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Seahawks rookie defensive end Alton Robinson is quickly making a name for himself

By Geoff Shull

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 26: Defensive End Alton Robinson #94 of the Syracuse Orange during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 26, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Orange 35 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 26: Defensive End Alton Robinson #94 of the Syracuse Orange during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 26, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Orange 35 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Seahawks rookie defensive end Alton Robinson is impressing thus far in training camp. It is early, yet there is tons of untapped potential.

The Seahawks entered the off-season with a massive need on the defensive line. In turn, they signed two-speed rushers in Benson Mayowa and Bruce Irvin. They then followed this up with selecting Darrell Taylor and Alton Robinson in the draft. Thus far, these moves look phenomenal.

A quick note on Mayowa. He is impressing coaches and players alike. His performance thus far reminds me of Chris Clemons coming to the Seahawks. Both entering their age 29 seasons. Both had accumulated only 20 sacks to that point in their careers. We all know Clemons became a star for the Seahawks (33.5 sacks over the next 3 seasons). Expect a big year for Mayowa.

However, Mayowa cannot do it all himself. The Seahawks are known for rotating guys on the defensive line a lot. They do this to keep them fresh and help avoid injuries. The team desperately needs some of the younger players to step up. Thus far, Alton Robinson is doing just that.

All it took was one day of padded practices to get some buzz brewing. Coach Pete Carroll said he can recall four to five plays where he was near dominated rushing the passer. This is huge. I was very worried about Robinson after reports came out saying he showed up to camp overweight.

It appears thus far, it hasn’t affected him in the least. If anything, it seems it is helping. It is obviously early in the process, but this is a very big development. Robinson has always been talented. However, he has had some serious red flags that hurt caused him to be a fifth-round pick.

He originally had an offer to play in college at Texas A&M. However, that offer was pulled after a second-degree robbery charge. He then signed with a smaller school in Syracuse. During his 3 year career playing for the Orange, he amassed 32 tackles for a loss and 19 sacks. This included a monster 2018 season where he had 17 TFL and 10 sacks.

Teams pegged Robinson as a likely day two pick after his dominate 2018 season. However, he regressed. In 2019 his stats were nearly cut in half (9 TFL, 4 sacks). Between the inconsistency and off the field issues, teams were wary of investing in him come draft day. The Seahawks don’t shy away from a controversial talent.  Seattle selected him in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL draft.

A couple of notes from Robinson’s draft profile:

  • Prototypical DE size at 6’3″ and 265lbs.
  • Explosive athlete.
    • 4.69-second 40-yard dash (90th percentile).
    • 35.5 inch vertical (88th percentile).
    • 119″ broad jump (84th percentile).
    • 4.32-second short shuttle (84th percentile).
  • Solid understanding of gap discipline.
  • Great bend.
  • Effective pass rush toolbox.
  • Inconsistent motor.
  • Inconsistent technique.
  • Explosive first step.
  • Bottomed out floor, sky-high ceiling.

Next. 3 reasons Seahawks might not reach potential in 2020. dark

If the Seahawks can tap into his potential, he can be a star. His closest comp athletically came to Yannick Ngakoue. While it is early in the process. Alton Robinson is truly a guy to keep your eye on.

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