Is Jets’ Robertson a bust?

By Krupka  |   Monday, May 15, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

New York Jets
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"With the fourth pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select Dewayne Robertson, defensive tackle, Kentucky."

At the time many Jets fans were ecstatic at the pick, ballyhooing the praises of the newest member of their beloved team. Robertson was pegged as a "can't miss" prospect at the defensive tackle position, a guy who could stuff the run and put pressure on the quarterback.

The 6'1", 317-pound, Wildcats product was scouted as an instinctive and explosive tackle that would be very disruptive in the backfield. He was touted as a natural run-stuffer with a great pass rush move and great leg drive.

So far in his four-year career he hasn't shown much, and has fans questioning now whether or not he is a bust.

In his rookie season he became the first Jets rookie defensive lineman to start every game since Marty Lyons did in 1970. He recorded 1.5 sacks and 43 tackles in his rookie year. He then followed it up with 52 tackles and 3 sacks. Then this past season, his third in the league, Robertson dropped back down to 43 tackles, but increased his sack output to 3.5.

While those numbers aren't spectacular, they are decent. The problem is, with the fourth overall pick, a team is expecting a dominant player, not an average player. And to be honest with ourselves, eight sacks and 138 tackles in three seasons is nothing to be too excited about. Luckily, he hasn't been as horrible as defensive tackle Ryan Sims taken a year earlier with the No. 8 overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Sims was equally glorified as he entered the league, but he has failed thus far; the two seemingly had the same hoopla surrounding them and similar scouting reports.

It is imperative for the Jets' defense to have Robertson start living up to his potential and play more like an elite defensive tackle than an average one. With him yet to become a force the defensive tackle position has continued to be a weakness for the Jets.

Is 2006 the year Robertson breaks out? Stay tuned...

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Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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