Rams signing #Lions DT A’Shawn Robinson?

A’Shawn Robinson
Position: DT
6-4, 330lb

https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/04/01/nfl-draft-scouting-report-ashawn-robinson-alabama

Strengths: Did a lot as a two-gap tackle to create opportunities for those around him to excel. Plays effectively everywhere from zero-tech straight over center to run-stopping end. Aggressive leverage player who frequently bends blockers back with strong legs and an impressive bull-rush. Occasionally will simply toss a blocker aside. Can put a blocker on the tracks and rock him all the way through the pocket when he wins the timing and leverage battles. Frequently demands double-teams and chips even with the estimable talent along Alabama’s defensive line. Slips off blocks quickly to wrap up the ballcarrier, and has excellent tackling form—Robinson builds a wall when he’s got his feet under him. Consistently re-directs blockers when he tags one shoulder and wrestles them out of position. Strong enough to move one and two blockers laterally to the ballcarrier at times. Has a dominant initial punch when he uses it: has 34 1/4″ arms and has that “one-inch punch” that takes blockers out of plays entirely. Has excellent flexibility to re-direct to the ball, and diagnoses well to get there. NFL-ready from a power perspective. Doesn’t flow from sideline to sideline, but appears to have the potential to do so.

Weaknesses: Two-year starter who played 57% of Alabama’s defensive snaps over the last two seasons. Game isn’t fully developed yet. Tends to wait and pause too often off the snap, which leaves him vulnerable to quicker blockers who establish the point of attack advantage. Needs to mush-rush less and trust his natural aggressiveness more. Gets lost in the wash when he plays too high, and with his height, he needs to pay special attention to that. Occupies blockers very well, but may have to change his mentality to disengage more quickly at the NFL level. Needs to develop a signature pass-rush move and use his hands more effectively in general. Gets into the pocket with power over technique. Doesn’t yet have the ability to knife through double teams. Must keep his legs pumping throughout the play, as he can be taken off his line by more persistent blockers.

Conclusion: There are a lot of dings in Robinson’s game at this point, which is why he’s one of the most polarizing players in this draft class. There are some who see him as a two-down run-stopping guy with very limited pass-rush ability, and others who think he’s got the potential in the right system to be a top-flight lineman at the nose and three-tech spots. As a two-gap hole-clogger who was often directed to dominate at the line so others could make plays, Robinson has the capacity to move to a one-gap attack defense and redefine his classifications over time.

Scouts and executives will tell you that when evaluating players, you can’t just focus on the players who project most easily to your scheme, you have to look at the traits and attributes that fit what your team wants to do over time. Most likely, Robinson’s NFL team will not want him soaking up blocks and mush-rushing as often as he had in the past, and most likely not in a two-gap system. Ideally, he’d be coached to improve his pass-rush moves as he knifes through double-teams, using his raw strength to stop the run at a very high level. When you watch his 2013 tape, when he was allowed to pursue more, that version of A’shawn Robinson shows up more often. And that version of A’Shawn Robinson is a top-16 pick, and could be even more valuable than that in the end.

Pro Comparison: Michael Brockers, Rams (first round, 2012, LSU)

Deadpool

I had [Robinson] as the top DT in a good class, but he fell into the 2nd round. I think it was the lack of consistency that did him in. That, or the fact that the Alabama defense was so stacked no one got the credit they deserved.

He was explosive at Alabama, with all day power and an ability to anchor against the run like no one else in the country. I think paired with AD, he can absorb some of those double teams and free up his teammates to flow to the football. At 330 lbs, I doubt he has that explosive first step, but he isn’t going to get blown up against the run.