Greg Robinson “Not Up To Pace” on Offensive Line

Although it should be expected, at a press conference, newly drafted Rams offensive tackle Greg Robinson was quoted saying,

"“It’s frustrating that I’m not up to pace right now, because the playbook is more intense and things are changing but once I get back to where I’m comfortable, things will calm down and I can be myself out there.“"

Coming out of Auburn, Robinson was seen as mostly a run blocking tackle, meaning that his pass protection was going to be raw at first. Because of that the Rams moved Robinson inside to play guard,   because they already have two solid tackles, and playing guard would supposedly be the better move for Robinson in the long run.

Playing guard is a foreign concept to Robinson for the time being. Although he has played guard, he hasn’t played it since high school, and the competition level from high school to the NFL isn’t even comparable.

It is only OTA’s, meaning that Robinson is still just getting his feet wet and learning the system. With that, he’s doing a lot more thinking than playing. Not to mention he is standing across from one of the most terrorizing defensive line in all of football. This was something that Robinson also mentioned,

"“It’s just everything happens faster inside,” Robinson said. “Outside you have a little more time to kick. The guys are faster but these guys are just quick and trained to rush the passer. It’s just about keeping my feet working and knowing when to pull. Right now it’s a lot of thinking going on, it causes me to move a little slower. Once I get up to speed, I can move with the snap count and stuff like that.”"

Although this can be a little worrisome, it’s nothing to panic about just yet, offensive lineman making the switch from college to the NFL usually struggle as it is. Last year the top two picks Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher struggled and dealt with injuries, both finished in the bottom 25 on Pro Football Focus. To put it this way, we certainly aren’t ready to put Robinson on the Jason Smith level just yet.

It is only OTA’s and there is no question Robinson should be fine by the time the regular season comes along. Robinson has ridiculous size and athletic ability, once he can get down the switch from tackle to guard, everything should come natural to him and he can be the dominant force on the offensive line that the Rams drafted him to be.