How can LA Rams reboot A’Shawn Robinson this season

Show versatility

One of the challenges with the LA Rams defensive front is the need for each player to be versatile. That is due to the fact that rotations on the defensive line may occur singularly, or in pairs. That means that while the Rams may start the game with a configuration of LDE Aaron Donald, NT A’Shawn Robinson, and RDE Sebastian Joseph Day, the Rams may bring in Greg Gaines off the bench to spell a defensive lineman. Gaines plays best at nose tackle, which will mean that Robinson will slide out to either spell Donald or SJD.

Beyond the obvious need to rotate players in and out of the defensive line, the Rams defensive front will deploy a series of stunts that serve to confuse blocking schemes. The blocking priority of almost every offensive line that the Rams will face will be Aaron Donald. So anything that the Rams defensive front can do to deceive blockers as to where Donald will appear gives the defense an advantage.

Robinson can play any 3-4 DL position

Of course, moving Donald around on the defensive front means that the Rams will need to have other players equally able to backfill the role and responsibility of the migrating Donald. Historically, Robinson has played at either defensive tackle spot in an even front. But he certainly has everything needed to slide out and be just as effective at the defensive end position if the situation warrants it.

With the current players, I expect that the Rams will be starting Aaron Donald and Sebastian Joseph-Day at the defensive ends, and A’Shawn Robinson at the nose tackle position. Right now, the Rams only have a known backup at nose tackle with Greg Gaines. But the team has plenty of players on the roster who will be eager and prepared to compete for a larger role on the team. Until they earn that larger role, Robinson will likely be spending playing time in each of the Rams defensive line positions early in the season