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reg Robinson committed an NFL-leading 31 total penalties over the last two years and was graded 71st among 78 qualified tackles by Pro Football Focus in 2016. Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports
10:27 AM ET
Alden GonzalezESPN Staff Writer
"Just the space," Robinson said. "It’s more natural for me."
Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2014, struggled mightily at left tackle during his first three NFL seasons, prompting a switch to the right side. The Los Angeles Rams opted against picking up his fifth-year option earlier this spring, and now they're not even sure if Robinson will start. Jamon Brown, a guard through his first two years, was the one taking first-team snaps at right tackle during organized team activities on Tuesday, leaving Robinson to get his work done alongside the backups.
It's still early, though, and Robinson will tell you he's "getting accustomed" to his new position.
"The first week or so was a tough one, but I’m getting it down," he said. "As a goal, all I’m planning on doing is proving with every opportunity I can that I can do well on the right side."
Robinson committed an NFL-leading 31 total penalties over the last two years and was graded 71st among 78 qualified tackles by Pro Football Focus in 2016, a year when the offensive line's struggles made life miserable on quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley. The Rams have since guaranteed $15 million to a 35-year-old Andrew Whitworth, solidifying themselves at left tackle and prompting change throughout the right side.
Rob Havenstein is transitioning from right tackle to right guard, a move prompted by the Rams' belief that he can do a better job of picking up assignments in the interior.
Right tackle, said first-year coach Sean McVay, "is something that we’re evaluating."
Brown, a third-round pick in 2015, made all of his starts at tackle for Louisville, starting on the right side before moving to the left. But with Robinson on the roster and Havenstein selected a round earlier, the Rams, under Jeff Fisher, used Brown mostly at left and right guard, giving him a combined 14 starts there in 2015-16. Going back to right tackle "was just kind of a suggestion last week because they’re trying to plug in guys and evaluate guys at different spots," Brown said.
McVay said Robinson has "shown some good signs" at right tackle, but also stated that Brown's athleticism and strength show up there.
The majority of the stuff comes back pretty natural, just because that’s what I’ve been doing for the four years I was in college," Brown said. "It’s kind of easy to just kind of knock the rust off and just get back to doing what I do. "
Whitworth, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been helping Robinson any way he can. He's trying to act as "positive reinforcement," Whitworth said, talking through schemes, walking through technique and simply making himself available. He stands as a much-needed third veteran on this offensive line, along with left guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan.
But Robinson, 24, must carve his own path.
"Honestly, just another day on the field is an opportunity," he said. "That’s all I’m looking forward to. I’m willing to just prove myself in any way I can, and every day that’s the only thing I’m focused on. Since the beginning I’ve been trying my best. In terms of my play, I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied. All I can do is keep stacking blocks and continue building."
[www.espn.com]
