Quote:Corners gave him cushion for his speed, and Jimmy uses his route running to make his cut, boom ball is there...first down Jaguars. That's a #1 receiver, because he can beat a corner not just in one way. If they give him cushion, he's such a great route runner that he'll run an out or a curl for an easy first down. If they start to creep up to defend the out or the curl, Jimmy goes deep.

 

The guys you mentioned can all do this.

Except it's the exact opposite now. Jamming the receiver is the en vogue way to try to stop a #1. The reason the small guys can't be true #1's (or have to be schemed like Cruz's breakout 2011 from the slot) is because they can't beat the jam regularly on the outside. It's why Lee will never be a #1, he has shown no ability to beat the jam (or make a contested downfield sideline catch for that matter).

 

Antonio Brown's and Odell Beckham's (or Steve Smith of old) are rare breeds that can do it regularly despite being undersized. Robinson has the size and physicality to beat a jam, and also the vertical and hands in addition to that to make a contested downfield grab, like a Mike Evans as you mentioned. In addition to the article that showed he ran an extremely impressive route tree for someone of his age and inexperience, I have no doubt Arob could be a true top tier #1 WR in fairly short order. 

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