Layden

Robinson

We don’t know how much future there is to reserve for the 33-year-old (happy birthday!), but the Raiders are here for it. The Raiders also signed RB Chris Collier, G McClendon Curtis, LB Jamin Davis, DT Treven Ma’ae, T Joshua Miles, TE Albert Okwuegbunam (remember him?), WR Brenden Rice, G Layden Robinson, WR Justin Shorter, OL Laki Tasi, and T Dalton Wagner to reserve/future deals.

Robinson was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2024, but the former Texas A&M standout was unable to stay on the field in his brief time with New England. He could be a candidate for the practice squad if he goes unclaimed and doesn’t find a new job on a 53-man roster.

The Patriots’ injury woes know no end as Robinson left in the first quarter and was later downgraded to out. Second-year lineman Sidy Sow has taken his place in the lineup. Sow has one start at left guard this season.

Robinson (6'4/302) had one of the most remarkable 2021 campaigns of any offensive lineman in the country. However, being ineligible for the draft, he returned to school and was quite disappointing in 2022, posting a troubling 41st percentile pass block grade. Thus, he took a fourth year in College Station and, while productive, didn’t quite return to his 2021 form. A squat interior offensive lineman with a mean streak, Robinson has a vicious down-block that seems to knock over the defensive trench like bowling pins. When engaged with a defender, Robinson is vicious with vice-like grip strength and does well when driving his man out of the play. The problems arise when he is asked to move from his spot. As a puller, Robinson does well enough to get to the hole but often struggles to find work due to the effort it took to get there. On an island in pass protection, Robinson is more of a catch-blocker as he completely opens up rush lanes when he goes out to the defender. At the next level, Robinson should be able to adjust to playing on either side of the Center, even though he only played right guard for Texas A&M. Teams that run more gap scheme run concepts and have a rush-heavy neutral script will want Robinson as a potential plug-and-play piece, if not a backup that is more than capable of spelling injured players. It would behoove whichever team that drafts him to pair him next to a smart and capable pass-blocker, as his immobility will hinder his ceiling in the pros.

Robinson (6'4"/320) was one of the elite guards in the SEC last year and an all-around offensive lineman. With several of those SEC linemen taken early in the previous draft, it could be good news for him as he’s expected to declare after this season. PFF gave him a blocking grade of 80.5 and a run-blocking grade of 85.0, both best in the SEC in his position. He has strong hands, his blocking can redirect in the run game, and his aggressive playing lifestyle allows him to finish every play through the whistle. If he puts together another impressive season, there’s a great chance of his name being called on Day 1.