Standing at 6’5” and weighing 320 pounds, Greg Robinson is a “grown-ass man”. If Jadaveon Clowney is this year’s defensive “freak of nature” draft prospect, then Robinson is clearly the offensive version.
Will Robinson's upside be enough to overtake Jake Matthews as the first tackle chosen in the 2014 NFL Draft?“Not too many 325-pound guys can move like him,” Eric Metz, Robinson’s agent, said. “Best I’ve ever seen in person.”
Texas A&M tackle, Jake Matthews has long been considered the best tackle in the 2014 draft, as the senior has consistently proven to be fundamentally sound, possessing all key ingredients necessary of an NFL left tackle. But as polished and proven as Matthews certainly is, most analysts feel Greg Robinson has the highest upside of any tackle in this draft. With only one year as a starter, Robinson improved dramatically from the beginning of the season, when few if any analysts predicted the Auburn tackle would vie for a top five draft selection.
When the NFL Combine concludes on February 25th, the question will be ‘were scouts sold enough on Robinson’s athletic ability and upside to pass on a proven commodity like Jake Matthews’? He will no doubt show to be more of an impressive athlete, likely besting Matthews on many of the combine drills. Known during his time with the Tigers as a “mauler”, can Robinson show lateral fluidity and remain comfortable in space? Will his footwork and technique be sufficient enough to prove his worth at the next level?
My guess is that Robinson does not make it past the Atlanta Falcons at the number 6 pick. Some mock drafts have him as high as the number 2 overall pick while others have him falling to the Buffalo Bills at number 9. My fear is that in the high stakes National Football League, will a General Manager risk passing on a proven commodity like Jake Matthews, and take the risk that comes with selecting Robinson? More times than not, the GM will take the safe route, recognizing that the risk/reward for the particular player also adds the same risk/reward to his job security with his team.
One thing is certain: whoever does select Robinson will be drafting a giant of a man who brings incredible power, physicality, and relentlessness. I’m sure football fans everywhere would love to add more of “that” to their team.