LA Rams News: Will Aaron Donald face more right tackles in 2020?

Robinson to the rescue

That may very well be the reasoning behind the LA Rams addition of undervalued A’Shawn Robinson. While Robinson did not headline the NFL highlights videos as a Detroit Lion, rest assured that he was very much discussed in offensive planning sessions as teams prepared to face him.

He is a very athletic 6-foot-4, 330-pound hulk of a man, who is athletic enough to play any position on the Rams defensive line. That’s an important attribute, as while he will likely line up in a nose tackle role for the Rams, he will likely stunt to fit a new defensive role to confuse the offense. Even more importantly, new defensive coordinator, Brandon Staley runs in the Vic Fangio defensive philosophy. It’s vital for the defense to have two powerful, jaw-shaking defensive linemen on the field.

Placing Robinson on the Rams’ defensive line will do two things: it will give opposing offenses a difficult choice as to which defender to block. If they continue to aim double and triple teams at Donald, then Robinson will be in a great position to disrupt plays over the center. The A-gaps are the most efficient route to the quarterback, and Robinson will have the front row to that route on virtually every play.

If the offense needs to shore up protection over the center, whether to slow down Robinson’s rush or to attempt a run up the middle, then Donald and teammate Michael Brockers will have an easier time of it. The Rams new 3-4 will play a role in how effective Donald is in 2020.