Although the Detroit Lions strengthened their defensive backfield in the recent NFL Draft, they were unable to secure the services of a promising rookie free agent.
According to Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports, Detroit extended an offer to undrafted rookie Jakob Robinson, a cornerback out of BYU who had attracted interest from multiple teams. Instead of heading to Michigan, Robinson opted to sign with a conference rival, a move possibly influenced by the depth of Detroit’s current secondary.
Robinson Heads West
Payton noted that, in addition to the Lions, Robinson received offers from the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens. In the end, he chose the 49ers, likely seeing a clearer path to earning a roster spot given their recent changes in the defensive backfield.
“Given the Lions’ current depth at corner, it makes sense that Robinson looked elsewhere,” Payton wrote. “With players like D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Khalil Dorsey already in place, opportunities are limited in Detroit.”
On the other hand, San Francisco has seen considerable turnover in its secondary, opening the door for fresh talent to step in.
“Things are shifting in San Francisco,” Payton added. “Veterans like Charvarius Ward, Isaac Yiadom, and Rock Ya-Sin have departed, which opens up potential spots for incoming players like Robinson.”
Robinson has made strides to improve his pro stock after leaving BYU. As reported by Jay Drew of the Deseret News, he added 13 pounds post-season to meet the physical demands of the pro level. At the Big 12 Pro Day in March, he impressed scouts with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.
“I was pretty happy with how I performed,” Robinson said. “Gaining that weight was a bit of a risk because I wasn’t sure if it would affect my speed, but I think I showed I could still move.”
He also performed well in other drills.
“My vertical and movement felt strong,” he said. “The on-field drills went smoothly, and I think my 40 time helped turn some heads.”
Though he wasn’t selected during the draft, Robinson became a sought-after free agent and could make a real push for a roster spot in San Francisco.
Detroit Still Boosts Its Secondary
Despite missing out on Robinson, the Lions did add depth to their defense through the draft, selecting Georgia safety Dan Jackson in the seventh round. General manager Brad Holmes praised Jackson for his sharp instincts and fearless approach.
“We’ve always appreciated Jackson’s intelligence on the field and his ability to get involved in plays,” Holmes said, per the team’s official site. “People might underestimate his speed, but he’s faster than many believe. He also had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.”