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

With the Giants in need of a running back, Nick Falato looks at what Alabama's Brian Robinson can bring to an offense.

Brian Robinson Jr., RB

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

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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

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

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

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

• 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

Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

• 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

Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports

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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