Lions Draft A’Shawn Robinson in the Second Round

Ashawn Robinson was a consensus all-American for the Crimson Tide in 2015. He was selected as one of three finalists for the Outland trophy, given to College Football’s top lineman on either side of the ball. His statistics were impressive for a defensive tackle; he posted 46 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, with 10 quarterback hurries, two pass break ups and a forced fumble. Robinson was also named a Bednarik Award semifinalist, and earned defensive player of the week accolades from the Alabama coaching staff against Middle Tennessee, Ole Miss, Georgia, Arkansas, and LSU in 2015. On a defense that included other defensive players such as fellow 2016 draftees Reggie Ragland and Jarran Reed.

“A’Shawn will call you out on anything if he feels it’s not right. He helps run the team.” Reggie Ragland

Why did the Lions Draft A’Shawn Robinson?

If you were to picture in your mind, the perfect interior defensive lineman; Robinson is is not far off the mark. He is a big man at 6’4″ and 307 lbs, with immense power. Robinson excels at holding the point of attack, and often breaking through the line when doubled. This is a player that pushes the pocket in to a quarterback’s face, preventing opposing QB’s from simply stepping up to avoid the Lions furious rush off the edge. When A’Shawn Robinson gets a hold of a player, they do not break free, he is one of the surest tacklers in the run game that the 2016 draft class has to offer. Robinson has the ability to immediately step in to the three down defensive tackle rotation, and should slide in beside Haloti Ngata as the starting set of Defensive Tackles. Can you hear that? That’s every running back in the NFC North contemplating retirement.

This pick gets an A, it fits a huge need, and it can be argued that Robinson was among the best players available. He’s not the flashiest player, but he’ll be a solid contributor for a very long time.

For his combine numbers and other measurables, follow this link..

Now go call in to the DLPod live draft party, and get on /r/detroitlions to let everyone know what a great day this is. Merry Draftmas, my friends.