Duke Robinson Scouting Report

It is not everyday that a true freshman plays a role on Oklahoma. But Duke Robinson played in ten games at left guard in 2005 and even some saw action at left tackle. By his sophomore campaign, Robinson was a staple at left guard and took more snaps than any other linemen on the team. For his efforts he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention accolades. As a junior, Robinson cemented his status as one of the best guards in the nation.

At 6-5 and 335 pounds, Robinson is a big, big man. He is a road-grader who could be a starting guard on many teams in the NFL as a rookie. Ideally, Robinson should be a guard, but he is versatile enough to play at the right tackle spot if needed and that will be a big plus for some teams.

Not many offensive guards crack the first round of the NFL Draft, but Duke Robinson is one of the few who can. His size, experience and sheer talent will be difficult for teams in need for a guard to pass up. Robinson could slip into the second round since he is a guard, but he will almost certainly be the first taken in April.

12/17 Update: There is certainly a lot of credit to spread around the Oklahoma offense for their success during the 2008 season, but Robinson deserves some of it. The guard was named to a variety of All-America teams and was one of the three finalists for the 2008 Outland Trophy, honoring the nation's top interior lineman.

3/24 Update: Heading into Senior Week, the NFL Combine and Oklahoma's Pro Day, the biggest thing keeping Robinson out of the first round was his weight and conditioning. However, the 6-5 guard worked hard to make an impressive physical impression on NFL coaches and scouts. He now has the look of a professional football player and he very well could be off the board by the end of the first round and the first interior lineman taken in the draft.