Alabama football’s Brian Robinson needs more love
The 2022 NFL Draft is weeks away, and plenty of Alabama football superstars are going to find new homes. The Tide have two locks to go in the first round, and plenty of stars will hear their names called on Day 2. One player flying under the radar is Brian Robinson.
Robinson is a fringe Day 2 prospect. He will likely hear his name called in the fourth or fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. There are a few reasons why Robinson isn’t receiving more hype, and some of the criticism is warranted.
Robinson is 23, which is old for a rookie running back. Most backs leave for the NFL as soon as they are eligible, but Robinson played for Alabama football for five years. He also lacks in pass protection, which is one of the most important pieces to a running back’s game. He dives at knees to get blocks instead of squaring up on rushers, which is a sign that he can’t sustain a block without resorting to a cut block.
Still, Robinson is a valuable asset in this draft. He won’t go early, so there is no pressure for him to be the lead back on a team. While he is older, he has plenty of tread on the tires because he only started for one season with Alabama football. He proved his ability to catch balls out of the backfield, and his size and strength make him the perfect back to change the pace in most NFL systems.
Robinson is going to make an NFL team very happy, and they are going to get a steal. Younger, more well-rounded backs will go above him, but he will be a key contributor on Day 3 of the NFL Draft with a solid chance of becoming a starter at some point during his rookie contract. That is the definition of value in the NFL Draft.