Jacksonville Jaguars rookie James Robinson set a few records in the undrafted category, however, it still wasn’t enough to win the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year Award. Instead, the award went to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert this week, who was the second-highest drafted player on the ballot (No. 6 overall selection).
While Robinson didn’t come away with the award, his season is one that Jags fans won’t forget, even with the team registering the worst record in the NFL. Ultimately, Robinson accumulated 240 carries for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns.
Robinson finished the regular season fifth in rushing and was second amongst rookies as Jonathan Taylor was the only first-year player to register more yards on the ground (1,169). However, Robinson may have been able to top Taylor, but he missed the Jags’ last two games with an ankle injury.
Robinson was on track to surpass the rushing yardage record for an undrafted player held by Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes (1,104 yards) but was 34 yards short. However, Robinson was able to surpass Rhodes for the most yards from scrimmage by an undrafted player, accumulating 1,414 total yards on the season.
Robinson was on the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year ballot with Herbert, Taylor, Washington Football Team pass rusher Chase Young, and Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. However, with Herbert playing the most important position on the field (and performing well), it’s not shocking that he ended up winning the award.
