With the 98th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected Alabama running back Brian Robinson.
Robinson patiently waited for his turn in Tuscaloosa -- his hometown -- and when it finally came, he made the most of it. A fifth-year graduate student in 2021, Robinson took over the starting role and showed maybe he should have seen more touches sooner.
The bruising big back racked up over 1,600 yards from scrimmage, the bulk of it -- 1,343 yards -- coming on the ground. He saved arguably his best for one of the Crimson Tide's biggest games, going for over 200 yards in a national semifinal contest against Cincinnati.
Here's all you need to know about B-Rob:
Measurables: 6'2"/225
School: Alabama
2021 stats: 14 games; 271 carries, 1,343 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 14 rushing touchdowns; 35 receptions, 296 receiving yards, 8.5 yards per catch, 2 touchdown receptions
Accolades: 2021 First-team All-SEC; 2021 Cotton Bowl MVP
Strengths:
- Prototypical big-back size
- Durable, bruising "bell cow" ballcarrier
- Punishes smaller tacklers
- Downhill runner
- Solid in pass protection
- Adequate hands as a pass-catcher on screens and dump-offs
- Projects as a three-down RB
- Nimble feet for a man his size
- One-year starter arrives in NFL relatively well-rested after four years as a backup
Weaknesses:
- One-cut runner
- Lacks breakaway speed
- Needs a clear runway to build up momentum
- Big target with upright running style could make him vulnerable to big hits
- Sometimes shows indecisiveness at the point of attack
NFL comp:
We're not predicting Robinson will have a career approaching anything like that of Adrian Peterson, but there are some similarities in physical attributes and running style. While Robinson lacks Peterson's breakaway speed, he has the same size and punishing mentality that made AP one of the game's top running backs for a long time.
What experts are saying:
"He is a linear runner who is likely to be utilized as a complementary bulldozer to help wear down defenses, but Robinson might have more potential from sideline to sideline than he receives credit for." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Though there are some improvements needed to his technique, his three-down skill set and punishing style of play should allow him to make an immediate impact at the next level, making him a steal if he’s still on the board on Day 3." -- Natalie Miller, Draft Wire
Tape:
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