5 things to know about Patriots fourth-round pick Layden Robinson

He was a three-year starter at Texas A&M, mostly producing at right guard.

Robinson was a dependable player for the Aggies, starting all but four games at right guard over the last three years.

Robrionson’s production backed up his status as Texas A&M’s full-time starting right guard over that time. He didn’t allow a sack in 2021, giving up just eight pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He earned All-SEC second-team honors as a result.

There was a bit of a dip in Robinson’s play in 2022. He gave up four sacks and 11 pressures that year, per PFF. However, he played a role in helping De’Von Achane rush for over 1,000 yards that year, which led the running back to be a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 2023.

Robinson got back on track in 2023, allowing just one sack and 10 pressures last season, per PFF. His play garnered him another spot on the All-SEC second team.

Scouts seem to have mixed reviews over Robinson.

Despite putting up some solid seasons during his time at College Station, there’s a reason why Robinson was selected in the fourth round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. simply pointed to his inconsistent to play.

“You expect Layden Robinson to be a dominant performer week in, week out,” Kiper said on ESPN’s broadcast. “There were some games you said, ‘Boy, this guy’s exciting. He’s going to be a starter in the NFL.’ Other games, he was disappointing to me.”

Fellow ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller added that after the 2021 season, Robinson looked like a potential first-round pick for the 2023 daft. But that didn’t come to fruition due to his inconsistent play and questions over his technique.

As Robinson measured at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds at the combine and his pro day, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes he can be more a power blocker at the next level, though he questioned his upside.

“Overall, Robinson plays with a rugged, physical demeanor and the play strength to stay connected, but his middling mirror skills in protection will be targeted by NFL pass rushers,” Brugler wrote in “The Beast.” “He has a chance to provide depth for a power-based scheme in the NFL.”

Robinson is a self-described “grinder,” saying he models his game after a Cowboys Hall of Famer.

Robinson believes he has the ruggedness required to play interior offensive line in the NFL.

“I’m a grinder, it’s been instilled in me for years, for a long time, especially with my coaching staff at Texas A&M,” Robinson told reporters on Saturday. “I’m just going to be a grinder. I’m going to be tough, be gritty, and going after people over and over again. That’s how I do my play style.

“Growing up, I always looked up to Larry Allen. I loved the way he played the game, along with great offensive linemen like Quenton Nelson and Chris Lindstrom. Guys like that, you see their film and they’re popping off of tape with their strain and finishes. That’s kind of how I modeled my game.”

Allen actually played the first half of his career before Robinson was even born. Allen was one of the key players that was a part of the Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s, earning seven All-Pro and 11 Pro Bowl nods in his career to be named a Hall of Famer.

As for the toughness, Robinson has credited that to former Boston College coach Steve Addazio, who served as Texas A&M’s offensive line coach over the last two years.

Ahead of the draft, Robinson told KPRC 2 in Houston that his strongest area as a blocker is in the run game.

“My run blocking is a real plus for me,” Robinson said. “That’s what I pride myself on: how I come off the ball and clear out gaps. That’s my strongest attribute.

“On pass blocking, I feel like the sky is the limit. I can definitely get a lot better at things technically. I’ve seen things I’ve noticed on film and with my trainer and how I can correct those things.”

Brugler would agree with that assessment.

“As a run blocker, Robinson is powerful at the point of attack with the ability to displace defenders on base and double teams,” Brugler wrote. “He has a stout anchor as a pass blocker plus the natural girth to maintain his spot, but his inconsistent balance and timing hurt his ability to maximize his length and widen rushers.”

Robinson, who grew up just a couple dozen miles outside of Houston in Manvel, Texas, actually began playing football at 6 years old, but stopped playing for a bit because he didn’t enjoy playing.

After coaches approached him to play again, Robinson obliged, playing running back at first. However, Robinson said his frequent visits to his grandparents caused him to add weight, leading him to eventually move to offensive line, according to Brugler.

Robinson is into food and cooking.

In addition to becoming a pro player on the gridiron, Robinson is hoping to become a pro in the kitchen. He’s budding chef that’s a huge fan of the Food Network.

“I watched Bobby Flay with my mom growing up,” Robinson told KPRC 2 in Houston. “I love ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.’ I actually went to one of those restaurants Guy Fieri put on the show, Cool Runnings, Jamaican restaurant in Houston when I was little. I love to cook, My favorite dish to make is marinating steaks and cooking them on the grill.”

Robinson also enjoys watching pro wrestling, saying he’s a fan of Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and likes playing video games.

“My favorite game of all-time is Assassin’s Creed,” Robinson told KPRC 2. “Ranked second is probably Batman, then WWE And Spiderman.”