The New England Patriots focused heavily on the offensive side of the football in the 2024 NFL draft.
One of the key areas they addressed was the offensive line with the team selecting Penn State’s Caedan Wallace and Texas A&M’s Layden Robinson.
The potential upside with Robinson has been one of the biggest questions following the draft. Wallace could get plugged in right away and become a Day 1 starter for the offense.
But what are the expectations for Robinson?
Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy gave insight into what Robinson potentially brings to the table as a player in ESPN’s Mike Reiss’ Sunday notes column.
Robinson started 11 games at the right tackle position in 2023 and missed the final two games due to injury. He was named to the 2023 All-SEC Second-Team.
Nagy noted one specific aspect of Robinson’s game that really stood out to him on the field.
“We spent a lot of time [scouting] him. He had a really good 2021, a little bit of a down 2022 when he was dealing with some injuries, and then had a good 2023,” said Nagy. “He was one of the guys that I felt like didn’t get enough buzz coming out of Senior Bowl week
“… He was really good in the 1-on-1 stuff in pass protection. You watch the team stuff and he was moving people off the ball. He is a powerful in-line player.”
Robinson’s physicality and ability to hold up against the run and pass could benefit the Patriots down the stretch. The unit needs a boost with Cole Strange expected to miss significant time with a lingering knee injury.
The potential for Robinson to be a major contributor is there. It all comes down to development for a Patriots team that has struggled in recent years.