A'Shawn Robinson

A two-year starter in Alabama's 3-4 base defense, Robinson lined up everywhere from the zero- to six-technique positions on the right side of the defensive line, showing the ability to two-gap as a five-technique or anchor at nose tackle. A player with the look and power of a grown man, he was nicknamed the "man child" by his mother growing up because she literally had to keep his birth certificate in her purse to prove her son was playing in the appropriate age group. Robinson became a full-time starter in 2014 as a sophomore, recording 49 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, splitting his time between nose tackle and five-technique spots. He started all 15 games as a junior in 2015, finishing with 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks to earn First Team All-SEC honors.

in our view

A stout run defender, Robinson is raw as a pass rusher, but his production doesn't always show on the stat sheet - was mostly asked to two-gap, clog things up and occupy blockers to free up the linebackers at Alabama. He is the poster prospect for the golden rule of scouting (traits over production).

strengths

Big-boned frame with proportionate thickness throughout. Powerful core and limbs to control the point of attack and stack-and-shed. Smooth athleticism with the lateral range to mirror and scrape down the line of scrimmage in pursuit. Hip flexibility and body control to work tight spaces. Shows the ability to lock out, press the hole and make stops in the gap.

compares to

Michael Brockers, DT, Los Angeles Rams - Although he doesn't have a sky-high ceiling, Robinson should start in the NFL for a long time as a three-down defender, fitting even and odd fronts, similar to Michael Brockers when he was a mid-first round pick out of LSU.

underwhelming initial move and allows his pads to rise at contact, playing too upright and losing leverage. not an explosive athlete and more of a one-note chaser. below average pass rush skill-set, lacking the hand sequence or burst to consistently penetrate the pocket.

Thinks too much, causing him to be a step late. Needs to be more disciplined stacking the edge to hold outside contain and gain body angles. Wears himself out and just goes through the motions on several snaps. Unimpressive career production.

plays with shock in his hands to work through the trash. can sink and drive his lower body to create separation from blocks or push the pocket. strong ball awareness and backfield vision to recognize things quickly. uses his big hands and long arms to knock the ball down at the line of scrimmage. drawing constant double-teams and keep blockers busy.

WEAKNESSES

One of the elite defensive linemen in the 2013 signing class

member of the second team 2012 All-USA Football Team, chosen by USA Today

played for the West squad in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl

a five-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com

Scout.com ranked him the nation's No. 1 defensive tackle and the fifth-best player in the nation at any position

247Sports.com listed him as the country's No. 3 offensive tackle, the 26th overall prospect in the Top247 and the No. 3 player in the state of Texas

the 247Composite slotted him as the No. 2 offensive tackle, the No. 33 overall player and the No. 4 athlete in Texas

Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 2 prospect in Texas, the No. 4 defensive tackle in the nation and 33rd in the final Rivals100

Sporting News No. 32 player in the nation

ranked 11th by ESPN at defensive tackle and 13th in the state of Texas

ESPN also listed him as the No. 13 player in the Midlands Region and 105th in the ESPN 150

rated 70th nationally by Tom Lemming at MaxPreps and the No. 4 defensive tackle

No. 30 on the 2013 PrepStar Dream Team

invited to the 2012 "The Opening" all-star event on the Nike campus in Oregon

recorded over 60 tackles with seven sacks and six forced fumbles as a junior in 2011 and graded out at over 85 percent on his blocking assignments at offensive tackle

coached by Todd Whitten at Arlington Heights High School

chose the Crimson Tide over Texas while also considering Southern California, LSU, Arkansas and Florida State.