Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, April 25, 2013

The college football season has been over for months, but Michigan?s Denard Robinson still seemingly always is the headlines. Whether it?s being on the cover of a video game or throwing out a horrible first pitch at a Detroit Tigers game, America just can?t get enough of the electric ?Shoelace? and his flowing dreadlocks. Now, he?s officially set to become a professional as the NFL draft begins today.

Robinson won?t hear his name tonight when the first round takes place, and he likely will have to wait for Friday's second and third rounds. There's a chance he may hear his cellphone ring with an NFL team bearing good news until Saturday's rounds four through seven.

It?s true: A look at some mock drafts reveals the Michigan legend could go anywhere from the third to the seventh round.

The reason for the skepticism is Robinson?s move from college quarterback to receiver/return man in the NFL. He saw some action at receiver the latter half of 2012 after he endured a right elbow injury at Nebraska on Oct. 28 that basically ended his quarterbacking days. Robinson caught just three passes for 31 yards. And he didn?t return a punt or kickoff last year. Can Robinson REALLY make the transition?

His durability causes more concern. The 5-11, 197-pound Robinson was dinged up time and again at Michigan en route to running for 4,495 career yards (the most ever by a quarterback in NCAA annals) and 42 touchdowns and passing for passing for 6,250 career yards and 49 touchdowns.

Still, Robinson?s jet-setting speed and slippery moves make him an intriguing prospect who merits a draft pick. And other former college quarterbacks recently have enjoyed success in the NFL after making the switch to receiver/return man/running back:

  • Indiana?s Antwaan Randle El
  • Missouri?s Brad Smith
  • Kent State?s Josh Cribbs
  • Arkansas? Matt Jones
  •  Penn State?s Michael Robinson
  • North Carolina?s Ronald Curry
  • Kent State?s Julian Edelman

Here?s a look at where Robinson is projected to be selected in various mock drafts.

ESPN?s Mel Kiper: Third round to Cincinnati Bengals

"This draft is extremely light on players who scare defenses with the ball in their hands, and Robinson is an interesting guy to experiment with," Kiper wrote. "Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden can find ways to get him the ball."

CBSSports.com: Sixth round

The NFL Network: Fifth round to Cleveland Browns

FOXSports.com: Fifth round to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DraftTek.com: Sixth round to Falcons

So where does Robinson go, and what do you expect from him when he gets there? You tell us.

***

About Tom Dienhart BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section.

And if you want to leave a comment on this post, use the box below. All comments need to be approved by a moderator.