2020 New Orleans Saints draft prospects: Amik Robertson

A New Orleans Native, Amik Robertson has picked up the reputation as one of the best playmaking defenders in college football. No, he’s not a Power-5 Conference guy. Despite that, you cannot ignore his destruction of his competition. He also has some quality opponents on his resume performing admirably against Collin Johnson (6’6”) and the Texas Longhorns in 2019 and LSU in 2018.

During that Texas Game, LA Tech sent him on a blitz from off the perimeter and Collin Johnson promptly caught and scored a touchdown. He also outmuscled Malcolm Epps at the line of scrimmage, the 6’5” TE/WR hybrid.

His size will always be a part of the conversation and will force him to the slot in the NFL. But with the way the league is trending, that is still a starting position and every team needs one. His experience starting on the perimeter will be helpful, even as a slot corner. It helps create positional versatility, extremely valuable in the pros.

He had 14 interceptions and 34 passes defended in his three years at Louisiana Tech. Three of those interceptions he returned for touchdowns. He has also compiled at least 60 combined tackles with no less than 7.5 for a loss per season. While his ballhawking skills will be the headline, he is not at all afraid to be physical.

Tangibles

• Plays much bigger than he is, fun matchup to watch vs. Texas and Collin Johnson.
• Fantastic ball tracking ability, runs routes better than the receiver he’s covering sometimes.
• Insane ball skills. 14 interceptions don’t come easily.
• Good tackler.
• Cover 1/Cover 3 experience at LA Tech makes him a nice fit at the NFL level, but will likely be moved inside due to his size.

Intangibles

• Ballhawking ability, makes plays on the ball outside of his coverage but with careful risk/reward consideration.
• Mental processing +++.
• Complete composure on the field, a product of his confidence. Doesn’t get overwhelmed by multiple players in his zone.
• Clear character profile. No character concerns, good guy reputation. Prideful in fatherhood.
• Healthy and available for 38 of his 39 eligible games at LA Tech. Only sat out the Bowl game. Did, however, deal with a groin injury in December.

Biggest Concern

Size, of course. Which everyone will talk about all draft season. But also the fact that he won’t be testing at the Combine. He received an invite but that groin injury rehab will keep him from participating. He’ll likely schedule a workout for a later Pro Day but there is always some speculation around Pro Day numbers.

Fit with Saints

How he fits with the Saints is equal parts simple and complex. The simple fit: it is no secret that turnovers have not been as plentiful as desired for the Saints defense. While Vonn Bell seems to always find his way around a loose ball, stopping the air attack and flipping fields would be a huge boost.

The more complex element comes in when you look at personnel. The Saints have PJ Williams, who is an impending free agent, Patrick Robinson, and CJ Gardner-Johnson who can all man the slot. Leave alone the scheme, where does a guy like Robertson fit in on the roster? Firstly, the Saints are not shy about drafting defensive backs and giving them a shot to make the roster. Thinking back just the last couple of years, Natrell Jamerson, Kamrin Moore, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and Saquan Hampton were all selected with established starters on the roster. Whether it be to compete immediately, build depth, or prepare for the future, the selection of Robertson is right up the Saints’ alley.

Additionally, there is the lingering fate of Safety Vonn Bell with the squad. There is an undeniable possibility that Bell ends up signing elsewhere, vacating the SS spot. If that were to happen, second-year DB Gardner-Johnson makes a ton of sense to slip into that role. If that were to happen in conjunction with PJ Williams not being retained, the only option left on the roster in the slot would be Patrick Robinson who consistently deal with injury issues and could himself be a cap casualty. In that case, Robertson becomes a plug and play option in the slot.