It seems like clockwork that the Alabama Crimson Tide are able to develop a running back for the NFL Draft. Following in the footsteps of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris, just to mention a few, is Brian Robinson Jr. Added to the 2022 Senior Bowl roster, Brian Robinson Jr will have a chance to put his talent on display in front on NFL scouts and coaches. In this scouting report, we’ll breakdown what makes Brian Robinson Jr a target in the NFL Draft, as how as how his skills and traits will translate to the next level.
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Brian Robinson Jr. 40 Time
At the NFL Combine, I would expect to see him run a time between 4.58-4.62. Once a track athlete in high school, it is fair to wonder where all that speed went. Currently, Robinson Jr. is a slow starting, physical running back who doesn’t have a great top speed. On the lower end for a running back, he just doesn’t have a lot of juice in the open field.
Brian Robinson Jr. Injury History
Towards the end of the season in 2021, Brian Robinson Jr suffered a pulled leg muscle in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. This impacted his performance in the SEC Championship game against Georgia, although he was still a key factor in Alabama’s win. He has been able to rest as he prepares for the College Football Playoff, so he should be a much more impactful player to close out the season.
Brian Robinson Jr. Scouting Report
Pros
- Jumpcut And Burst Is Very Good
- Fights For Yards In Short-Yardage Situations
- Good Vision
Cons
- Long Speed Is A Question
- Slow To Accelerate
- Pad Level And Tackle-Breaking In The Open Field
Brian Robinson Jr is a five-year contributor for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He had an increased role in 2019 and 2020, but truly broke out this season under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. When compared to the league average for the position, he has good height and weight for the running back position. However, his predicted 40 time is much lower than the position’s average in the NFL.
One of the many backs for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Brain Robinson Jr. certainly looks the part at 6’1” and 225 pounds. In his senior season, Robinson posted 1,071 yards and 14 touchdowns helping his team to a spot in the college football playoffs. A senior, Robinson will finish his college career with over 500 carries.
As noted, Robinson is a big running back so he is a quality option between the tackles, especially in short-yardage areas. Deployed in the red zone often at Alabama, it seemed as if Robinson always found a way to convert. In addition to being a load to tackle, he runs with good power and fights for yards in between the tackles. He also sees holes quite well and does a good job of bursting through them. His footwork is consistently good in this regard as he gets north easily and can leave defenders looking silly with his jump cuts. Robinson shows a willingness as a pass blocker as well but will need more work at it in the NFL. Had 32 catches his senior year.
Brain Robinson just simply isn’t a game-changing athlete. He is certainly on the slow end of the spectrum for running backs and he is very slow in getting to his top speed. In the NFL, this will stand out even more. In addition, he does not run with great pad level in the open field which leads to him not finishing runs with much aggression. For a running back of his size, you would like to see him run more aggressively and break more tackles than he does. Caught a lot of passes his senior year but did not run a wide variety of routes.
Brian Robinson Jr. NFL Draft Projection
In the NFL, Brian Robinson Jr. has a murky projection. As noted, he lacks appealing traits that NFL scouts seek. These are explosiveness and high-end athletic ability. Currently, I would view Brian Robinson Jr. as a day three pick. I just don’t believe he has the athletic ability to last long-term in the NFL. One potential fit could be the Tennessee Titans. They could spell Derrick Henry with Robinson Jr. I could see Robinson fitting in as his carries would be limited. Brian Robinson Jr will have the opportunity to raise his draft stock at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile.
