of the pre-draft process, Robinson was projected to be a second round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the fourth best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, was ranked the fifth best cornerback by DraftScout.com, and was ranked the seventh best cornerback by the Bleacher Report. Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings selected Robinson in the third round (66th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was the seventh cornerback drafted in 2012. 2012 On July 25, 2012, the Minnesota Vikings signed Robinson to a four-year, $3.02 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $697,000. He started training camp competing for a job as a starting cornerback against Antoine Winfield, Chris Cook, Asher Allen, Chris Carr, Zack Bowman, and Brandon Burton. He missed part of training camp after suffering a hamstring injury, but returned to compete for the job as the third cornerback against Brandon Burton. On August 28, 2012, Robinson recorded two solo tackles before exiting a 12–10 loss to the San Diego Chargers due to a concussion. Head coach Leslie Frazier named Robinson the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook. He made his professional regular season debut in the Minnesota Vikings' season-opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars and recorded four solo tackles in their 26–23 victory. Robinson made his first career tackle on wide receiver Justin Blackmon after a 13-yard reception by Blackmon on the Jaguars' first drive. On September 23, 2012, Robinson recorded four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception during a 24–13 victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. His interception occurred in the fourth quarter off a pass by quarterback Alex Smith that was originally intended for Michael Crabtree. In Week 4, he earned his first career start and collected a season-high seven solo tackles and broke up a pass in the Vikings' 20–13 victory at the Detroit Lions. On December 9, 2012, Robinson made his fifth start of the season after Chris Cook broke his wrist in Week 8. Robinson made five solo tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by Jay Cutler for a 44-yard gain during a 21–14 win over the Chicago Bears. He finished his rookie season in with 56 combined tackles (52 solo), three pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and six