2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Alabama Offensive Tackle Cam Robinson

Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson is a strong 2017 NFL Draft target for the Chicago Bears.

Who will the Chicago Bears land in the 2017 NFL Draft? We will not know the answer to that question until later this month, but we can look at potential targets for the team as we wait.

The Bears have some interesting young talent on their roster, but after going 3-13 last season, they clearly have a lot of work to do. Ryan Pace and company hold the third overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and are in a great position to land multiple young impact players.

Today, we are going to look at Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson. Robinson is considered to be one of the best offensive linemen in the 2017 NFL draft class, but the position is as weak as we have seen in a long time. Robinson is a potential target for the Bears if they trade way down from number three overall and perhaps will their second round selection (36th overall).

At 6-6, 322 pounds with 35.5-inch arms, Robinson certainly hits all the size requirements for the position. He is a powerful and athletic offensive tackle who shows impressive explosion off of the snap. Make no mistake about it, Robinson can fire off the ball and dominate the man across from him.

More from Chicago Bears

• Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
• Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
• Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
• Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
• Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations

He is a powerful player who can consistently clear out defenders a run blocker. Robinson is dominant at the point of attack and has the quickness to reach the linebackers on the second level. However, he is far from a perfect prospect.

Robinson has the necessary athleticism, length and quickness to be a strong pass protector and he shows elite ability in that department at times. However, his footwork is a mess and Robinson does not show great balance. He tends to over-reach a lot, allowing the defender to make a quick move and knock him off balance.

Robinson can become a strong pass protector at the next level, but he needs to be willing to put in the work to do so. His pass protection skills are a work in progress.

His character is also a concern, as Robinson was arrested with a teammate in 2016 for marijuana possession and possession of a stolen firearm. Charges were eventually dropped in the case, but NFL teams are going to want answers about that incident.

Robinson has a ton of natural ability that gives him huge upside at the next level. At worst, he would be an immediate improvement for the Chicago Bears over Bobby Massie at the right tackle position. That being said, the concerns about Robinson’s character and ability to correct the inconsistencies in his game are legitimate.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

This is a real case of buyer beware. Robinson has some nice upside, but the downside is very real as well.

I could see Robinson being a selection for the Chicago Bears if he is available when they go on the clock in the second round. When it comes down to it, he is a former five-star recruit who started at left tackle in the SEC for three seasons. It is not easy to find that kind of pedigree.