Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
![Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Cam Robinson (74) blocks against Michigan State Spartans defensive end Lawrence Thomas (8) in the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Cam Robinson (74) blocks against Michigan State Spartans defensive end Lawrence Thomas (8) in the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/783e7dbcec611bab066f5632c5093c17eee1989c6a9825965d17f8857a24869e.jpg)
Cam Robinson, a five-star recruit out of West Monroe, Louisiana was one of the most highly sought after prospects in the high school class of 2014, ultimately choosing Alabama over the Louisiana State Univeristy.
Robinson was the first player since Andre Smith in 2006 to start all 14 games as a true freshman for the Alabama Crimson Tide and his performance over the past two years shutting down NFL caliber pass rushers like Dante Fowler Jr. and Myles Garrett has cemented his status as a blue chip prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft class.
Robinson has had some off the field concerns which has put his draft stock into question but his potential to be a franchise type left tackle remains unmistakable.
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Measurables
Position: OT
Year: Junior
Height: 6’ 6’’
Weight: 327 pounds
Strengths
The obvious standout in Cam Robinson’s game is his run blocking. He fires off the line of scrimmage and drives defenders out of the play, creating running lanes. His run blocking ability is especially highlighted as a result of Nick Saban’s run heavy offense. One thing you have to appreciate is how often Cam Robinson has faced off with NFL competition facing off with the likes of Dante Fowler Jr, Shilique Calhoun, Myles Garrett, Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd, Daeshon Hall, Derek Barnett and Lewis Neal in his time sporting Crimson Tide colours.
Cam Robinson is agile enough to get to the second level and take out linebackers and while his athleticism is not to the level of a Laremy Tunsil, his foot quickness is good enough to get the job done. Cam Robinson has the motor to finish every block and shows the effort to continue blocking on broken plays, there were plenty of plays on tape where the Crimson Tide could have lost five yards but Cam Robinson’s effort to keep blocking helped quarterback Jacob Coker gain a few extra yards.
Cam Robinson displays a strong punch that jolts defenders at the initial meeting, he also shows the ability to utilize his punch to keep opposing defenders in control. Cam Robinson’s awareness isn’t ideal for a high draft pick but that is something that can be improved upon. He shows the ability to execute combination blocks.
Weaknesses
Cam Robinson has poor technique, especially in pass blocking. Too often, he tends to lunge on his blocks and loses his balance and either fall downs or the defender just simply sheds the block because of his poor balance. Cam Robinson also struggles to maintain his blocks in pass protection.
His foot quickness could stand to improve if he drops an extra 20-25 pounds. Cam Robinson has some off-the-field question marks as he was arrested in May for possession of marijuana, illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen gun and while he was not prosecuted for the arrest, it remains to be seen if he will be disciplined by the University of Alabama for the incident and players have fallen in the NFL draft for far lesser transgressions.
Summary
-Tends to overextend and lunge on blocks, losing balance and making it easier for defenders to shed blocks
-Packs a strong punch to shock defenders at point of attack.
-Moves defenders out of the play in running game and creates running lanes
-Needs to improve on sustaining blocks in pass protection
-Gets to the second level and makes blocks with regularity
-A ‘dirtbag’ with the motor to play to the whistle and finish every block
-The feel to make combination blocks
-Played against top-tier competition in a pro-style offense
-Shows effort to continue blocking on blocking plays
-Sloppy technique and footwork at times
Projection
While Cam Robinson displays all the potential required to be a top-tier franchise left tackle in the NFL with his combination of size and power, he will need to improve on his technique and footwork to put all the pieces together and achieve his potential in the National Football League.
I fully expect him to be a top 15 pick in the 2017 NFL draft.