Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson’s stint with the Los Angeles Rams got off to a rocky start due to health issues last year.
The defensive front has since undergone some notable changes with the departure of Michael Brockers this offseason. Although they are still led by the best in the game in Aaron Donald, they will need some of their unproven options to step up and fill the void.
Robinson is an early favorite to fill the void left by Brockers thanks to his experience. It appears he has managed to make quite the impression in training camp.
Donald praised Robinson for his performance this offseason and expects him to play an integral on defense in the 2021 NFL season, via Greg Beacham of The Associated Press:
Aaron Donald shouts out A’Shawn Robinson as a guy who has improved in camp and who will make a big mark on the Rams’ defense. AD didn’t practice today, but he was watching A’Shawn the whole time vs the Raiders.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 19, 2021
The team’s joint practice session with the Las Vegas Raiders has given each side a chance to get player’s some quality looks. It is safe to say that Robinson did more than enough to catch Donald’s eye with his efforts up to this point.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is primed for another dominant season of terrorizing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Leonard Floyd and Sebastian Joseph-Day will be tasked with helping to lead the pass rush alongside him.
However, the onus is going to fall on Robinson to serve as a much-needed run-stuffer in place of Brockers. Any potential contributions he may have in the sack department will just be icing on the cake for the Rams.
There is good reason to be optimistic given Robinson’s previous stint as an interior stalwart with the Detroit Lions. Not only that, but this defense proved to be quite stingy on the ground last year after giving up the third-fewest rushing yards per game (91.3).
If the Rams are going to replicate their success, they will surely need Robinson to continue making strides moving forward.
