The San Francisco 49ers have a new group of wide receivers for 2017. Free-agent acquisition Aldrick Robinson — who followed Kyle Shanahan from the Redskins to the Falcons to the 49ers — is more than merely a veteran presence on the roster.
If there is one wide receiver on the San Francisco 49ers roster who knows head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, it’s Aldrick Robinson.
Drafted by the Washington Redskins, Robinson followed Shanahan to the Atlanta Falcons before signing a two-year deal with the 49ers this offseason.
Robinson — who has just 50 receptions in his career — provides the Niners with a veteran presence, and a receiver who knows the team’s offensive system. However, his game film shows us that in addition to his responsibilities in team meetings, he may have a significant role on the field for the 49ers in 2017.
At the beginning of his NFL career, Robinson — who ran track in college — was primarily used as a deep threat for Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III. Similar to fellow speedster Marquise Goodwin, Robinson is a threat to score from anywhere on the field:
Good positioning by the secondary, but @AldrickRobinson comes down with the TD catch. #49ers pic.twitter.com/LvZ7ckRDMl
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) July 19, 2017
Tight coverage, but RGIII trusts @AldrickRobinson to make the play. #49ers pic.twitter.com/Wyn23S9vwy
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) July 19, 2017
Safety looking into the backfield has no chance of catching the speedy @AldrickRobinson #49ers pic.twitter.com/KCu7FujOFF
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) July 19, 2017
Without safety help, the corner has no chance, as @AldrickRobinson cruises into the end zone. #49ers pic.twitter.com/nPaA9WnwxA
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) July 19, 2017
Robinson also played with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who shows off his arm on a pass that travels 55 yards in the air:
Long reception for @AldrickRobinson, who needs to wait for Cousin’s deep pass. #49ers pic.twitter.com/FZabaATC0o
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) July 19, 2017
But Robinson is more than just a deep threat — and he doesn’t mind going over the middle or taking a big hit.