The Cincinnati Bengals‘ affection for Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson was one of the worst-kept secrets of draft season, but just like with Andri Iosivas a few years back, they somehow managed to land him on Day 3 without another team swooping in to take him just before their pick.
Let’s take a look to see what the Bengals like in Robinson.
Robinson may be undersized, but as you can see in this first clip, that doesn’t stop this Midshipman from dropping anchor and spitting the double team without giving up any ground. His natural leverage is evident.
In the clips after that, you get an amuse-bouche of his pass-rush juice, and man, is it juicy.
Let’s take a closer look.
You can see the explosion in his first step, and even as he pauses to set up his pass rush move, the offensive lineman is all off balance.
He then bursts by the attempted blocker with ease.
But hey, these are practice clips; let’s look at some game film.
He is the defensive tackle on the right in this clip.
You can see the athleticism as he works down the line with the wide blocking scheme. When the two blockers on him both pass him off to no one, he eats up the ball carrier for a loss.
But Matt, he doesn’t play anybody at Navy. Level of competition!
Well, here he is defeating a double team from some of the SEC’s best and brightest. He splits the double team and envelops the back for a loss.
Robinson’s amazing first step jumps off the screen in this clip. He flies through the A-gap unchallenged because he is so much quicker than the right guard. This is particularly impressive since the offense catches him mid-shift.
Robinson is a very unique player who teases Geno Atkins and Aaron Donald-like traits on the defensive interior.
