest guy on the field but he has good hands and runs good routes. Is it possible that the flip-flopping of QB's in training camp hindered his development? Also, I know this could take this in another direction but why haven't we seen MoMass? He looked really good in the preseason with the first team. I just don't get it??

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not Edwards,Furrey,Massaquio,Patten

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Well ... Patten isn't required to play special teams because he's not on the team ......

Massaqui has a pair of tackles coming on special teams ..... Furrey I'm not sure about .......

Edwards does not play on special teams that I can recall though.

NRTU

It's simple BR has to earn his way onto the field. At this point he hasn't shown the coaches enough to warrant being a part of the game day roster. when he does then he will suit up.

I actually like the idea that you have to EARN your way on especially so when your talking about a young player.

This actually is a blameless affair that I put down as being a thing where fans are way ahead of themselves. He is young and learning, and he has to simply earn his way into the game. He hasn't yet, but it will happen no big deal.

JMHO

Don't ya think if Robo would make any positive impact he would atleast dress? I mean, I know he can't play special teams, and thats the reported reason he isnt dressing, which I believe because where else is he gonna fit in? I don't think hes anywhere close to playing WR yet, and if EM dresses him it would only be as a #4-5 option and then he would also be playing special teams.

As desperate as EM is, gotta believe if he thought Robo could get open, he'd dress...EM isn't that big of a hard ace. I think he likes power trips, but I also thinks when push comes to shove, EM will budge if the player can play. Look at Cribbs little stunt this offseason...so what does EM do, starts him at WR Go freaking figure!

Sad thing is, Cribbs may actually look like the best #2 option during the week. MoMass just needs to be the #2 option, let him play see what we have.

I don't know what this says about both guys, but I would kinda actually lean toward agreeing with EM here, if the dude dresses, the only real purpose is for ST's, and he can't play ST's. How hard is it to play ST's, c'mon, if you got this far, ST's shouldnt be that hard, maybe uncomfortable, but I thought Robo was the "guy that was NFL ready", aint that why we took him so high, not because ok ability or production..but NFL readiness?

Robo better dress after the bye, its starting to become almost funny how pathetic this little deal is getting. Either way ya look at it, something and somebody is seriously wrong. If EM is that hardcore that a WR that could help us is playing because of ST's is allowed to play...then there is something wrong, and if its just because the dude isnt any good...well....aint sunshine that way either.

I'm guessing its the latter of the two.

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or we should of drafted Rey Maualuga..

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Ahhh,,20/20 vision again.. we shoulda, coulda LOL Cracks me up..

As for why BR isn't playing,, I can only assume it's either because he's not performing in practice or he's done something to get in Manginis dog house..

Given that he seems to be a good kid, from a good family.. not a loud mouth big talker, I'd say he's not demonstrating the skills needed to be active

But just a guess...

When your #36 isn't even dressing it's a direct reflection on the FO. Scouting, GM, coaching, whoever! This is the crap in my opinion which could be Manginis ultimate undoing!

You might give him time because we lack talent but when he lacks the ability to draft talent it's all on him and Kokenis!!!

Well, I would have taken Rey myself, but I understood WHY we went WR in the 2nd (the first time, at least -- picking two WRs in the 2nd, however, was just stupid).

Nonetheless, regarding Robiskie, here are the issues I saw in camp:

1. Was constantly being corrected regarding his reads (not unusual for a rook -- I expect this will come with time)

2. Dropped balls. It wasn't just one practice. It was a recurring theme. I think once he doesn't have to think so much before the ball comes his way, he'll be OK. We'll see...

3. Press coverage. BIG problem. Never seemed to be able to beat any of our DBs in press drills. This is my biggest concern with Robo. He has to get stronger. If he can't learn to beat press coverage in this league, I can't see how he'll ever develop into the #2 role. I think he'll be able to do it, but, again, we'll see...

4. Couldn't seem to catch on in ST. I'm not sure why this is. Perhaps he doesn't have the aggressiveness and fire to do it. Maybe it goes back the strength issue. I just don't know. However, if he isn't good enough yet to be our #2 and he can't play on special teams, then I can understand why he isn't dressing just yet.

