Panthers rookie Jammie Robinson stands out with traits that can’t be measured
Jammie Robinson doesn’t care what a ruler says about his NFL outlook. That tool can’t gauge his football intelligence, and it certainly can’t take stock of his passion for the game.
But the 5-foot-11, 190-pound rookie knows that there are going to be critics who doubt him because of his relatively small stature at his position. And he’s okay with that — in fact, the Panthers safety is used it. Robinson has heard the “you’re too small” line throughout his entire football career.
“The measurables (are) not gonna add up when it comes to me, but when I step on the field, I don’t think about none of that,” Robinson said. “It’s all football. Everybody out here can run, can jump, can tackle, but I just take pride in all of it — just being able to be physical, playing fast and playing smart at the same time — that’s what helps me.”
Robinson’s intangibles have set him apart from his competition since his recreational league days.
His football IQ made him a leader on his high school football team as a ninth grader. His tenacious attitude helped him earn a scholarship to South Carolina after he switched high schools as senior. After a transfer to Florida State in 2021, Robinson’s physicality helped him become a standout in the Seminoles’ secondary as a two-time, first-team All-ACC selection. And all of those qualities — along with his trademark versatility — captured the Panthers’ attention during draft season.
Carolina spent its final pick — the 145th overall selection in the fifth round — on Robinson, and so far, he’s impressed the team’s staff with his toolbox of traits, even if he doesn’t fit the ideal size requirements for an NFL defensive back.
“Jammie’s a guy that’s really come in and impressed right from the beginning,” safeties coach Bert Watts said. “Just with his knowledge and work ethic (and) being able to learn and pick up the defense quickly. So whenever you have a young guy like that — it’s a lot of information to retain in a short amount of time and he’s shown the ability to do that — we’re still working through it as we get through the workouts. And this is early in the process, so trying to identify where our personnel best fits, but he’s really shown that he can play multiple positions.”
Robinson’s football IQ has served him well since he was a young boy playing football in Crisp County, Georgia.
Shelton Felton — Robinson’s high school football coach from 2015 to 2016 — has known the Panthers rookie since he was a child. When the pair linked up on the field during Robinson’s freshman year at Crisp County High, Felton said the young defender kept him on his toes because of his desire to learn.
“I had to make sure I was on point because he was gonna ask me ‘Why?’ and ‘What?’,” Felton said with a laugh. “He was a student of the game. He was way beyond himself as a ninth grader – he was in charge of getting us lined up on defense.”
Felton describes Robinson as an alpha male. Despite his small stature, Robinson has always been at the top of the totem pole of his football teams. Felton thinks Robinson’s will to prove himself stems from the constant doubters who have dismissed him throughout his football journey.
“He’s got a chip on his shoulder because of his upbringing,” Felton said. “He’s always been told what he can’t do and what he won’t do because of his size.”
During his college career, Robinson produced 318 tackles (15.5 for loss), 16 pass breakups, seven interceptions and three forced fumbles. He’s never been the most athletic guy on the field, but his intelligence and grit have endured.
“When you know something’s about to happen and you anticipate it, that’s how you make plays,” Felton said. “That’s something he will always be able to do because he’s intelligent at football. In my opinion, he never got beat on nothing twice because he can see it, understand it and get a line to know what’s going on.”
Robinson is now looking to earn a spot on a stacked safety depth chart with the Panthers. While his draft pedigree will lead to consistent reps throughout the offseason program and training camp, Robinson’s work on the practice field and in meeting rooms will be what ultimately earns him a job on the roster.
Surrounded by veterans like Vonn Bell, Xavier Woods, Sam Franklin and Eric Rowe, Robinson knows he has his work cut out for him this summer.
“Honestly, I’m just trying to gain respect from everyone,” Robinson said. “I ain’t never been cocky and talk trash really, but when I get on the field, I’ll just be trying to go out there and be the best version of myself, because I know at the end of the day, even if I make a play, I ain’t got to celebrate because I know it’s a positive.”
So far, the Panthers’ staff has been pleased with Robinson’s early work.
Head coach Frank Reich has often lit up when asked about the versatile defensive back. Reich, an offensive play-caller, can appreciate Robinson’s attitude and versatility.
“Just a tough guy, a competitor,” Reich said. “When you get safeties there that can do well in coverage, that gives you another element, right? You know what the safeties are going to do in run support and playing zone coverage, but when you can match up a little bit right there, that just gives you one step up and an advantage at that position.”
Robinson has been working with the safety and cornerback groups during the offseason program. As a young tweener player, his role is likely to be felt out throughout the summer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as Robinson can double up his reps as a rookie.
“Jammie’s been doing double time with us, basically,” cornerbacks coach Jonathan Cooley said. “He’s also another versatile player that we like his skillset — because he’s tough. At Florida State, he played a lot in the box, so he’s demonstrated the ability to blitz. He’s also demonstrated the ability to play safety as well. So with all of the meeting time that we currently have with him, we get to spend a lot of time progressing through things and seeing how he is able to adapt to certain circumstances to see if we can use that versatility that he’s demonstrated on tape.”
The nickel corner role is an important job for the Panthers’ defense. Robinson has been in the early mix at the position.
While the nickel spot involves a lot of different responsibilities, Robinson isn’t shying away from the challenge of lining up against slot receivers and tight ends.
“I feel like it’s the most important position on defense, and it’s definitely the hardest one,” Robinson said. “And then you just got to be versatile — being able to play that because you got to be able to account for the run game, you got to be able to be a great defender when it comes to just defending receivers. . . . So, it’s a very, very, very important position.”
The Panthers have put a lot on Robinson’s plate during the early days of his rookie year. But, according to the staff, the workload hasn’t fazed the youngster. He likes a challenge.
“I’m excited about a personality like that because there’s no BS,” Watts said. “You’re just saying, ‘Let’s go to work, let’s get better,’ and he’s all about that.”
Felton, who knows Robinson as well as anyone, believes his longtime pupil will find his niche in the league because of the traits that can’t be measured: determination, dedication and understanding of the game. With those calling cards, Robinson could be a keeper for the Panthers for quite some time.
“People keep doubting him because of his size, but his work ethic and his football IQ are gonna take him a long way,” Felton said. “He’s going to play a long time in that league.”
This story was originally published June 2, 2023 at 11:03 AM.
