2022 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: RB Brian Robinson, Jr, Alabama

Brian Robinson Jr., RB

Height: 6’1
Weight: 226 lbs.
Class: RS-Senior
School: Alabama

A former four-star recruit out of Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Robinson was the eighth-ranked running back and the sixth Alabama prospect in the 2017 class. Robinson has a relatively clean bill of health; he dealt with bruised ribs and a pulled muscle in his leg in 2021. Robinson is a two-time College Football National Champion (2017 & 2020).

Notables

Robinson played behind some of the top backs currently in the NFL while at Alabama; he waited his turn and was the impact starter in 2021. He won the Cotton Bowl Classic MVP for Alabama’s 27-6 win over Cincinnati.

Robinson had 26 carries for 204 yards in that game. He finished his senior season with 271 carries for 1,343-yards and 14 touchdowns. He didn’t put the ball on the ground one time, and he averaged 3.29-yards after contact.

Robinson finished his five years at Alabama with 2,702 rushing yards (5.0 YPC) with 29 touchdowns. He wasn’t used much as a receiving threat other than his final year, where he had 35 catches on 38 targets for 296-yards and two touchdowns. Robinson was All-SEC first-team and earned a trip to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he had a solid week of practice.

Strengths

A physical, broad, RB with good size/thickness
Good footwork when pressing the LOS
Has solid one-cut to daylight ability
Light on his feet, is nimble for a bigger back
Feet are active and ready to change direction
Solid overall vision when reacting to what he sees
Smart RB who knows when to take available yardage and when to extemporize
Reads his blocks and has a solid jump-cut move to find space
Uses a good juke/jump-cut at second level to spoil pursuing defenders
Runs right through arm tackle attempts
Excellent contact balance - will make defenders look feeble when he does lower his shoulder with a full head of steam
Excellent play strength - trucking ability
Does excellent in passing protection; physically imposing, smart to locate
Good ball security, didn’t fumble during his senior season

Weaknesses/Can Improve

Ran behind one of the best offensive lines in the nation
Was only a one-year starter
Is about to turn 23-years-old
Is more upright than desired
Explosiveness is only adequate
Not the best athlete at RB
Isn’t a home run hitter
Doesn’t have second-gear to his speed
His receiving ability won’t be dynamic in the NFL

Summary

Overall, Brian Robinson Jr. is a physical upright runner who lacks elite athletic ability, but possesses the desired contact balance, footwork, and pass protection skills to be a solid NFL contributor.

I wish he was more of a threat as a receiver to really make him a three-down weapon, however. I also appreciate how he’s a bigger back with nimble feet. Robinson could be an excellent value if he finds himself on Day 3, which could happen.

GRADE: 6.28

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