Alabama's Explosive A'Shawn Robinson Has NFL Teams On Alert
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Perhaps there's no more intimidating force in the NFL Draft than Alabama defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Robinson's a monster for an offensive line to contain. Throughout his childhood, Robinson's mother had a hard time verifying her son's age without a birth certificate, thus earning him the nickname "Man Child."
Robinson, who turns 21 later in March, has the look of a grizzled veteran. His burly beard masks the youth of his appearance. It was grown with purpose.
"I don't really smile too often," Robinson said of the beard.
Robinson's the kind of mean-looking defensive tackle who gives centers nightmares. Then the ball is snapped, and those fears come true.
The skill set of Robinson is one that has impressed NFL types. As a junior on Alabama's championship team of 2015, Robinson recorded 46 tackles, including 7.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He's a thick body with a low center of gravity and explosiveness off the line.
With each snap, Robinson is a forceful collision.
"I have strength and power," Robinson said. "Those two combined with the size I have is really great. That sets me apart from everyone else."
Robinson's versatility is key. At Alabama, he played every role on the defensive line, from the anchoring nose tackle to rushing as a 5-technique. Those skills translate to the NFL, where Robinson can work throughout a defensive line.
At the NFL Combine, Robinson was measured with extraordinarily large 10.5-inch hands. A defensive tackle uses those hands to attack, whether it's taking on a double team or grasping the pads of a lineman to gain leverage.
Playing at Alabama, Robinson was taught a motive to using his hands with force. Crimson Tide defensive line coach Bo Davis had a specific request as to how his players should attack an opponent's interior pads.
"Anybody that's ever made you mad, you try to choke them -- choke them to death," Robinson recalled of his coach's words. "Once you start squeezing, grabbing pads inside, just start squeezing, shaking the feelings out of them. That's what we try to do every time we get our hands inside."
Robinson's projected as a first-round pick with top-10 potential. He's more than just a space-eating defensive lineman -- he wants to be known as the high-motor, all-effort player who scouts dream of finding. Many teams may view Robinson as a Vince Wilfork 3-4 defensive tackle, but he likes to view his versatility like that of Warren Sapp.
Picking at No. 11 overall, the Bears could have a decision to make on Robinson. It could come down to general manager Ryan Pace balancing needs on the defensive line and at linebacker in making the pick. If he's the best player on the draft board, it will be a no-brainer. Robinson can pair well with second-year defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, picked in the second round of the 2015 draft.
Placing Robinson with Goldman on the Bears' defensive line would allow the two to complement each other, both in terms of skill, size and line flexibility. At Alabama, Robinson and Jarran Reed played off each other as a pair of first-round defensive tackle talents. Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit could benefit from a tremendous pass rusher, and Robinson feels he's a fit in the interior and end of a 3-4 defense.
Robinson believes his entire game can improve, but there's one goal in particular he's working toward. He wants to become unblockable.
"Stop patty-caking with the offensive linemen," he said. "Get off the block and go make the play."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.