Reggie Robinson perfect fit as Cowboys secondary works to figure out identity

During the 2017 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys doubled-dipped at the cornerback position, selecting Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis in the second and third rounds respectively. With the secondary in a state of flux after the free agency departures of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, Dallas aimed to find stability in two young and promising corners.

Flash forward three years, and the Cowboys secondary still finds itself in transition, this time looking to replace the production of CB Byron Jones. Now under a new coaching staff, Dallas once again double-dipped at cornerback in the 2020 draft, selecting Alabama’s Trevon Diggs in Round 2 and Tulsa’s Reginald Robinson II in Round 4. Robinson seems a strong bet to be the next great Day 3 selection in Cowboys history.

Selected No. 123 overall, Robinson may not be as polished coming out of college as Diggs, but he’s an athletic and high-upside building block for the secondary under Mike McCarthy and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

While his initial opportunities may be limited, Robinson can still contribute immediately, and also represents a possible longterm CB option going forward.

In 2019, Robinson led the AAC in pass defenses (13), and was named first-team All-Conference. He recorded 38 total tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries, showing an ability to make plays on the ball. He was also a key special teams player over his college career, blocking four total kicks.

BIG TIME BLOCK.

Reggie Robinson II will roll into the end zone with a bunch of his Tulsa teammates. pic.twitter.com/m8nf4SgYw8

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) November 17, 2018

In coverage, Robinson holds up well, presenting an intriguing blend of size and athleticism.

While Diggs projects as an elite defender in press coverage, but questionable in other phases of playing corner, Robinson’s ability to excel in press, man and zone may actually give him a higher ceiling due to the diversity. With the right coaching, he can project to playing whatever aspect of a multiple defense.

He still has room to grow with his footwork, but it’s not hard to see why a team like Dallas believes he has the potential to eventually become a quality NFL starter.

Here is every pass deflection + INT from #Cowboys CB Reggie Robinson in 2019: pic.twitter.com/ahRYQNJjSB

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 13, 2020

The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler had this to say after evaluating Robinson’s film.

Passes the eye test with his height, arm length and build at the position…staggers his steps and opens his hips to stay attached from press…excellent job squatting in zone coverage, reading the quarterback and working toward the anticipated throwing lane…dialed in and feels route combinations around him…outcompetes receivers at the catch point and he is always ball searching…high football IQ…aggressive run defender and powers his way through blockers…sets a hard edge in the run game…logged four blocked kicks on special teams over his career…excellent ball production as a senior with 17 passes defended and four interceptions, allowing only one touchdown.

Entering 2020, the Cowboys have a bevy of options at cornerback, but few long-term answers at the position. Robinson figures to factor into their plans in some way, but much depends on the play of Awuzie and Lewis, and the composition of the unit after this season. However, Robinson is also a potential option at safety, the position he played in high school. Dallas’s future at safety is equally uncertain, with only Darian Thompson and 2019 sixth rounder Donovan Wilson as the only listed safeties currently signed past 2020.

Wherever he fits, Dallas sees a player they can win with in Robinson. It’s never held him back, but Robinson is deaf in his left ear. His family discovered his impairment when Robinson was in elementary school, and he’s adjusted to the point where those around him almost seem to forget all about it. Said his coach at Tulsa, Philip Montgomery:

“Honestly, I didn’t know about [Robinson’s hearing loss] when we were recruiting him, and I didn’t find out until he got on campus. It was one of those deals where I was walking beside him down the hall and I said something to him, and he kind of turned his head to talk to me. He tells me, ‘Coach, you know I’m deaf in this ear, right?’ No, Reggie, I didn’t know that.”

Always adapting and improving, Robinson has all the traits necessary to become another mid-round gem for a Dallas team looking for contributors on a young and changing secondary.

America's Team (@dallascowboys) is getting a stud in @TulsaFootball CB Reggie Robinson II. #AmericanPow6r pic.twitter.com/I7U1Ao8H4m

— The American (@American_Conf) April 25, 2020

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown.

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