The Facts: Fifteen consecutive losses ended the Jaguars' 2020 season and inevitably led them to Trevor Lawrence. It made for a dearth of highlights in a rather calamitous campaign, though. There was, however, a diamond that emerged from the rough going in the form of Robinson. Therefore, it was a bit puzzling when Jacksonville signed free-agent journeyman Carlos Hyde and flat-out perplexing when the Jaguars and new HC Urban Meyer followed their selection of Lawrence at No. 1 overall by picking Clemson running back Travis Etienne later in the opening round at No. 25. With the running back room suddenly crowded around him, Robinson is taking it all in stride. "It's really just I have to go out there and control what I can control and once I get my opportunity, just make the most of it," Robinson said Thursday.
Diehards Line:Making the selection of Etienne all the more bewildering -- and the Hyde signing to a lesser extent -- is that Robinson proved he could be a workhorse and was also a natural in the passing game (he had 49 catches). But by his accord, it would seem a committee approach is on the agenda. "I think it'll mesh very well," Robinson said. "We've all just been trying to learn the offense right now, but as we get into training camp, we'll see. I'm sure it will work out well." While it's been a surprising turn of roster for the Jaguars, perhaps more so it's a bit frustrating -- especially for fantasy managers hoping to see Robinson build on his remarkable rookie season. An undrafted free agent who became RB1 after Leonard Fournette was released, Robinson's 1,070 yards were fifth in the NFL and second among rookies following the Colts' Jonathan Taylor. His four 100-yard rushing outings were tops among rookies and tied for fourth in the NFL. Those were among the seven games he had with 100-plus scrimmage yards, which tied Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson for the most among 2020 rookies. Despite the moves, Meyer claims he loves Robinson. "James is one of my favorite guys," the coach said. How that love will translate to carries, catches and playing time is one of a number of quandaries as a new dawn is upon Duval.