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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Robinson was a freshman sensation for the Crimson Tide in 2014. He was the leader on an offensive line that allowed only 16 sacks on the season. It didn’t go as well in 2015 as Robinson allowed pressure and sacks on the quarterback. He had some real problems with Texas A&M superstar Myles Garrett for example. However, Robinson was better down the stretch and helped open a lot of holes for Heisman Trophy winning running back Derrick Henry. Robinson had a strong start to the 2016 season with a number of impressive performances, including games against USC and Arkansas. He held Razorbacks edge rusher Deatrich Wise Jr. to two tackles. Robinson also held his own against Ole Miss, but did have an ugly play getting bull rushed by the Rebels’ Marquis Haynes. Robinson had a rough start against Tennessee’s Derek Barnett, giving up a sack and some pressures before settling down to have a strong final three quarters versus the Volunteers edge rusher. Robinson had a good game against Texas A&M superstar Myles Garrett and kept Garrett from getting a sack.
Overall, Robinson’s pass protection was better in 2016. His bending at the knee looked improved, his feet were better, and he was quicker in his drop. Sources say that he lost 10-15 pounds prior to the 2016 season, which helped him in pass blocking. Robinson was still very good in the ground game.
As a pass protector, the issue for Robinson is consistency. He has the athletic ability, feet, and bending skills to be a left tackle. However, he didn’t consistently play up to his skill set. The flaws in his execution are the point of improvement for Robinson in the NFL. He needs to continue to work on his feet and bending to not lunge after defenders while being ready for inside moves.
Entering the next level, Robinson is a plus run blocker at left tackle. He isn’t a finesse tap-dancing left tackle who is weak in the ground game. Robinson doesn’t have overwhelming power, but he is very good at latching onto defenders and turning them to open up holes. He is strong to sustain his blocks, and on tape, you would see him ride some defenders around the field. There is no doubt that Robinson has some heavy hands where defenders have a very difficult time shedding him once he gets locked on them. He also has the quickness and athletic ability to hit blocks on the second level. Over the past three seasons, Alabama had a lot of success running behind Robinson.
There is a fair amount of debate about Robinson for the NFL. One team said they had Robinson as a top-15 pick and believe that he is a Russell Okung- or Ryan Clady-caliber left tackle for the next level. Another playoff team graded Robinson late in the first round. That organization thinks a team could get by with him at left tackle, but ideally, Robinson would be a right tackle. One NFC team gave Robinson a second-round grade. That team said Robinson could have problems with speed rushers if on the blind side. They said they project him similarly to Tampa Bay’s second-year left tackle Donovan Smith. This is a weak tackle draft, however, so Robinson could go higher than expected. Teams say that Robinson interviewed well at the combine and was better than expected.
For the NFL, Robinson has the potential to be a starting left tackle. He also could be an ideal right tackle. Robinson should go in the top 25 of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Player Comparison: Duane Brown. Sources have compared Robinson to Duane Brown, Ryan Clady and Russell Okung. I think the Brown comparison makes a lot of sense. Brown is one of the better left tackles in the NFL, but isn’t a shutdown pass protector despite being an asset as a run blocker. I could see Robinson being a similar left tackle who he gives up an occasional sack or pressure, but is generally good in pass protection while being one of the better run-blocking left tackles in the NFL. The Texans made an astute pick with Brown as a late first-rounder, and Robinson could also end up going in the back half of the first round.
NFL Matches: Carolina, Buffalo, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Oakland, Houston, Denver, Minnesota, Seattle and Los Angeles Chargers
There are a lot of teams in need of offensive line help in the 2017 NFL Draft. This is a weak class of tackles, so Robinson could benefit from that and end up going higher than expected because teams can’t count on landing offensive tackle help on Day 2. Perhaps the highest that Robinson could hope to go would be to the Panthers at the No. 8 pick. They neglected their need at offensive tackle last offseason to the detriment of Cam Newton. Carolina signed Matt Kalil to be its left tackle and is moving Michael Oher to the right side, but the organization could draft Robinson as an upgrade over Oher.
With the 10th pick, Robinson could be in play for the Bills as they need a new right tackle. The Browns need to find a right tackle, and Robinson could be under consideration for their second first-round pick.
Baltimore lost Ricky Wagner in free agency and could consider Robinson to be the replacement. Denver needs a lot of help on its offensive line, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Broncos sign some veterans to upgrade their line, but Robinson could be a candidate for them.
In the AFC South, the Colts need to continue to build up their offensive line to better protect Andrew Luck. Houston has to replace right tackle Derek Newton, but Robinson may not be a get to the team’s pick.
In the AFC West, Oakland has gotten good play out of Donald Penn, but the team needs to start grooming their long-term left tackle as Penn is aging. Seattle fielded one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year. If Robinson slides, he could be an upgrade for the Seahawks.
RELATED LINKS:
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2017 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2017 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
