FAIRFAX, Va. -- Rookie Aldrick Robinson made up for being late, impressing teammates at the informal practices run by the Washington Redskins' veterans on Tuesday.
Robinson, one of Washington's sixth-round selections in April's draft, missed the May workouts because of a cancelled flight and a late ride to the airport the next day. On Tuesday, the former Southern Methodist standout showed he belonged with the rest.
First, Robinson outfoxed safety Chris Horton to haul in a long touchdown, slowing down as the ball hung in the air in order to make the safety think he was breaking off the route.
Shortly thereafter. the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder displayed excellent hands as he held onto a pass from John Beck while covered tightly by cornerback Kevin Barnes.
"I was impressed," Beck said. "He made some really good catches."
Robinson was as relieved to finally be part of a team again as he was excited to be holding his own against NFL veterans.
"I finally made it," said Robinson, noting that his flight from Dallas on Tuesday wasn't smooth either. "It was a great experience to be around my teammates and it felt good to be a part of this with guys you've seen on TV.
"Of course you want to show off your skill, make 'em think that, 'That guy can play.' Football is football. The routes are gonna stay the same, but the terminology I'm still trying to soak it all in. Once I did know what to run, I (ran) like I know how to run."
Robinson, whose calling card is his 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash, was the third receiver drafted by the Redskins after third-rounder Leonard Hankerson and fifth-rounder Niles Paul, but with longtime star Santana Moss unsigned and 2010 starter Anthony Armstrong only having one year in the league, there are jobs available.
"I'd like for Santana to be here so I can learn from some veterans, get the ins and outs of the offense so when it's my turn to actually be 'that guy,' I'll know everything," Robinson said.
With Robinson's presence, second-round defensive end Jarvis Jenkins is the only one of Washington's 12 rookies who hasn't participated in the practices. There were 31 players were on hand on Tuesday.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
