Kenny Robinson will be a unique selection. Barring a return of the XFL, the former West Virginia and St. Louis BattleHawks DB will become the only player from the reincarnated and deflated league to become an NFL draft pick.
The Carolina Panthers selected Robinson in the fifth round Saturday.
The former West Virginia Mountaineer found his way to the fledgling league and did a solid job in the St. Louis secondary.
Robinson wrote a letter to NFL GMs for The Players’ Tribune April 21.
I consider myself a ball hawk. Somebody who knows how to find the football, whether it’s in the air or on the ground. A guy who relies on his preparation — his understanding of defenses and what offenses are trying to do — so he can play fast and free without thinking. Someone who’s not afraid to put a lick on somebody, or get down in the box and make plays at the line of scrimmage.
In five games in the XFL, I had 21 tackles, two picks and a sack.
… And I know the XFL is not the NFL. I know that. But I could tell the difference in the speed of the game the second I stepped on the field in a BattleHawks uniform. There was definitely an adjustment, but I believe I made it pretty easily. And I know the NFL game is even faster than the XFL. And I believe I can make that transition just as easily.
That’s 5⃣ straight for the defense 😱 pic.twitter.com/P8QJoph0xE
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 25, 2020