I think he'll play when he can address most or all of the issues above. He's a rookie WR in the NFL. They often take some time to develop. I hope he does sooner rather than later.

I had a terrible feeling after the 2nd round took place...and I have an even worse feeling 6 months later.

Taking two WRs seemed to be overkill IMO, and now we have our "most NFL ready" #36 pick NOT EVEN DRESSING on game days....AND i never liked the Veikune pick, and most likely never will

Didn't he play a little ST in game 1 ??

I know he was active for that game, but I don't remember seeing him out there on ST. I think he MIGHT have been on the field late in the 4th when we went with four wideouts, however. By that time, I wasn't really paying much attention to who was out there, so I could be mistaken.

Just clicking


Ya know, I was just thinking of something way way out there. Given that Mangini is Ultra secretive and all, does anyone think that Robo is injured and can't play? But they are holding that info back?

I mean, I can't see how that helps anything. Can't see how that makes sense at all to be honest, but I just wonder

No Daman..he's not injured...he's in Gini's doghouse..goes back to the 3 drops he had in practice..and not being a beast on ST's..
Which makes me wonder how some of the starters are allowed to start with their high school performances..and I'm talking about the DB's.

There are a bunch of reaons why he could be sitting. Most of them have been layed out.

If the guy isn't even dressing, it seems like Linguini has him in the doghouse. Whenever Robo's name is brought up, Linguini counters with the same old Special Teams line. I would be shocked, given his pedigree and level of intelligence, that he would be stupid enough to refuse to play ST.

I think it does have something to do with his level of agression and his lack of athletic ability. And if that's the case, than that was scoutable.

Any way you look at it, a reciever with that many question marks coming into the draft had no business being drafted that high. We reached big-time and it totally blew up in our faces. And the fact remains that He isn't playing, most likely won't play and with our history of shockingly bad drafts, it was the LAST thing we needed at this point.

I was psyched with the draft this year. But as time goes on, this draft (and this HC) is being exposed as a major disaster.

interesting..as I've said before when you go to a position of need ...get the best guy out there..I know Robo had good hands..but he wasn't the elite reciever on the board..as I looked there were 6 WR's taken in the third round...we did not have a pick in..course I could always lay out what WR I would have drafted but what the heck..

j/c

Is there the potential that this is *punishment* for Robo not coming into camp on time (as in a week early with the rookies)?

I sincerely doubt it, but I'm not sure I'd put it past Mangini.

Maybe it's partially in there..remember how Rac did Quinn after he came in ..never spoke his name..seemed disenchanted with him..I think it's more of the 3 drops and maybe not progressing fast enough..

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No Daman..he's not injured

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Yeah, I didn't actually believe he was, just posing the question.. Made no sense but geesh, Mangini keeps so much close the vest I got the feeling anything is possible.. Even something this dumb...

Cribbs, Furrey and MoMas beat him out.

The key unexpected ingredient was Cribbs. Rookie WRs always have a difficulty adjusting to the NFL Game. Robo's physical attributes just hasn't been able to move him up the ladder. When the mental part of the game kicks in...he will be more valuable.

Anyone expecting Impact from a 2nd round WR is not looking at it with common sense. And with Cribbs emerging...Furrey able to be a possession WR and MoMas natural abilities coming on. Robo is not getting the opportunity to Learn on the fly as some rookie WRs might.

He'll get his shot.

JMHO - its a long season.

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And with Cribbs emerging...Furrey able to be a possession WR and MoMas natural abilities coming on

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How exactly do you see Cribbs emerging?

"How exactly do you see Cribbs emerging?"

Don't mean to insult...but must I spell out the obvious?

Ummmm...lets see how do I see Cribbs emerging? Oh wait...Maybe cause he is STARTING???

Note...I never stated I see Cribbs Producing...I stated "EMERGING" putting him ahead of Robo. And the OBVIOUS result is the fact he is STARTING on Sundays.

Sometimes it is that simple.

Sorry Tab. I thought you were saying he was Emerging as a real WR. Just because he is starting doesn't mean he is productive.

You are right. He is emerging as a problem. The sooner everyone realizes that he is only a ST player the better. I find it hard to believe that Cribbs great ability as a WR is the reason Robiskie can't see the field.

