STRENGTHS - Rouse has a compact frame with excellent lower body build. He displays outstanding vision and a willingness to run the ball inside the hashes. He runs with good forward lean and natural leverage, and has the short area quickness to make the first man miss in space. He is an excellent route runner with experience lining up in the slot, and is extremely effective working the zones underneath. He caught the ball very consistently in every game I evaluated, despite preferring to body catch balls in his framework. He times cut blocks effectively and displays a willingness to step up to the POA and pass block.
WEAKNESSES - Despite his lower body build, Rouse lacks the natural strength to consistently run through arm tackles. He lacks the explosiveness needed to get through tight holes before they close, and also does not possess the speed needed to win the edge or break off long runs. While his short area quickness allows him to make defenders miss, he at times will get off center and lose his balance when transitioning out of his cuts. On pass blocks he tends to rely cut blocks, and needs to do a better job of holding his ground at the POA against blitzers in order to become a more consistent blocker.
SUMMARY - Its easy to look at Robbie Rouse's measurables and discount him as an NFL prospect, but his vision, receiving skills and competitiveness warrant a closer look at his skill set. While he lacks the burst to win the edge and is never going to be a homerun hitter in space, Rouse is an aggressive runner inside that is extremely effective at making himself small and making one cut to daylight. He is also a very dependable receiver, as he is capable of running crisp routes lined up as both a RB and slot receiver. He is a willing blocker, but must learn to hold his ground at the POA instead of relying on his cut block, as he should be able to stymie blitzers at the LOS with his natural leverage and competes. Rouse is unlikely to be drafted because of his size and speed limitations, but he could carve out an NFL career as a dependable 3rd down back for a zone blocking scheme.