Can Denard Robinson protect the ball in the NFL?

We are just days into NFL training camp, and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie “athlete” Denard Robinson is already having issues.

The former University of Michigan quarterback/running back/wide receiver was drafted (and subsequently signed) by the Jacksonville Jaguars into a “athlete” position (a la college recruiting), but his role with the team is very much in question. According to the Associated Press, Robinson’s role has been pulled back as a result of ball security (read: fumbling) issues. In fact, new head coach Gus Bradley was quoted as saying:

"“We’ve got him more towards kickoff returns, some of the things he’s doing offensively.  We’re taking some things off of his plate to see if that just frees up his mind a little bit more.”"

That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement of Robinson’s field readiness, and it appears that maybe the former QB is having trouble adjusting a bit. It wouldn’t be a shock to see his field time limited, but in the “athlete” role, it was previously expected that he would see time as a wildcat QB, running back, wide receiver, and kick/punt returner.

Robinson is an undeniable talent, as evidenced by his nearly 4,500 rushing yards, but with his lack of pedigree as a pure ball carrier coupled with a low-risk contract, he could find his way out of any job he was penciled in for if he fails to protect the ball.