2017 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

The New York Giants’ needs along the offensive line are one of the most common topics of conversation regarding the team thus far in the 2017 off-season.

Alabama’s Cam Robinson was considered the prohibitive “best” offensive tackle in this draft class at the start of the season, and he his now being talked about as a potential convert to guard. Could he fill either of the Giants’ needs?

Measurables

Pros

• Great frame with prototypical size and bulk.
• Appears to have long arms and carries his weight well.
• Plays with a wide base and can re-anchor if initially beaten.
• Powerful run blocker who can open a hole even if he isn’t in great position.
• Initially plays with good pad level and can dig defenders out of holes.

Cons

• Quick to turn his base perpendicular to the line of scrimmage.
• Can be stiff in pass protection, lunging at defenders.
• Hands drift wide, giving up his chest to pass rushers.
• Shows a tendency to dip his head into contact, and he can lose track of defenders when he is on the move.
• Arrested on marijuana and weapons charges in the spring of 2016. Teams will have to double check for any character concerns

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Robinson is a tough evaluation, especially from a New York Giants’ perspective.

Technique-wise he is definitely ahead of where Ereck Flowers was coming out of Miami. However, he has enough traits in common with the Giants’ left tackle that he gives me pause. Both players have great frames and are absolute bulls in the run game. But like Flowers, there are flaws in his game that are jarring and could be problems at the next level, when he no longer has an overwhelming physical advantage over defenders.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 31st overall

CBS Sports - 32nd overall

Draft Countdown - 7th overall

Draft Tek - 35th overall

Final Thoughts

One of the surprises of Mike Mayock’s initial positional rankings was his listing of Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson as an offensive guard and not a tackle. However on later rankings he rocketed to the top of the tackle rankings.

While Robinson absolutely looks the part of a franchise left tackle, on the hoof there is a disconnect between his potential and his current reality. That’s not to say that he can’t iron out his deficiencies and reach his full upside. However, as the Giants’ own Ereck Flowers has shown, that can be easier said than done.

Ultimately, where he is drafted will reflect where teams think his future is, and whether or not they think he can be that franchise left tackle.