NFL Draft 2013: Denard Robinson a second-round pick, says Mel Kiper

Mel Kiper had high praise for Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson during a conference call Wednesday. Of course, that praise came with the stipulation that Robinson play somewhere else on offense besides behind center. Still, the ESPN draft analyst said that he believes Robinson can be a second round pick as an "offensive entity," a.k.a., someone capable of of doing whatever the coaches ask.

"He's just a great football player," Kiper said. "I think everybody loves his passion for the game, his toughness. Obviously he's got great speed, great athleticism, great versatility. He can catch the ball, he can run with the ball.

"After he runs, after he tests, after he works out, I think Denard Robinson is no later than a second-round draft choice."

Robinson will play in the 2013 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The position switch has him drawing comparisons to former Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El, who also switched from quarterback to receiver prior to the draft. Randle El was taken in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and went on the to have a long career split between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins.

Robinson also played running back in his final games with the Wolverines. He rushed for 100 yards against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl to set the NCAA career quarterback rushing record with 4,495 yards. Robinson is expected to return punts in the Senior Bowl. Some believe that he could play cornerback at the next level, as well.