RENTON -- Showing up to your first training camp carrying extra weight can be a massive red flag for a rookie.
When it comes to fifth-round defensive end Alton Robinson, the fact that Robinson came into camp 15 pounds heavier than he played his senior season at Syracuse was something that had head coach Pete Carroll a bit concerned.
"Yeah, I was concerned about that because it was a surprise," Carroll said on Monday.
But Robinson has managed to show that in his case, the additional pounds aren't a bad thing. In fact, Robinson has made a strong impression on the Seahawks will his power and strength over the first three weeks of training camp.
“He’s made a really good impression. We’re probably more excited than we thought we could be at this time, this early in camp. That’s a real positive," Carroll said.
With second-round pick Darrell Taylor still sidelined due to his recovery from surgery this offseason, Robinson has had the chance to take extra opportunities to prove what he can bring. Benson Mayowa and Rasheem Green are the team's top options at defensive end due to their experience in the league with Bruce Irvin serving as a situational pass rusher as well. However, Robinson's strength brings a different skill-set to the the table.
“He surprised all of us in that he’s bigger than we thought," Carroll said. "He’s in the 270's. It’s helped him. He’s a powerful rusher. He already has good finesse and good moves and understands how to play on the edge and all, but you can see him break the edge down some because he’s stronger and faster than some of the sleeker guys who are in the 250's.
“I think he was at 277. He’s running in the 4.6's and so you put the whole package together – he’s done well. He’s done real well.”
Robinson will be a part of Seattle's plan to fix their pass rushing issues from a season ago. Only the Miami Dolphins had fewer sacks than Seattle last season. The team's 28 sacks were tied for 29th in the league with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions. Even if he only managed three sacks himself, Jadeveon Clowney's departure puts a greater focus on the unit as well.
Irvin and Mayowa both return to Seattle this season after posting seasons with at least 8.5 and 8.0 sacks for Carolina and Oakland, respectively. Irvin said he's also been impressed with Robinson's performance so far.
“I think Alton is doing a hell of a job,” Irvin said on Monday. “I think Alton is doing a really good job of coming to work every day – finding something to get better at each and every day. He’s really working his tail off.
“It’s translating for him. He’s making plays. He’s getting sacks. Hopefully he can keep doing that, and hopefully he can contribute and play a major role for us when the season starts.”
Notes:
-- Running back Chris Carson remains away from the team as he attends to family matters back home in Georgia after multiple family members recently passed away.
-- Wide receiver Tyler Lockett was back in pads for the practice on Tuesday after sitting out the latter stages of Monday's workout with a wrap on his leg.
-- Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (foot), defensive end Branden Jackson (head), wide receiver Cody Thompson and guard Jordan Simmons were among the players that sat out Tuesday's practice. Left tackle Duane Brown was also, seemingly, given a veteran's day off.
-- The team did a large portion of situation work in Tuesday's practice ahead of another trip to CenturyLink Field for a second "mock game" run through on Wednesday. The offense seemingly had a stronger day on Tuesday after having some rough patches in recent practices.
Photo Credit: Seahawks defensive end Alton Robinson works against tight end Tyler Mabry during a practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Aug. 24, 2020. (pool photo by Ted Warren / Associated Press)