A'Shawn Robinson NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Lions Rookie

POSITIVES

A’Shawn Robinson may only be 21 years old, but he looks like a grown man at 6’4” and 307 pounds with 34 ½”-inch arms and 10 ½-inch hands. This is what a defensive lineman should look like, and coming out of the Alabama system, Robinson is immediately ready for a role in the pros.

An ideal fit as a 3-4 defensive end, Robinson has the raw power to move the line of scrimmage off his first step. He mixes quickness with big power and will use his hands to toss away college offensive tackles when they try to initiate contact. In the run game, Robinson was rarely stopped at the line.

A natural two-gapper in Alabama's 3-4 scheme, Robinson has the size and short-area quickness to play in either a one- or two-gap scheme. His power, length and knowledge of how to disengage from blockers will be a great asset from his first day in an NFL camp.

Two years of charting Robinson’s play at Alabama leaves you wondering what if in the passing game. The scheme asked him to contain the tackle and free up his outside linebackers to make a play. His production as a pass-rusher is a negative, but this is a case of what he was asked to do versus what he can do.

NEGATIVES

Big and tall out of the gate, Robinson has to learn to control his pad height. Playing at 6’4”, he’s often taller than bigger offensive linemen because of a lack of bend in his legs and arch in his back. There are flashes of leverage from Robinson, but not too often.

Pass-rushing moves from Robinson are not yet developed, and he is likely to see a two-down role early in his pro career until he can be refined as a rusher. There he’ll have to learn to use his hands to create separation and how to move more effectively with low pads and light feet. Robinson plays bigger than he is at times, which is fine against the run but a weakness when trying to skirt by blockers.

Robinson will never bend edges and tear up the corner with speed, but can he be developed into a solid contributor on third downs? How teams answer that question will determine if they see him as a first- or second-round talent.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 307 lbs.

40 Time: 5.20s

3-Cone: 7.80s

Short Shuttle: 4.74s

PRO COMPARISON: Michael Brockers, Los Angeles Rams
FINAL GRADE: 6.99/9.00 (Round 2—Rookie Starter)