NFL Draft: A’Shawn Robinson Selected 46th Overall by Lions

Former Alabama defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 46th pick during the second round in the 2016 NFL Draft.

ICYMI: Reggie Ragland Selected 41st Overall by Bills

Ever since Nick Saban began his career at Alabama, Alabama consistently has had one of the top if not the top rated defenses in the country. Part of the reason Alabama and head coach Nick Saban has had so much success on the defensive side of the ball is because of physical beasts on the defensive line like that of defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson.

Robinson has played three years for Nick Saban and the Tide and has given us all another reason to believe that Nick Saban is indeed a defensive genius. Robinson ended his career at Alabama with a total of 133 tackles with 49 of those tackles being solo tackles alone. The defensive tackle sacked the quarterback nine times while at Alabama for a total of 53 yards. In addition, Robinson also has 5 pass deflections and 1 forced fumble in which he recovered.

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Physical beast may be an understatement when you talk about this athlete. Robinson stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 307-pounds. I wouldn’t want to go up against him if I was an opposing offense. Robinson was named a 2015 Consensus All-American and was one of the three finalists for the 2015 Outland Trophy which is given annually to the nation’s top interior lineman whether it be offense or defense. For the past several weeks. The following are NFL.com’s strengths and weaknesses of A’Shawn Robinson.

Strengths

NFL.com praised Robinson’s build as a defensive lineman stating, “Well proportioned with powerful tree trunk legs makes it tough to move him off the spot.” His tackling ability was also praised as they stated that running backs do not break his tackles and that he does not fail when he is locked in on a target.” Good pass rusher. He was described as a “boss man” in the locker room and in practice by holding his teammates accountable. NFL.com believes he is a brute force who will be an NFL power immediately.

Weaknesses

I know it’s hard for us to think of any flaws when it comes to any of our players, especially one as accomplished as Robinson. However, NFL.com reported this as his weaknesses. “Pad level is his arch enemy. Plays too upright when asked to move. Looks to have flexibility to drop his pads, but doesn’’t do it enough. Should be more consistent against double teams. Doesn’’t impose his will as often as he could. Basic pass rusher without a winning, go-­to move or effective counter. Straight-­liner who cranks up initial push as bull-­rusher, but stalls out due to leverage loss. Needs to play with wider base to improve balance and base. Able to get upfield as an edge rusher, but rarely turns corner. Too content to lay on blocks when rush stalls rather than spin underneath or unleash a club move. Doesn’’t play with the quickness or forward lean to threaten edges and win in the gaps.”

More crimson tide: Derrick Henry Selected 45th Overall by Titans

A’Shawn Robinson has given Alabama fans so much during his time in Tuscaloosa. We would like to wish him the best of luck as he goes on to play in the NFL for Lions.