How will former Detroit Lions fare with new teams in 2020?

A’Shawn Robinson – Los Angeles Rams

Though he eventually emerged as a reliable run-defender for the Lions, Robinson was never able to become much of a playmaker along the Lions’ defensive front in his four seasons with the team. This, despite possessing impressive physical traits and a nasty on-field demeanor.

The Lions showed no interest in retaining him, and he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in March. After a disappointing season, the Rams have retooled their defense, while still boasting the league’s most dominant player on that side of the ball.

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been an absolute nightmare for opposing teams since he entered the league in 2014. So much so, that it hardly seems to matter who is lined up next to him. Robinson though has a chance to be one of the best run defenders that he has played next to, possibly freeing him up from the occasional double team. A scary thought.

With the Lions, Robinson typically played lined up over the guard, but may be asked to move over to the 1-technique position over the center with Donald manning the 3-technique spot in odd man sets. The Lions tried Robinson at this spot at times during the 2018 and 2019 seasons with mixed results.

Simply put, Robinson never played with anyone even close to the talent level of Donald with the Lions (along with most players who don’t wear the Rams uniform). Could this help loosen up his pass-rushing burst somewhat and get him to a level that he never reached in Detroit? We shall see.