New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Profile: A’Shawn Robinson

The atrocious year the New Orleans Saints experienced on the defensive side of the ball has them in a desperate scramble for defensive superstars. A’Shawn Robinson could potentially give the Saints the massive run-stuffer in the middle that they have been missing.

We continue our New Orleans Saints draft profile series with the talented defensive tackle out of Tuscaloosa — A’Shawn Robinson. Robinson is one of the most powerful interior defensive lineman in the incoming rookie class.

Measurables:
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 307 LBS
Arm length: 34 1/2 inches
Hands: 10 1/2 inches

Scouting Combine Results:
40-yard dash: 5.20 seconds
Bench press (225 LBS): 22 reps
Vertical: 26 inches
Broad Jump: 106 inches

Analysis:
A product of the NFL defensive superstar machine that is the University of Alabama, AShawn Robinson is a powerful defensive linemen with the ability to play on the interior and on the edge.

Robinson regularly drew double teams against opposing offenses as he has a dangerous bull rush and enough raw power to toss aside blockers one on one. He has a strong punch and thick legs to keep him from being moved easily.

Robinson is athletic and quick for a defensive lineman and is at his best when defending the run. He does, however, need to do a better job with his technique at the NFL level. His effort is inconsistent and he doesn’t always play with the correct pad level.

He isn’t a very good edge rusher and is content to stay with his blocker rather than attempt to release and get past him when the initial rush stalls.

Watch Robinson help Alabama shutdown superstar running back Leonard Fournette and LSU, courtesy of DraftBreakdown.com:

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How he fits with the New Orleans Saints:
Several analysts believe that A’Shawn Robinson to the New Orleans Saints would be a good fit. He has the experience in a two-gap scheme and would plug a hole in the Saints run defense.

He won’t be an effective pass rusher his first year in the NFL, but the 20-year old will eat up double teams and allow players like Cam Jordan and Hau’oli Kikaha to have an easier time getting to the quarterback.

Robinson’s versatility along the defensive line will be an important factor to consider as it will give defensive coordinator Dennis Allen flexibility in his schemes.

Robinson is a clear first-round pick and one of the top defensive tackles in this draft class. His technique may be raw, but he has the potential to develop into a star down the road.