The 2020 NFL Draft has now reached its conclusion. With their final selection in the event, the Las Vegas Raiders opted to choose a player from one of the smallest Division I programs. Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson may have a smaller stature, but his production throughout his collegiate career is anything but diminutive.
Amik Robertson – Raiders CB
Age: 21 (Will turn 22 when the regular season starts)
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 185 lbs.
On Saturday, the Raider front office put an exclamation mark on a statement making draft haul when they selected a prospect they doubted would be available at that point of the draft.
Mayock said the team had a third-round grade on John Simpson. He thought there was "no way" Amik Robertson would fall where he did.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) April 25, 2020
How does Robertson feel? He is more than grateful for the opportunity.
This is what it’s all about.
@_YoungTruth7 was all emotion when Coach Gruden made The Call. pic.twitter.com/5pNtJyDO0j— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 25, 2020
Robertson is one of the smallest cornerbacks in the entire 2020 draft class, but his production in college was larger than most other corners selected before him. The Louisiana Tech product continues the consistent theme of the type of player that the Raiders yearn to infuse their roster with.
Strengths:
- Despite being under six feet tall and weighing less than 200 pounds, Robertson plays the cornerback position with the tenacity of an attack dog regardless of the size of his opponent.
The two new Raiders cornerbacks, Damon Arnette and Amik Robertson, are both absolute dogs — both players are really aggressive cornerbacks. pic.twitter.com/nuBCNrBhO2
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) April 25, 2020
- Robertson has an uncanny ability to locate the football and make impact plays in a variety of coverage schemes. His three-year collegiate stat-line as a Bulldog speaks volumes about how much of a play maker he is.
- 48 PBU’s
- 14 Interceptions
Former La Tech CB Amik Robertson is a name to remember heading into 2020 Draft
*2 picks ⬇ï¸â¬‡ï¸
*1st INT: great job disguising coverage. Looks to get into cov3 & makes a great pick
*2nd INT: Comes off his man to make the pick@BleedTechBlue @LaTechReport @DraftDiamonds pic.twitter.com/QjH2US5DCF— QB Spotlight (@QBspotlight) January 19, 2020
While Robertson is superb in pass coverage, he is also someone that enjoys making physical plays on opposing ball carriers when the opportunity arises. His swagger on the field is the epitome of a Raiders player.
Amik Robertson – DB – LA Tech, is one of #myguys in this years draft, haven’t talked about him much yet. Allow me to share a few clips. #Vikings
Swagger ✅
Physicality ✅
Closing speed ✅
Hit stick ✅ pic.twitter.com/yESJ7b2gBt— t carm (@TCarmTheGoat) March 19, 2020
- Additionally, Robertson’s versatility allows him to be placed anywhere in the secondary, and makes for a valuable asset to Las Vegas secondary.
Just more Amik Robertson.
A little closer to how I think the NFL will use him in some of these. IE slot defender-safety hybrid. https://t.co/oyQbw0fF5E pic.twitter.com/wAua6f8ChW
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) April 19, 2020
Related: Raiders Using Clemson Pipeline to Establish Culture
Weaknesses
The initial concern many will have with Robertson is his smaller frame. He will be tested at the NFL level and will have to earn respect amongst both his teammates and opponents. Ideally for him, he has always made the best out of difficult situations.
Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson (@_YoungTruth7) is going to make whichever team drafts him look very smart. Read here —> https://t.co/2Nsi2JSh2r pic.twitter.com/fW91QRJJxq
— Amos Morale III (@Amos_MoraleIII) April 21, 2020
While his fortitude is exemplary, his injury history does raise some concern.
- A groin injury that forced him to miss the NFL Combine. (2020)
- An AC joint separation in his shoulder (High School/November 2016).
- A partially torn ACL in his left knee that required muscle fiber from his
hamstring to fix the tear. (High School/2015)
If he maintains his healthiness for the Raiders, the sky is the limit, as he truly is an outstanding talent with an incredible drive to succeed.
In Review
The Raiders final pick of this year’s draft arguably yields the most collegiate production out of all draft counterparts. More importantly, Amik Robertson can become a solid reinforcement to a cornerback position that was lackluster in 2019. Robertson, Mullen, and fellow selection, Damon Arnette, will strive to be physical deterrents to the AFC West’s elaborate passing attacks this upcoming season. Ultimately, his selection in the fourth round could prove to be the best pick in both value and production for years to come for the Silver and Black.
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Top Photo: Louisiana Tech’s Athletic Department