Layden Robinson characterized himself as a “grinder.”
Layden Robinson, the offensive lineman drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is confident that he will be a good fit for the Patriots’ offense.
According to Robinson, discussions with Patriots coaches, including offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, suggest that they share this sentiment.
The Patriots selected Robinson with their first of two fourth-round picks (No. 103 overall). Hailing from Texas A&M, Robinson brings experience from starting 23 games at right guard over the last two seasons.
Speaking about his conversations with Van Pelt regarding the Patriots’ offensive style, Robinson described it as “like running off the ball and getting after everything.”
“That’s the main thing that they talked to me about up there because a lot of people talk about my play style and how I like coming off the ball, and that was just my greatest attribute. And they’re right, that is my greatest attribute.”
When speaking to reporters at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson revealed that Alex Van Pelt, the team’s offensive coordinator, is incorporating more outside zone schemes into the offense. Stevenson expressed his satisfaction with Van Pelt’s introduction of numerous new running plays and emphasized that the Patriots’ offense aims to adopt an “enforcer” mentality.
It’s evident that the 6-foot-3, 302-pound Robinson will resonate with this approach. Just days earlier, he described himself as a “grinder.” Known for his power on the interior, Robinson earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2023. He expressed his preference for playing with toughness and grit, repeatedly engaging with defenders.
“It’s been instilled in me for years, for a long time, especially with my coaching staff at Texas A&M,” Robinson remarked.
Robinson highlighted the “great” communication he had with the Patriots throughout the pre-draft process. He disclosed that he engaged with the organization before the Senior Bowl, leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine, and once again prior to Texas A&M’s Pro Day.
“We met a lot and they got to know me a lot,” Robinson emphasized. “They got to know where my football mind was at as well.”
Jerod Mayo, the Patriots’ first-year coach, expressed that the decision to select Robinson stemmed from his prowess as a football player. Robinson expressed confidence in showcasing his versatility, a sentiment echoed by Mayo, who suggested that both Robinson and other interior linemen may be called upon to demonstrate their adaptability.