Alabama starting left tackle Cam Robinson has encountered a potentially significant obstacle in his path toward first-round draft status next year. A two-year starter on the left side of the Crimson Tide’s line, Robinson faces a felony weapons charge after being arrested in his hometown of Monroe, La., early Tuesday morning.
Police arrested Robinson and Alabama defensive back Laurence Jones on the felony charge of illegal possession of stolen firearms, a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance and an additional charge of carrying a weapon in the presence of illegal narcotics, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk reports.
Robinson and Jones, a passenger in the vehicle Robinson was driving, remain in custody. The police report describes a bag of marijuana and a handgun resided in plain sight, with a stolen handgun found under the passenger seat, ESPN.com’s Alex Scarborough reports.
This could be a big blow to not only Robinson’s draft stock, but also to his standing on the defending national champions. The 6-foot-6, 327-pound junior-to-be ranks as Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 7 overall prospect for the 2017 draft despite not set to turn 21 until October. Pro Football Focus tabs Robinson going off the board at No. 14.
One of two returning starters for the Tide last season, Robinson has blocked for second-round pick T.J. Yeldon and Heisman winner — and subsequent second-rounder — Derrick Henry, helping guide those respective ball-carriers to 17 100-yard rushing performances in 2014-15.
Jones is not a starter but is someone who could be an NFL option down the line, per Smith. He’s facing the same misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance charge, along with the carrying a weapon in possession of illegal narcotics charge, but doesn’t have a potential felony charge in his path like Robinson.