Redskins Offensive Improvements: Aldrick Robinson

2012 Stats: 11 Rec's, 237 Yards, 3 TD's, 1 Rush Att, 14 Yards

Coming out of Southern Methodist University where he played in the spread offense, Robinson ran a 4.43 40 at the Combine and was a 6^th round pick of the Redskins in 2011. He spent most of that season on the practice squad and made the team in 2012 due to a strong preseason. Thanks to Pierre Garcon's foot injury early in Week 1 against the Saints, he ended up getting extensive playing time and caught four catches for 52 yards and a TD. The next week in his first career start, he had two catches for 40 yards in a Week 2 loss against the Rams, but also had a crucial drop on a 57 yard bomb from Robert Griffin III in the 4^th quarter that could have changed the outcome of the game. He had only one catch the following week in a loss to the Bengals.

Then, this happened during warm ups before their week 4 matchup against the Bucs:

Redskins Brandon Meriweather & Aldrick Robinson Hurt In Pre-Game Collision (via apartman aidati)

He suffered a concussion on the collision and missed the game. Although he returned the following week against the Falcons, the remainder of the season he was only targeted six more times and caught four balls. However, two of those catches were long touchdown strikes of 49 yards against the Eagles and then 68 yards against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving the following week. Having done his film preparation, color commentator and hated ex-Cowboy Troy Aikman called the shot.

RG3 throws a 68 yard td to Aldrick Robinson 11/22/12 (via Areeb Malik)

Despite the praise heaped on him after that catch, Robinson never caught another ball the rest of the season.

Key Improvements in 2013:

Don't be a one trick pony: He certainly has the speed to beat defenders deep, but the reputation on Robinson is that he needs to improve his route running. At 5'10" 181 lb's, he has the size to be a complete receiver, and the Redskins are hoping he can use the offseason to improve in this area. One would hope Robinson would spend as much time as possible watching and learning from Santana Moss, who has really mastered the playbook and was a crutch for RG3 last year.

Improve his run blocking: Robinson himself stated several times throughout the season that coaches had requested he work on run blocking. Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are excellent at this skill, and in order to earn more playing time, he has to show he will do this well and on a consistent basis. Run blocking is more of an effort issue than anything else. No doubt coaches are hoping he shows development in this area heading into training camp.

Earn a spot on special teams: Whether it's as a returner or otherwise, he needs to show his worth here as well. Most teams will not keep a guy around as a receiver on the depth chart if he cannot play on special teams. With the Redskins having big contracts on Garcon and Morgan and Moss returning, Robinson would most likely end up as a 4^th, or 5^th receiver. He has a leg up here on Leonard Hankerson and Dezmon Briscoe as he has shown the ability to be special in the return game.

Bottom Line: With him going into his third full season with the team, he needs to finally turn his potential into consistency on the field. The Redskins did not pick up any new big name receivers in the offseason and Moss turns 34 in June. He should have a great opportunity to capitalize and contribute in 2013.