After 10 NFL seasons spent studying a number of defensive methods, A’Shawn Robinson believes head coach Todd Bowles’ protection is likely to be probably the most aggressive match but for his versatile talent set.
With OTAs underway, the veteran defensive deal with mentioned his ideas on taking part in in Bowles’ scheme and the way the younger gamers within the entrance seven are coming alongside.
A’Shawn Robinson Is Ready To Be “Active” On Bucs Protection
Coming over to the Bucs after spending the previous two years with the Panthers, A’Shawn Robinson was signed so as to add a spark to the defensive position. Whereas the group is led by Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, it has wanted extra of an edge and nastiness that neither Logan Corridor nor Greg Gaines supplied over the previous couple of seasons.
Robinson presents extra than simply angle; he brings a observe file of manufacturing.
Bucs DT A’Shawn Robinson – Photograph by: IMAGN Photographs – Bob Donnan
The 2024 season was a profession 12 months for him in Carolina. Robinson recorded private bests throughout the board, together with 80 tackles and 5.5 sacks as an anchor upfront whereas star defensive deal with Derrick Brown was out for the season. Brown’s return meant a dip in field rating statistics, as Robinson had 65 tackles and a couple of.5 sacks in 2025. Tampa Bay would certainly take that over what Corridor and Gaines supplied. His capacity as a run-stuffer pairs effectively with the opposite starters.
At this level within the offseason, it’s all concerning the guys coming collectively and constructing chemistry from placing in time within the trenches.
“It’s working on our craft and harnessing consistency, day in and day out,” Robinson mentioned of the crew’s present objectives. “Being persistent in the things we do, the way we work, and the way we talk to each other. Knowing that we’re working for the goal to be the best. There are no days off, there is no lack… we make sure we push each other. In the meeting rooms or whatever it is, so we can learn from one another, because there is always something you can learn from younger guys and older guys can teach younger guys.”
The protection has been revamped at each stage, particularly within the entrance seven. Robinson is predicted to play a significant function alongside Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey whereas youthful defensive linemen like Elijah Roberts and Jayson Jones proceed growing behind the veteran core.
All of this competing makes Robinson excited to be a Buccaneer.
Bucs DT A’Shawn Robinson – Photograph by: Vincent Carchietta – IMAGN Photographs
After getting drafted by the Lions in 2016, he joined the Rams in 2020 earlier than a short stint with the Giants in 2023 and his most up-to-date cease with the Panthers. The expertise gained and classes discovered offers him perspective when assessing his slot in Bowles’ defensive scheme.
“It prepares me quite well,” Robinson mentioned. “I’ve played in a lot of defenses, and I’ve played in a lot of different spots. This defense is complex but it’s also a defense that you want to be in if you’re a [defensive] lineman. You’re going to be aggressive; you’re going to put [offensive] linemen in certain binds. It’s going to let you be active according to the system that we’re playing.”
Being disruptive and versatile is true up Robinson’s alley.
“I can be anywhere,” Robinson mentioned. “I can be on the edge, in the nose, in the three, in a nine. I could be literally anywhere. That’s what makes it fun knowing your strengths in those certain things that he’s calling. Knowing what he wants you to do, knowing how you can be aggressive because you know how the other guys are going to play it and see it.”
A’Shawn Robinson Shares Ideas On Bucs Defensive Line, Rueben Bain Jr.
A’Shawn Robinson is profiting from the Bucs’ apply classes to regulate to the protection and the gamers he will likely be lining up subsequent to. Robinson was first requested about taking part in alongside Calijah Kancey, who he gushed about.
Bucs DT Calijah Kancey – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“He’s a great player,” Robinson mentioned. “He gets after it, he does the right thing, and he believes in consistency. We believe in doing things the right way, so I appreciate a guy like that. Having him next to me, he wants to be the best and doing everything the right way. That’s all you can ask for from your brothers because that’s what we’re here to do…”
Issues bought extra fascinating when Rueben Bain Jr. got here up.
Expectations are excessive for the rookie exterior linebacker, as he was the primary addition to spice up Tampa Bay’s move rush. Robinson sees him becoming in, though they’ve one thing to deal with.
“It’s great to have a guy that can get off, rush the passer, and play with the intensity that he has,” Robinson mentioned. “That’s powerful, but we still have to compete on those hoops [drills] though, he’s been talking a little trash; we have to go out there and compete and show him what’s up.”
Bain’s trash discuss is for actual, with Robinson seeing how prepared he’s coming into the league.
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Don’t think he’s just a little quiet little — nah. Don’t get it misconstrued or anything. He’s like that. He’s built for it. You don’t get drafted that early and not be ready. He’s ready.”
Regardless of how a lot optimism is within the air surrounding every NFL crew, the expectation is to win. To show all of the discuss into tangible outcomes. It’s one factor to speak concerning the course of, however one other to construct a profitable soccer crew. That begins now, and A’Shawn Robinson is tasked with being a veteran chief who will help flip the protection round. He has loved his early days in Tampa Bay, however is aware of the usual solely rises from right here.
“It’s been great, I can’t complain,” Robinson mentioned. “Everyone wants to win here, and that’s what I like to do. Make sure I can do everything I can and do my job to make sure I help the team win. I’ve always cared about winning and coming to an organization that cares about winning a lot, that just brings me back home.”
