The Redskins filled a need, possibly finding a future starter, with their second fourth-round pick when they selected linebacker Keenan Robinson.
Robinson said defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said they will play him inside, where they lack depth, and have him help on special teams. Robinson played outside at Texas, but said he played in a 3-4 scheme at Texas for three years under former coordinator Will Muschamp. He played middle linebacker this past season, starting 13 games. He stared at weakside linebacker the previous two seasons.
“When I was training for the combine I trained as an inside and outside linebacker,” he said. “I made sure I was prepared for any position a team wanted me to play.”
Switching from outside to inside, he’ll have to take on blockers differently – with both his hands and playing lower in his stance. So he focused on improving those areas in the offseason.
“I’m already strong, I’m already big, I’m already fast,” Robinson said. “But there are little things I need to work on to make sure I’m successful at my position.
“I feel like I’m one of the top coverage linebackers out there. My coverage skills will show that I can cover tight ends, I can cover backs. I can do it all. I’ll be fine in that area.”
Robinson is indeed strong, having benched 405 pounds at the end of his junior year. He said he’s also good friends with current Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo.
“I see him all the time,” he said, “especially in the offseason. I talked to him a lot. I’m grateful to play on his team and be around a great player like him.”
Here’s a scouting report on him.
