Greg Robinson is one of my favorite players in this entire draft. Not only do I believe he is the best tackle prospect in recent years, I also believe he is a transcendent type of player coming into the NFL. With the athleticism of a running back and the strength of an offensive linemen, Robinson has a unique skillset that can truly be found in only a handful of players. He was a center throughout much of his college career, and this has a lot to do with how intelligent he is. Let's take a look at eDraft's official scouting report on the prospect.
College: Auburn
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 332 pounds
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Strengths
Athleticism: You knew this one was coming first. Robinson truly is one of the most explosive players in the trenches in this year's draft. He has long arms that allow him to block pass rushers, and he also can get to the next level in the running game. Athleticism is something that is extremely valuable for offensive linemen.
Balance: It is rare to see Robinson get knocked back in games. He shows excellent composure to finish off blocks. His footwork has a lot to do with his balance. Even some NFL players don't have the combination of footwork and balance that Robinson has to offer.
Competition: At Auburn, Robinson played against the SEC and he even played against Florida State. In 2013, Robinson dominated SEC defenses. He consistently outplayed his opponents on the edge. There is a reason why Robinson is such a polished prospect, and that is because he played against the best in the SEC.
Weaknesses
One-year wonder: While he was so dominant this past season, it should be noted that Robinson wasn't as impressive in previous years as he was in 2013. It may not concern some NFL teams, but teams do like consistency.
May have to play right tackle: While I do believe Robinson is going to be a stud in the NFL, I do think he will have problems right away with right defensive ends in the NFL. His athleticism tells me that he should play the right tackle position for the first few years of his career. The problem with that is that teams aren't drafting Robinson for him to be a right tackle, they are drafting him to be an immediate blindside left tackle.
Needs seasoning: Robinson could use some coaching when he gets drafted. That said, Robinson has some things he could work on. His technique is top-notch, but he is a bit of a mauler. He also needs to move better laterally.
NFL Comparison: Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys: This has been Robinson's comparison for much of the pre-draft process. There is a good reason why they two are alike, and that is their athletic ability. Both have the rare combination of intelligence and athleticism. Robinson weighs around 25 pounds more, but they both move exceptionably well for offensive linemen.
Draft Outlook
I honestly believe Robinson has surpassed Jake Matthews as the best tackle in the draft. That says a lot considering Matthews was a projected top-ten draft pick if he entered 2013's draft. Robinson will likely go in the top ten in this year's draft, and that's not a fluke. He is the real deal.
Best Fits
I look at a team like the Oakland Raiders who could select Robinson in the beginning of the draft. With Jared Veldheer signing with the Cardinals and the news of Rodger Saffold failing his physical, it is now clear more than ever that the Raiders need a left tackle to protect their franchise quarterback (whoever that may be).
Other possible fits include the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Buffalo Bills.