Jags RB James Robinson should be in the mix for NFL Network’s 2021 Top-100 list

The 2020 season was one Jacksonville Jaguars fans would rather leave in the past. They started the season by trading veterans like Calais Campbell and A.J. Bouye, and waiving a fan favorite in Leonard Fournette, which all played a role in a 1-15 season.

However, there were some positives, and among them was the player who replaced Fournette: James Robinson. Despite going undrafted, Robinson was a pleasant surprise and was the Jags’ most consistent offensive threat. With 249 attempts for 1,070 yards to his name, he was tied with David Montgomery for fifth on the NFL’s rushing list. He also had seven rushing touchdowns, 344 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. 

Robinson fell 34 yards shy of breaking the rushing record for an undrafted rookie running back. Unfortunately, he missed the Jags’ last two games with an ankle injury — had it not been for that, he probably would’ve broken the record and might have even ranked higher than fifth on the rushing leaders list. 

With the NFL’s Top-100 Players list for 2021 set to come out soon, Robinson’s numbers are worthy of being considered for the list. While it wouldn’t be shocking if he was snubbed like many fans argued when it came to the Pro Bowl, 2020’s list makes a good case for him.

As previously stated, Robinson finished fifth in the league in rushing last season, and when looking at 2020’s Top-100 Players list, all of the league’s top-5 rushers from 2019 made it. Those players were Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliot, Nick Chubb, Christian McCaffrey, and Chris Carson, respectively.

There were others outside of the top-5 rushing spots who made it, too, like Josh Jacobs and Todd Gurley. In Jacobs’ case, he only registered 80 more rushing yards than Robinson (with seven touchdowns), while Robinson out-rushed Gurley (12 touchdowns), who only had 857 yards. 

Others who made the list who didn’t finish in the top-5 in terms of rushing were Alvin Kamara (797 yards with 533 receiving yards) and Saquon Barkley (1,003 yards with 438 receiving yards in 13 games). And while they registered more receiving yards than Robinson, he outrushed both when comparing his 2020 season to their 2019 seasons. 

All of the aforementioned numbers certainly give Jags fans an argument if Robinson is left off the latest Top-100 Players list. As many are aware, the process is voted on by players, so it will come down to Robinson’s peers. Of course, his teammates who vote are going to vouch for him, but the key will be receiving votes outside of the Jags’ roster. That said, hopefully, the Jags’ 2020 opponents at least respected the skills they saw from Robinson.