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Of the Bengal fans (myself included) who don't want to see a wide receiver selected in the first round, most have come to a consensus that selecting a defensive tackle would be a wise idea. And at the defensive tackle position, Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson is about as good as it gets. To me, Robinson is easily one of the three defensive tackles that would make the most sense for Cincinnati, if the Bengals were to go defensive tackle in the first round. The only question is whether he'll be available with the 24th pick.
A'Shawn Robinson
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 307 lbs
Arm length: 34 1/2
Hands: 10 1/2
College: Alabama
Class: Junior
40 dash: 5.20
Bench press: 22 reps
Vert jump: 26.0"
Broad jump: 106.0"
3 cone: 7.80
20 yard shuffle: 4.74
NFL Comparisons
- John Henderson (NFL) If you don't know who John Henderson is, watch this video. You're welcome.
- Michael Brockers (CBS Sports)
- Marcel Dareus (Walter Football)
Robinson compared to other defensive tackles, per Mock Draftable
Robinson's teammate, Jarran Reed, is also considered one of the best defensive tackle prospects in this year's draft class, and both players will likely come off the board in the first round. The last time two defensive tackles from the same school were taken in the first round occurred in 2002, when Tennessee's Albert Haynesworth and the aforementioned John Henderson both came off the board in Round 1. In 2001, Georgia's Richard Seymour and Marcus Stroud also both went in the first round. All four of those players had respectable careers, so it's entirely possible that Robinson and Reed will succeed in the NFL.
College Stats
| G | Solo | Ast | Total | TFL | Sack | PD | FF | FR | |
| 2013 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 38 | 8 | 5.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 | 16 | 33 | 49 | 6.5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 18 | 28 | 46 | 7.5 | 3.5 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 39 | 51 | 82 | 133 | 22 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
Scouting Report Consensus - What to like
- Rare athleticism, quickness for a defensive tackle
- Great strength, bull rush
- Versatile along the defensive line
- Tough run defender, not just a pure run-stuffer
- Commanding locker room presence
- Struggled with inconsistency
- Needs to improve pad level
- Not a weak pass-rusher, but needs to develop more moves
- Needs to work on gap penetration
- Edge-rushing ability is weak for such a high-profile player
Scouting Report Consensus - What not to like
Projected Round:
Round 1
Conclusion:
Robinson would be the first defensive tackle off the board if not for inconsistencies in his game. Plenty of people will disagree with me, but I fully believe that he's the better player of the two Alabama defensive tackles, and I'd expect him to fit in with the Bengals much better than Jarran Reed would. (I'd still love to see Reed in the first round if he's available; I just like Robinson better.) Robinson is raw, but he could still make an impact in limited snaps. I could envision him filling Wallace Gilberry's past role as the nickel defensive tackle, and when Domata Peko's time is up, Robinson could potentially become a three-down defensive tackle in Cincinnati.
If Robinson were to fall to the 24th pick, I'd strongly consider taking him. Only the availability of a solid defensive back, linebacker or defensive end would make me think twice before taking Robinson, and even if that were to happen, Robinson could be the best fit.