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I've been seeing a lot of debate on whether or not James Robinson should be considered a top 10 dynasty running back. I've seen comparisons to Phillip Lindsay, mostly. I wanted to take a look at Robinson compared to Lindsay, and one of the best UDFA's of all time, Arian Foster.
First, let's look at the measurables:
Robinson: 5'10", 220 lbs, 22 years old
Combine: 4.64 40-yard dash, 24 bench press reps.
Foster: 6'1", 227 lbs, 24 years old,
Combine: 4.68 40, 23 bench press reps
Lindsay: 5'8", 190 lbs, 24 years old, 4.39 40
Combine: No Invite
Robinson: 5'10", 220 lbs, 22 years old
Combine: 4.64 40-yard dash, 24 bench press reps.
Foster: 6'1", 227 lbs, 24 years old,
Combine: 4.68 40, 23 bench press reps
Lindsay: 5'8", 190 lbs, 24 years old, 4.39 40
Combine: No Invite
Let's look at statistics from each rookie season:
Robinson
GS: 11
Rush: 194
Yards Before Cont: 395
Rec: 36
Yds/Scrim: 1,170
Snap: 70%
Foster
GS: 13
Rush: 327
Y/BC: n/a
Rec: 66
Yds/Scrim: 2,220
Snap: N/A
Lindsay
GS: 8
Rush: 192
Yards/BC: 737
Rec: 35
Yds/Scrim: 1,278
Snap: 42%
Robinson
GS: 11
Rush: 194
Yards Before Cont: 395
Rec: 36
Yds/Scrim: 1,170
Snap: 70%
Foster
GS: 13
Rush: 327
Y/BC: n/a
Rec: 66
Yds/Scrim: 2,220
Snap: N/A
Lindsay
GS: 8
Rush: 192
Yards/BC: 737
Rec: 35
Yds/Scrim: 1,278
Snap: 42%
That puts Robinson on pace for 16 games started, 282 rushing attempts, 575 Y/BC, 1,702 scrimmage yards, and 52 receptions. Lindsay didn't see close to the usage of Robinson or Foster in their rookie years. Lindsay, while a good running back, isn’t built for close to 300 carries
It’s worth noting that Arian Foster walked into a great situation, with the Houston Texans O-Line ranking as the 2nd best for the season (PFF). But Robinson is built like a modern-day NFL bell cow back. He has nearly the same build as RBs like Chubb, Carson, Jacobs, and Kamara.
Now I am not saying that Robinson will have the career that Foster had, but I think he really has a shot at being a top running back for years to come in this league. He is at RB4 on the year, while Lindsay has never been higher than RB13 in PPR and RB12 in Standard Leagues.
In 2010, the Texans spent a second round draft pick on Ben Tate. That did not take away from Arian Foster’s production. Foster won the job. I think that Robinson has won the starting job for years to come in Jacksonville, and believe he is a top 10 dynasty running back.
