Selected with the second-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Greg Robinson joined the St. Louis Rams. Robinson, was widely speculated to to be the Rams’ choice on Thursday night and sure enough he was, as he strutted out on stage from the green room, all 6’5″ and 325-pounds of him and held up that blue and gold jersey with his name on it.
“It feels great,” Robinson said. “[I] would like to thank Rams Nation for giving me a chance. (Owner) Mr. (Stan) Kroenke, Coach (Jeff) Fisher, (GM) Les Snead, (Offensive line) Coach Paul Boudreau, just everybody in general. I’m just happy they believe in me and gave me this opportunity.”
Robinson, began his career in Auburn by redshirting his freshman year in 2011. As a sophomore he became the Tigers’ starting left tackle and in his second season as a starter, last year, was voted First-Team All-SEC.
However, the Rams already have two starting tackle in place with Joe Long and Rodger Saffold, which arose questions of where he would play. While at Thibodaux High School in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Robinson was a two-time all-state lineman where he played both guard as well as tackle and appeared in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
“No they haven’t,” Robinson answered in regards to where he will play in the Rams offensive line. “Whatever they ask of me, I’m wiling to just step in and help as best I can. I did play guard in high school, but like I said, I’m looking forward to anywhere I can help out.”
Being drafted second-overall is no small feet, but is even more impressive after just two seasons as a starter and two seasons of just any playing time at all. As to why he decided to come out so early, Robinson chose to leave early to support his family. His father in April of 2013 and his mother has struggled to make ends meet, in addition to two of his four siblings being incarcerated selling drugs.
“That’s a great feeling and a blessing in itself,” Robinson said in regards to supporting his family.
“God has given me this opportunity to do those things,” Robinson added. “And I plan on making my mom happy – happier than she is right now.”
The story is just about to be written on the career of Greg Robinson, who has already been compared to Rams’ great Orlando Pace. It all started on draft day and there is one sentiment that will be echoed throughout his time in the NFL, he’ll have his family right with him.
“Just to share that [being drafted] with my family and those who gave me the opportunity and just show my emotion that’s a wonderful feeling.”
