Is this play and the fact that all three of his touchdowns as a senior came from inside the 21-yard line. The Giants, who finished second worst in our quotes like this one from Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin, I wouldn't blame you for being guardedly optimistic about his prospects.
But before you get too carried away, keep in mind there's more to this equation than the results of a single workout conducted more than two years ago, nominal June depth charts, or run-of-the-mill coach speak. Even if Robinson does open the season as New York's starter, his ability to become a fantasy difference maker will depend largely on the answer to the next question.
How Many Throws Will Eli Manning Send in Robinson's Direction?
Before we crunch the nerd stats, don't forget this season will be the Giants' first without former offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride in seven years. Taking his place will be former Green Bay Packers tight ends and quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo.
The lazy narrative would imply the hire of McAdoo, who spent six seasons coaching tight ends in Green Bay, is yet another feather in Robinson's cap. After all, it was only last season we saw tight end gurus Rod Chudzinski and Norv Turner conspire to turn another workout warrior - the Red Viper of Dorne made a slight mistake by not making sure the Mountain was all the way dead. Manning's Passing NEP was third worst in the league last season – behind Brandon Weeden and Terrelle Pryor, and three times worse than Christian Ponder. At one point last year, Manning graded worse as a passer than (gasp!) 2011 Tim Tebow.
Before we can start talking about Robinson becoming the next Jermichael Finley, Manning must show he's made some serious strides under McAdoo.
What Can Robinson Do in 2014?
Until further notice, Robinson leaves us with a tight end streaming option with a bit of upside. Currently, there's no shortage of high ceiling tight ends with great opportunities for fantasy production being drafted outside the top 15 at the position. Heath Miller, Dwayne Allen, Delanie Walker, and Travis Kelce are a few that come to mind who could graduate from streamers to potentially every-week starters this season.
With guys like Garrett Graham, Jace Amaro, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins likely to be available for streaming purposes throughout the season as well, there's really no reason to draft Robinson in a 12 team league.
He's certainly an impressive athlete, and it sure looks like he'll get his opportunity to start, but Robinson's got too much to contend with before he becomes fantasy relevant. The fact he's never been a featured pass catcher at any level, is in an offense that figures to target tight ends below the league average, and plays with a quarterback who breathes with his mouth open doesn't give a ton of initial hope.
If the Giants are getting him involved in the preseason, especially in the red zone where they ranked 30th in touchdown conversion percentage last season, my interest will be piqued. Until then, it's safe to assume that, for fantasy football purposes, Robinson is indeed the best smelling garbage man. At least he plays his home games in New Jersey where his scent will blend in seamlessly with his surroundings.