Koren Robinson

After boozing his way out of town in Seattle, the former first-round pick got a second chance in Minnesota and made the most of it, filling in at receiver when needed and earning a Pro Bowl berth as a kick returner. Despite catching just 22 passes, Robinson pulled in three of more than 40 yards, and averaged more than 15 yards per catch for the third time in four years. As a result, Minnesota gave Robinson a three-year deal this winter, and he could very well find himself as the team’s top receiving target with the departure of Nate Burleson and just Marcus Robinson, Travis Taylor and second-year man Troy Williamson to compete with. Robinson has good size and the speed to get downfield, but he’s not a great route runner, and it will be interesting to see whether his personal issues will get in the way, now that there aren’t a million other more prominent off-the-field issues for the Vikings.

Robinson battled Darrell Jackson all year for the NFL’s “Worst Hands” award, finishing with 10 drops (to Jackson’s 12). Robinson had just one catch in the red zone last year (six in ’02). The former first-rounder has had about one good month in his professional career. There’s still upside here, just don’t pay for it. Robinson caught just 55 percent of the 119 passes thrown his way in ’03 (Jackson was even less successful on his 130 chances).

After a washout rookie year in 2001, Robinson was probably the most improved wide receiver in the league last season. He made a strong impression in spring minicamps and didn't slow down from there, catching 78 passes for 1,240 yards and five touchdowns. Like most of the Seahawks, Robinson didn't do a lot over the first third of the season, but his 1,050 yards over the final 11 weeks were tops in the NFC. Robinson has been compared to Randy Moss -- and that's intended as both a compliment and a knock. Like Moss, he's a tall, speedy receiver who can dominate a game when he's focused and potentially score from anywhere on the field. But Robinson also shares Moss' tendency to coast from time to time and sulk when he's not getting the ball enough. If coach Mike Holmgren can keep Robinson interested for a full, 16-game season, we'll see some monster numbers go on the board.