Robinson started his junior year strongly and was playing really well. However, the second half of the season wasn’t as solid. After playing well against some good opponents, Robinson struggled against Tennessee. He was also abused by Clemson’s Vic Beasley for two sacks, a forced fumble and a holding penalty in the regular-season finale. Robinson also gave up a sack against Wisconsin in the Gamecocks’ bowl game.
2014 Season Outlook: Robinson will see a good opponent to open the 2014 season as the Gamecocks host Texas A&M. The Aggies’ defense struggled in 2013, but A&M does have some talent in its front seven that should be better this year having gained some experience.
Robinson will see quality SEC opponents all year, including Georgia, Missouri, Auburn and Florida. He’ll should see a tough test with defensive linemen in those games. Florida’s Dante Fowler looks like a potential first-round pick, plus the Gators have other talented young edge rushers. Georgia defensive end/tackle Ray Drew and Missouri defensive end Markus Golden will be a challenge with their pass-rush ability.
To end the season, Robinson will get his biggest challenge of the year in a rematch against Beasley. If Robinson can shut down Beasley’s speed rush off the edge, it could be huge for Robinson’s draft stock.
Skill-Set Summary: Robinson looks like a great fit as a power right tackle for the NFL. He is massive road-grader, but has surprising feet and athleticism. Robinson is extremely physical and is one of the nastiest blockers in college football. He pushes defenders around and can be a bully in the box. Robinson has sheer power to run over defensive linemen.
Robinson needs to get more consistent with his ability to take on speed rushers. His technique with knee bend and body lean are critical to help him get depth in his drop and not let speed rushers around him.
South Carolina running back Mike Davis has had a lot of success running behind Robinson. The big tackle is strong at the point of attack with the ability to move defenders at the line of scrimmage. He also showed some skill to hit blocks on the run as the Gamecocks had a lot of success on screen passes to Davis. Robinson has strong hands that allow him to sustain his blocks and give his runners time to get to the second level. Robinson may not be a great fit in a zone-blocking system, but he looks perfect for a power-man scheme.
Robinson was a strong pass-protector early on in 2013, but he tailed off late in the year. If Robinson improves his pass protection and gets more consistent, he could potentially stay at left tackle in the NFL.
If Robinson struggles as an edge protector in 2014, moving inside to guard isn’t an ideal option because of his height. Most NFL teams don’t want tall guards to block passing lanes. However, Robinson’s pass blocking is improving, and at worst, he should be a right tackle as a pro.
For the NFL, Robinson should develop his pass protection, but from a skill-set perspective, he looks ready to be a quick starter and immediate contributor as a right tackle and powerful run-blocker.
2015 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering his senior season, Robinson looks more likely to be a second-day pick. If his pass protection improves, he could be a first-round candidate, but he looks more likely to follow the pattern of other big SEC tackles like Cordy Glenn and Cyrus Kouandjio to go in Round 2.
RELATED LINKS:
2015 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
