Rams reportedly to decline fifth-year option on OT Greg Robinson, second pick of 2014 draft
The Los Angeles Rams had two top-13 picks in the 2014 draft, back when they were the St. Louis Rams.
The second of those two picks, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, turned out to be one of the NFL’s best players. The first of those picks, No. 2 overall, is probably on his way out of town after this season.
Offensive tackle Greg Robinson has turned out to be a colossal bust for the Rams, at least to this point. He hasn’t taken to left tackle, was benched last season, and the Rams had to invest in 35-year-old Andrew Whitworth last month to take Robinson’s spot at left tackle. On Tuesday, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Rams aren’t expected to pick up Robinson’s fifth-year option, meaning he’ll be a free agent after this season. All first-round picks have a team option for a fifth year in their rookie deals.
It’s not a surprise that the Rams would decline the option for Robinson’s fifth season, but it is a public admission that the Rams made a terrible mistake with the second overall pick. Robinson was a physical freak coming out of college, but he never developed as an adequate pass blocker. The Rams passed on players like Khalil Mack, Jake Matthews, Mike Evans and Odell Beckham to pick Robinson No. 2 overall. It’s reminiscent of the 2009 draft, when the Rams drafted offensive-tackle bust Jason Smith.
Donald will be given his fifth-year option, which should surprise nobody. At least the Rams hit on one of those two important picks at the top of the 2014 draft.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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