The Jaguars exited the 2024 NFL draft with nine new contributors, bolstering their roster with potential after signing eight free agents between March and April in their offseason-long effort to reclaim postseason status this year.
How impactful might Jacksonville’s rookie class be as the team chases a playoff spot?
Jaguars Wire is projecting roles and rookie production for each of Jacksonville’s 2024 draft picks, continuing the series by focusing on the Jaguars’ fifth-round, No. 167 overall selection, running back and return specialist Keilan Robinson.
Keilan Robinson’s projected role with the Jaguars
The Jaguars picked Robinson specifically with the NFL’s new kickoff rule in mind, adding a second capable return specialist to operate alongside free agent wide receiver signee Devin Duvernay on the receiving end of kicks.
Robinson averaged 23.6 yards per kickoff return over 39 attempts with Texas and Alabama, memorably returning one attempt for a 95-yard touchdown against Texas Tech in 2023. He also returned a blocked punt for a 19-yard touchdown in 2022.
In addition to return duties, Jacksonville plans to try Robinson out in other special teams phases, such as the kick and punt coverage units.
Robinson was not often deployed offensively throughout his college career, receiving an average of 39 touches per season. But the Jaguars envision him continuing to develop as a ball carrier and pass-catcher and intend to incorporate him in their offense as he gains comfort within the scheme.
“Keilan Robinson was a guy that was my number one running back that I watched. I loved him right away,” Jacksonville special teams coordinator Heath Farwell said about Robinson in June. “You saw what he did as a returner. I saw him playing other phases. He has the ability to play multiple phases for us, whether it’s gunner, corner on punt return, which he did some in college. He’s an elite returner, a kick returner, and he has actually been out there doing punt returns as well.
“He is a talented player with very good speed, tough, physical, does all the things we liked. Then of course I think he does a good job on offense. The offensive guys were on board. They liked him as well, catching the ball in the backfield doing some of the stuff he does.”
Keilan Robinson’s projected rookie stats
- 18 kickoff returns
- 24 yards per return average
- 20 rushing attempts
- 85 rushing yards
- Eight receptions
- 60 receiving yards
- One receiving touchdown
