Defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson has signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Here are five key things you should know about him:
1) An "athletic" 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive lineman
Don't let Robinson's size fool you.
"Pure power to toss a one-on-one block aside," NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote on Robinson's 2016 profile. "Athletic enough to give reasonable chase to the ball."
That athleticism likely comes from Robinson's high school sports background. At Arlington Heights High School outside of Dallas, he played on the football team's offensive and defensive line while also competing on the varsity basketball team and track and field team.
During his junior season at the University of Alabama, he blocked an extra point attempt by leaping over the long snapper and was the lead blocker for two of running back Derrick Henry's three short-yardage touchdowns in a 30-16 win over LSU.
2) Run stopper
When searching for the value Robinson brings to Los Angeles' run defense, look no further than his third season with the Detroit Lions.
In its 2018 season recap for the Lions, service Pro Football Focus (PFF) dubbed Robinson as the team's Breakout Player/Secret Superstar.
"Robinson may have played limited snaps, but he earned a grade over 90.0 for his work in run defense," PFF wrote, ultimately giving Robinson a 91.3 grade in that category. It ended up as the sixth-highest run defense grade by an interior defensive lineman.
3) Comes from winning pedigree at college level
Robinson won a national championship at the University of Alabama during his third and final season at the collegiate level. When it comes to individual accomplishments, he earned consensus All-American honors and was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, given annually to the nation's best interior lineman in college football
The Crimson Tide went 37-5 overall during the three-year span Robinson was a part of the program.
4) Makes plays in the passing game, too
The lone defensive score on Robinson's NFL resume is a pick-six against the New Orleans Saints in 2017 (see below). He also has five career sacks and 16 career pass breakups.
5) Once regarded as a top-50 draft prospect
Sports Illustrated compiled SI 50 – its top 50 players for the NFL Draft – in 2016, and Robinson checked in at No. 16.
Author Doug Farrar's pro comparison inside that article is a new teammate of his – defensive tackle Michael Brockers.
