March 30th, 2012 
Jeremy Fuchs 
Posted in 
KEENAN ROBINSON, OLB, TEXAS
TRIANGLE NUMBERS: 6-3, 242, 4.79
SCOUTING REPORTS:
NFP:
Possesses a strong, athletic looking frame with good girth through his lower half. Is an explosive, quick-twitch backer who displays a good first step when asked to close on the football. Gets up to speed quickly and generates “plus” power into contact. Displays the closing range to routinely knife his way into the backfield and make plays off his frame. Exhibits only average instincts however, at times is slow to react to the run game, will take some bad angles in pursuit and doesn’t do a great job using his hands to take on blocks. Needs to do a better job sitting into his stance into contact. Too often bends at the waist and uncoils into contact a bit straight-legged. Doesn’t possess great balance when asked to breakdown, throws himself toward the action and will create some impact plays, but also will end up on the ground too often at times missing on ball carriers. Can be overwhelmed on contact when asked to take on lineman and/or sealed from the play.
Displays good body control and coordination in coverage. Keeps his feet under him and can re-direct and close. At times will turn his back when asked to run vertically and doesn’t see the football. But exhibits good range/closing speed down the field. Drives quickly on throws under him in zone coverage and will create a snap on contact. However, isn’t overly instinctive and doesn’t always trust what he sees in zone. Is a reactive player, doesn’t get many early jumps on the football and needs to see the ball come out before he’s able to try to make a play. Ends up playing the man mostly because of it and not the ball.
Impression: An explosive kid with some natural burst to his game. Isn’t overly instinctive and doesn’t take on blocks overly well, but is a good fit in more of a run and hit scheme because he possesses very good natural range. A potential starter in the NFL .
Upside:
• Outstanding athlete
• Terrific body length
• Very fluid mover
• Agile, light on feet
• Outstanding range
• Good man-cover skill
• Nice eyes in zones
• Can run with backs
Downside:
• Not physical
• Shies from contact
• Lacks football savvy
• Inconsistent, leaky tackler
• Soft playing temperament
• Marginal hand use — easily walled off
The Way We See It:
A finesse, run-around 4-3 weak-side linebacker with terrific movement skill, range, athletic ability and overall length. Has clear starting physical traits. Can excel in coverage and minimally fit as a nickel linebacker.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Keenan Robinson started for three years at inside linebacker, but will likely move outside when entering the NFL. Robinson is a well-balanced player with adequate speed and good strength. He is a quick-twitch guy who can generate big hits. Robinson is above average in coverage and plays with patient feet. Doesn’t get out of control or lean and he does well to stay in his drop.
He’s not instinctive in spite of his great first step. Can’t feel his way through a crowd consistently and gets lost in the pile. He’s not a technician as a tackler. Robinson is looking to take guys out, rather than take them down. He’ll need to tweak his fundamentals and learn to not just throw his body into the defender.
If in coverage, he can get in trouble when asked to turn over his hips. He gets decent depth in his drop, but he’s not someone you can count on right away to cover an athletic tight end by any means. He plays the man better than he plays the ball. Robinson is best suited as a rotational linebacker. He has a low-end potential to become a starter but that will take time and serious development.
VIDEO:
[pro-player width=’530′ height=’253′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJAg8_osV88[/pro-player]
GiantsGab Thoughts:
Keenan Robinson is an athletic outside linebacker prospect. Good size. Good range. Explosive. Needs to work on his awareness as well as technique. But has the skills to run with backs and tight ends. Yes, there are conflicting reports about that, but I believe he can. I think he can cover backs and tight ends in the NFL, and could be a weapon on third downs as a reserve. Getting guys with movement skills at linebacker is critical in this NFL. Robinson has that. I don’t think he becomes a star, but strikes me as someone who can play on third downs and excel on special teams.
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