PFF scouting report: A'Shawn Robinson, DE, Alabama

Here is the PFF draft profile for Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here. 

Position fit:

3-4 defensive end

Stats to know:

Finished 11^th in the nation against the run in 2015 and fourth in 2014.

What he does best:

• Moves blockers backwards
• Can shed and make plays in the run game
• Best fit as a two-gapping interior lineman, can use his power and length
• Rarely blocked out of the play, had fourth-fewest negative grades in run game among interior defensive linemen in the class
• Possibly held back by Alabama’s scheme as a pass rusher

Biggest concern:

• Lack of pass rush production for two straight years. Room to improve, but will he get there?
• Not explosive off the ball. Flashes at times, but not enough to count on as a gap shooter at the next level
• Doesn’t always feel where blocks are coming from, either double teams or cut blocks
• May be limited to two-down run stopping role at next level

Player Comparison:

Cedric Thornton, Philadelphia Eagles. Robinson and Thornton profile similarly athletically, but it’s the on-field production that makes this a good comparison. Thornton has been an excellent run defender in Philadelphia’s 3-4 scheme while lacking as a pass rusher and that’s the type of split Robinson should be expected to produce.

Bottom line:

Robinson’s size, frame, and strength may land him in the first round, and he could develop into the one of the best run defenders in the class, but a lack of pass rush production is concerning and it should limit his value.