Anyone expecting Impact from a 2nd round WR is not looking at it with common sense.

Second round picks are expected to contribute/produce..not sit on a bench and rot..we've had discussions like this before..1st /2nd and even to a degree third rounders should be seeing some amount of time on a bad football team..they should be pushing for a starting position..or in a rotation...
Now recievers usually have a harder time due to recognition and running precise routes etc..but they should still see the field to a degree...

If this were a playoff team with solid players ahead of these rookies...they would be actual depth , complimentary players..but this is a team in flux..
I can't give this a pass..these guys were taken very high..something is expected from them..not to be stashed away for next season.
I looked at this chart which shows a breakdown of recievers taken and how they contributed ..



http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/WR-1980-now.htm

Simple answer? Eric Mangini is a moron.

Long answer? Well, he doesn't play special teams and if you are on a Bill Bellache, Romeo Crennel, Bill Parcells like team, you have to do multiple things to get the most out of your roster. If he cannot start, he needs to play special teams even if you are more talented at your position.

I completely disagree with that because now you have to start less talented WR'ers because other people can play special teams. No problem in having a few players like that, but to value special teams over talent is a very stupid idea.

This is an argument I'm tired of hearing.

How do we even know if Cribbs can play WR or not? We haven't given him a chance because our offense has been the worst thing I've ever seen. I don't see Braylon doing anything either, I don't see ANYONE doing ANYTHING!

I will reserve judgement on Cribbs until I see him not produce when we can actually sustain a drive longer than 3 plays and 7 yards.

Plus, we should at least be throwing him some screen passes. If it's blocked good, Cribbs is likely to break a tackle and take it for a big gain. Why haven't we tried this AT ALL when our offense can't move the ball. Why haven't we run any screens like we did in the pre-season with some actuall success?

I don't agree with some of these responses..especially the ones say you can't expect a WR drafted in the 2nd round to play. When you draft someone you expect them to play..regardless of the round or the position.

Two good points were made..Mangini drafted the kid @ #36 and he won't play him..it's a direct reflect on the FO's inability to find talent..the second point is on a talentless team like the Browns all of the first day draft picks should be contributing..

Here's another question..what is the logic in drafting a WR to play special teams? Especially in the 2nd round.

Cribbs is a rookie WR that is sucking and yet getting to develop (whether or not we've seen any evidence that he will ever develop as a WR) on the field. Not only that but it is negatively affecting the quality of his play in an area that he has been frustratingly average in.

How many people would want Cribbs on this team if he wasn't an exceptional returner? I don't.

We are trading a great return man/special teamer for a crappy Wideout. And what's REALLY scary is that our HC doesn't seem to see it. He's committed to letting him learn on the field. But I think that Cribbs has been just as bad a WR as BQ was a QB. Yet he continues to play without fear of the hook.

There's more to the Cribbs situation than just quality play.

J/C

I'm personally one that doesn't like to panic and would like to see our WRs given a little bit of time....but to look at things objectively, let's take a look at the last 5 years of NFL drafts and WRs taken in the 2nd round.



2009

Robiskie - through 3 games, not on active roster
MoMass - through 3 games, contributing as rotation WR and on STs

2008

Donnie Avery - came on strong the last 8 games of his rookie year to get to 53 catches.
Devin Thomas - injuries and ineffectiveness limited his rookie campaign to 15 catches total.
Jordy Nelson - a few flashes late in the year, but nothing consistent, though he did end with 33 catches on the year.
James Hardy - thought to be one of the most NFL-ready prospects as well, was virtually invisible for the Bills his rookie year (did catcch 2 TDs...but only 9 receptions) and is on the PUP this year.
Eddie Royal - obviously, a great first year. a huge week1 performance with Marshall out and finished with 91 catches on the year.
Jerome Simpson - 1 catch last year...hasn't been active for the Bengals this year....not sure how often he was active last year.
DeSean Jackson - 62 catches and KR abilities made him a standout rookie.
Malcolm Kelly - can't remember if he was hurt last year....3 catches.
Limas Sweed - stuck behind Santonio and Ward and Washington. huge drop in the playoffs that almost cost the Steelers a game. only 6 catches on the year and didn't see the field until very late (i believe it was a Nate Washington injury that let him see some action....)
Dexter Jackson I can't find any evidence of him seeing the field...though he did play STs late in the year and had 1 tackle for the Bucs. He is inactive this year for the Bucs. This is what I think people fear from Robo....that even in year2, he will be inactive. Let us hope not.

