Alton Robinson Bringing the Edge Rush

Photo Credit: Charles Wainwright Photography

Alton Robinson had a rocky start in his early college career due to off-field issues. He had a scholarship from Texas A&M but Robinson faced a robbery charge after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend before going. This cost him the A&M offer. The charge was later dismissed.

He signed with Northeast Oklahoma A&M and earned second-team all-conference honors and ranked third among junior college players with 14 sacks. Syracuse gave him a chance, and he started 10 of 12 games. Alton played tallied up 30 tackles, six for loss, and five sacks. Robinson garnering second-team All-ACC honors and was named the Syracuse Orange‘s Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman after posting a team-high 17 tackles for loss and 10 sacks (ranking second in the conference) in 12 starts. He earned honorable mention all-conference selection with 46 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three pass breakups in 12 starts as a senior.

Alton Robinson has the potential to become a disruptive factor in NFL backfields with a skilled approach. Robinson has the burst and bend to become a premier pass rusher. He will be able to grow as a player in a Jim Schwartz led defense. This would allow him to make his counters become less predictable. Alton has strength but could use work on his technique. For more NFL draft coverage click here.

Strengths

Possesses traits for NFL disruption
Great Initial movements
Anticipates snap and rockets upfield
Speed, bend, and agility to flatten to QB in a hurry
Seeks out strip-sack opportunities
Elusive when allowed to play in gaps
Can’t be left unblocked on the backside
Captures backs before they hit the hole
Low pads and fluid lateral transitions for B-gap attack

Weaknesses

Below-average length along the edge
Needs to be more explosiveness into blockers
Footwork can use work
Needs the discipline to control the throttle
Rush is speed reliant and lacks diversity Quick hands need to become deliberate and violent

Al Zaffiri

Al is one of the two co-creators of Edge of Philly Sports. Al started radio and podcasting in 2012 and covering sports in 2015. A lifelong Philly sports fan since watching the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers with his grandfathers at age 7. Al always looks at the other side of the hot topics and gives his different outlook on those topics. Web and Graphic Design.