Despite already having the best offensive line in all of football, the Dallas Cowboys are somewhat in the market for a new right tackle.
The retirement of Doug Free has left the Cowboys with a few questions at right tackle. Expecting Chaz Green to take over in 2017 would normally be fine, but considering his health issues during his young career, it is fair to question how much he can be trusted.
Enter Cam Robinson.
One of the more polarizing prospects in this year's NFL Draft, Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson is the only pure-tackle to earn a first round grade on my draft board.
His frame, well-proportioned body, and thickness in his lower half make him the prototypical left tackle prospect. Normally, there would be no way I would anticipate a player like Cam Robinson falling to the end of round one, but considering how many people disagree with my take on his abilities, it now seems possible.
Over at Slant Sports I recently wrote up my scouting report on Robinson, and came away very impressed.
While I believe Robinson can be a starting left tackle in this league one day, putting him at right tackle next to four other first round caliber offensive linemen would be the absolute ideal situation for his development.
When asked to drive or down block, Cam Robinson is at his best. He is powerful enough in his lower body to drive his hips through contact, accelerate his feet, and move defenders out of the hole.
In pass protection, Cam Robinson flashes the ability to be a top-tier tackle at the next level. Despite his huge frame, Robinson is a rather fluid athlete with good footwork and loose hips. He does a good job of keeping his feet alive through contact, and delivering powerful punches to keep his pads clean and redirect rushers.
Robinson's athleticism flashes on film, with a good kick-set and the ability to power down seamlessly. When he's good, Cam Robinson is clearly the best offensive tackle in this year's NFL Draft.
I'm going to go ahead and assume that most readers are going to disagree with my willingness to draft an offensive tackle in the first round.
The Cowboys already have a top-tier offensive line, and have some seriously dire needs on the other side of the ball. Adding a cornerback or an elite pass rusher should be at the top of the “needs” list, but further strengthening the offensive line if Cam Robinson is the best player on their board could realistically be done.
To me, Cam Robinson is the best tackle in this year's NFL Draft. If the Cowboys have a chance to add that player, I'd be fine with them doing so in the first round.