I can't believe 10WRs went in round2 last year. That is ridiculous. Of the 10, 3 had great rookie years(DeSean, Royal, Avery), and another contributed (Nelson). The other 6 had little to no impact at all though Sweed played with the Steelers in the playoffs. Also, of the 4 rookies that made an impact, only 2 did so from early in the year (DeSean and Royal). Nelson and Avery didn't make their mark until later.

2007

Sidney Rice - his only decent year was his rookie year(31 rec, 4TDs...deep threat)....followed that up with a injury-filled disappointing 2nd year. Still hope for him now as he is a burner, but hasn't done much this year.
Dwayne Jarrett - was supposed to replace Muhsin Muhammed who went to Chicago. He couldn't his rookie year, so they brought him back and he has been stuck behind him since.
Steve Smith - he did very little his first 2 seasons. however, he has been electric so far this year and is one of the best NFL WRs at going over the middle and making a catch now (i'd say Boldin is the best)

Smith is what many hope for Robo now. A guy who took quite a bit of time to get acclimated to the NFL, but who runs precise routes with good hands and who was willing to put the work in to make themselves a capable NFL WR. He had only 8 receptions his rookie year, but followed it up with 57.

2006

Chad Jackson - He was inactive most of his rookie year and has really struggled to stay healthy since then. Coupled with NE getting Randy Moss and Wes Welker since his drafting really put him down the depth charts. 13 catches his 2nd year (0 his rookie inactive), then 0, now 1 so far wtih Denver.
Sinorice Moss - complete lack of ability to stay healthy in any of his seassons killed his chances as Steve Smith and Manningham passed him on the depth chart in later years. His catches in his 4 seasons: 5, 21, 12, 1 (so far through 3 games).
Greg Jennings - possibly the best 2nd round WR pick this decade. And Anquan Boldin was selected this decade. He had a good rookie year and has just continued to blossom each year. (45,53,80,8).....his TDs are just as impressive (3,12,9,1)

2005

Reggie Brown - the very rare backwards career....he started off promising (43,46,61 catches in his first 3 years). Then has dropped off as the eagles have tried to replace him. 18 catches last year in an injury filled year and only 1 this year while Phily has burried him on their depth chart. I actually like him and would trade a 5th or 6th round pick if the Eagles would give him up.
Mark Bradley - Chicago gave up on him after receptions of 18,14, 6, 0....however, his is rescuing his career in KC with 30 receptions last year and already 8 this year. Not spectacular, but the light came on uncommonly late for this guy.
Roscoe Parrish - only developed as a return man really as he fluctuates between 20 and 30 catches a year 15 his rookie year)
Terrence Murphy - out of the NFL
Vincent Jackson - 3 receptions his rookie year. 3. Then 27....then 41,56, and now already 16 through 3 games.

VJ is the deep threat for the Chargers and probably the ceiling for MoMass....I don't think MoMass is quite as physical as VJ was coming outo f school, but if you want to hope, that is the guy to compare him most to on this list.


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21 WRs drafted in round2 from 2005-2008.

5 WRs on this list had impact their rookie years. DeSean, Royal, Avery, Jennings, Brown.....Jordy Nelson and Rice were the next closest and both averaged less than 2 receptions per game.

Outside of those 7, some of the guys like Steve Smith and Vincent Jackson emerged....others had the light come on way late (Bradley) and there are still a bunch of guys on this list who have potential to breakout (Rice, Hardy, Kelly, et cetera).

I really should go back a few more years, but am out of time for today....if someone wants to pick up where i left off that would be appreciated...if not, i'll try to get to it later.

but, the takeaway is that we shouldnt' give up on these guys yet as there are plenty of examples of guys who just take awhile for the light to go on, even when they are 2nd round picks.