The Bengals may have found a way to make Landon Robinson more than just a seventh-round defensive tackle.
Robinson, the Navy product and Ohio native Cincinnati took in April, flashed plenty in the preseason opener last Thursday. He was active in the backfield, consistently getting penetration and throwing a wrench into what the opposing offense wanted to do. That kind of disruption is exactly what the Bengals expected to see when they had him on their radar coming out of the Senior Bowl.
But Cincinnati’s defensive line is crowded, which opens the door to a different kind of role. The Bengals are exploring Robinson at fullback, a move that could help him stick on the 53-man roster.
It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. The Bengals have used a similar idea before, with Domata Peko occasionally lining up as a fullback in goal-line situations. Robinson could fill that same kind of spot.
“Coach Pitcher came to me and said, ‘Hey Landon, have you ever played fullback?’” said Robinson. “I was able to sit in on a couple of offensive meetings, and he installed the goal-line package.
“The quickness I use at D-line kind of translates to fullback. Low center of gravity and boom! I think it worked out pretty well.”
If Robinson can help pave the way for Chase Brown or Samaje Perine near the goal line, that adds real value for Cincinnati. For a seventh-round pick fighting for a roster spot, versatility can make all the difference - and Robinson is giving the Bengals exactly that.
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