The upcoming NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 28 in Las Vegas, Nev. Alabama football has several players in this year’s draft, including two projected first-round picks.
The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine are doing player profiles leading up to the draft.
Brian Robinson is the fifth offensive player to profile.
Brian Robinson Jr.
-Position: Running back
-Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
-Height: 6-2
-Weight: 225 pounds
-Strengths: Competitor, powerful runner, thick build/broad chest, consistent runner behind his pads, strong contact balance (breaks tackles), developed into a starter, good cutting abilities, has pass-catching versatility (35 receptions in 2021)
-Weaknesses: Lacks explosive speed, not an elite pass-catcher, indecisive at times pressing holes
-2022 draft projection: Second to third round
2022 NFL Draft profile
Brian Robinson is a great story of someone who waited for his opportunity to be successful.
As a Tuscaloosa, he could have been a first-year starter anywhere. He chose to play at the University of Alabama and wait behind several marquee running backs. Robinson arrived in the 2017 signing class as a four-star. His production increased each season, and he became the starter for the Crimson Tide in 2021. He saw his efforts pay off with his first 1,000+ yard season (1,343) and 14 touchdowns on 271 carries. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder totaled five 100-yard games, including a 200-yard performance (206) versus Cincinnati in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. Robinson set a bowl record for Alabama for most rushing yards in a game.
He turned in a good performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, testing in the top five of his position. Robinson clocked an official time of 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He impressed scouts, coaches, and other NFL personnel, despite being a bigger back.
Robinson posted a 30″ vertical and 119 inches on his broad jump. His thick build, contact balance, and competitive fire make him a productive back. Robinson breaks tackles, possesses cutting abilities, and catches passes. He does not bring home-run speed and can be indecisive at times pressing the hole. Robinson is expected to be taken in the second or third round. Some interesting landing spots for him include the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers.
He does not bring an explosive dynamic to the table, but Robinson’s one-speed style can benefit a team with an established offensive line.
Robinson has a skill set that a few teams can get behind. It will be interesting to see which franchise gives him an opportunity.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
