Robinson 'relaxed' as draft day approaches

BY CARL KOTALA
FLORIDA TODAY

Laurent Robinson feels good about the work he's done leading up to the NFL Draft.

This weekend, he'll find out how much it has all paid off.

The Rockledge High grad will spend the weekend with his family in Juneau Beach, waiting to see which NFL team will take the speedy wide receiver out of I-AA Illinois State -- and in what round.

"I just want an opportunity to play, but my competitive nature . . . I know I want to go on the first day," Robinson said. "That's what my goal is."

There has been some talk the 6-foot-2, 199-pound receiver could go on the first day, which consists of the first three rounds. But it all depends on which scouting system you listen to.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. lists Robinson as the No. 19 wide receiver in this year's draft, while Pro Football Weekly has him at No. 13 and the Sporting News ranks him 17th. Gil Brandt of NFL.com ranks him 12th.

Robinson, who opened some eyes when he ran a 4.38 at the NFL combine in February, said he has talked to a number of teams and worked out for three -- the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins -- making for a busy few months.

"After my senior year when I got hurt (sprained ankle), I think a lot of teams kind of stop putting that much interest into me," Robinson said. "Then after the combine, they started showing a lot more interest -- calling my agent, calling me, coming to see me and coming to our pro day. I think I'm in good condition right now.

". . . A lot of teams I visited told me they have me real high on their list and they'll be trying to get me if they can. A lot of people say first day. I take that with a grain of salt because you never know how the draft goes."

Miami Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller and Jacksonville Jaguars director of college scouting Gene Smith both said they have been impressed by Robinson.

"Good size, good speed . . . a little smaller school, so you have to project to another level, but he's got all the skills," Mueller said.

Though he is eager to see where he will end up, Robinson insisted he wasn't nervous and that he planned to watch the draft just like he always does -- with perhaps a bit more interest.

"I'm actually relaxed," he said. "I think my mom is more nervous than I am."