The Cleveland Browns have signed former Los Angeles Rams top pick Greg Robinson. Cleveland waived offensive lineman Rod Johnson to make room for Robinson, also an offensive lineman. The waiving of Johnson saw yet another pick made by former defacto Browns general manager Sashi Brown exit Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns Sign Offensive Lineman Greg Robinson
The Fit
Robinson has no shortage of raw athletic ability. The former Auburn standout was a rockstar at the NFL Combine, so much so that he was selected second overall in 2014. At 6’5″ and 332 pounds, Robinson is a mountain of a man for someone with his athletic ability. With 48 starts in 52 career games, Robinson could easily see playing time in his first year in Cleveland.
That time would likely come at left tackle as the Browns have yet to determine who will replace future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. Second-round pick Austin Corbett and former third-round pick Shon Coleman have been the early camp favorites for the spot, but Robinson trumps both in experience by a long shot.
If Robinson does not take over the left tackle duties he will fit nicely as a quality insurance policy on the interior of the offensive line. Guard Joel Bitonio was relatively healthy in 2017 but did miss parts of the previous two seasons with injuries. With potential franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield in waiting, Cleveland cannot have too much depth on the offensive line.
Robinson does not come without questions. He had issues making weight while with the Rams during training camp in 2016. The Lions, who acquired the tackle via trade, moved on from him after less than a full season citing an injury designation. Robinson has also never quite played like a second overall pick at any position.
In short, the Browns were one of the few teams in a good position to sign Robinson. If he does not work out the Browns still have a quality line. If he does work out, the Browns have arguably one of the best offensive lines in the league. Robinson might be a long shot to reach his once envisioned potential, but he’s still a solid pick up for a Cleveland squad that seems to just keep getting better.
