Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

NFL Draft 2013: Denard Robinson a second-round pick, says Mel Kiper

Mel Kiper projects Denard Robinson to go in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft ... as a wide receiver. Comparisons to Antwaan Randle El don’t hurt.

Mel Kiper had high praise for Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson during a conference call Wednesday. Of course, that praise came with the stipulation that Robinson play somewhere else on offense besides behind center. Still, the ESPN draft analyst said that he believes Robinson can be a second round pick as an "offensive entity," a.k.a., someone capable of of doing whatever the coaches ask.

“He’s just a great football player,” Kiper said. “I think everybody loves his passion for the game, his toughness. Obviously he’s got great speed, great athleticism, great versatility. He can catch the ball, he can run with the ball.

“After he runs, after he tests, after he works out, I think Denard Robinson is no later than a second-round draft choice.”

Robinson will play in the 2013 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The position switch has him drawing comparisons to former Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El, who also switched from quarterback to receiver prior to the draft. Randle El was taken in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and went on the to have a long career split between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins.

Robinson also played running back in his final games with the Wolverines. He rushed for 100 yards against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl to set the NCAA career quarterback rushing record with 4,495 yards. Robinson is expected to return punts in the Senior Bowl. Some believe that he could play cornerback at the next level, as well.

Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenchesSB Nation NFL mock draft: Eagles stick with what works; invest in the trenches
Mocking the Draft

This player should be a plug-and-play replacement for Mekhi Becton right off the bat.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31SB Nation NFL mock draft: Chiefs get an absolute steal of a WR at No. 31
Mocking the Draft

This guy’s got talent, plus playing with Patrick Mahomes automatically elevates his potential.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30SB Nation NFL mock draft: Bills fill biggest need with a top CB at No. 30
Mocking the Draft

He’s a bit of a liability in the run game, but his potential in the pass game was enough for Buffalo Rumblings.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pickSB Nation NFL mock draft: Commanders give Jayden Daniels a fluid playmaker at WR with No. 29 pick
Mocking the Draft

This pick could help the Commanders build on last year’s excellent season.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan HutchinsonSB Nation NFL mock draft: Lions bring in a pass-rushing partner in crime for Aidan Hutchinson
Mocking the Draft

It’s a high-potential pick for a Detroit defense that needs a solid pass rusher.

By Michael Peterson
Mocking the Draft
SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26SB Nation NFL mock draft: Rams keep building defensive identity at No. 26
Mocking the Draft

This rookie would be a great complement to Jared Verse and Byron Young.

By Michael Peterson