Run Defense
Robinson’s best trait by far is his ability to use leverage to hold down the point of attack. He was a consistent force on the defensive line that stuffed the run all year. Using his extension and leverage perfectly, he’d fit perfectly as a two-gapping defensive tackle.
Throughout all the tape I watched he consistently was able to drag the ballcarrier down with very few missed or broken tackles. He gets skinny on this next play and fights through the block to tackle the running back at the goal line.
He did a fantastic job of shedding the block in this next play, but this was actually a rare sight in my film study. This inconsistency in hand usage, if cleaned up, can make him an elite run stuffer at the next level.
Robinson is not the quickest in read-and-react and will sometimes follow the wrong offensive player on handoff exchanges. Keeping him as an interior rusher will be best as the edge will be less exposed for read-option style attacks.
Pro Comparison and Draft Projection
Pro Comparison: Michael Brockers. Both of these defensive lineman were stout in the run game, but didn’t offer much in pass rush due to unrefined technique. The big difference between Brockers and Robinson is that Brockers was really only had one real season of experience starting for LSU, while Robinson has had three.
Whether or not Robinson will be used on passing downs will be directly related to how well he learns and applies pass rush moves. For now expect him to make an impact in run defense on first and second downs to start his career while learning pass rushing over the next year or two in the NFL.
Projected Round: 1st. There are multiple teams that could be interested in his run stuffing services. The Saints at #12 are the absolute earliest I can see him going. Other potential landing spots are the Lions at #16, Bills at #19, and Redskins at #21 with Terrance Knighton heading towards free agency.
Comparison between Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson
There are a lot of similarities between Jarran Reed and A’Shawn Robinson. Both are great run stuffers. Both are about the same height and weight, and both played primnarilly on 1st and 2nd downs in Alabama’s defense. Additionally, they both have little to no pass rushing skills.
In my opinion the difference lies between Reed’s and Robinson’s upside. Currently, I feel like Reed is a better pass rusher (marginally), but Robinson has more upside in this respect. Reed does have more potential in becoming an elite run defender, though, while showing more effort.
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