Rookie lineman Layden Robinson has a chance to be a ‘special player,’ Jerod Mayo says

"He's tough. He'll move guys off the line of scrimmage. He can do it all."

The Patriots have identified a young player with potential to be a game changer for the offense, and this particular rookie does not play quarterback.

Offensive guard Layden Robinson, who started his first NFL game on Sunday, convinced the coaching staff during training camp that he should be in the mix.

They believed during the summer that the fourth-round pick had the potential to make a big impact.

“Yeah, there was a point in time during training camp where, not only myself, but I think the other coaches saw it,” coach Jerod Mayo said. “We said, ‘Layden Robinson has an opportunity to be a special player in this league.’ He’s tough. He’ll move guys off the line of scrimmage. He can do it all.”

The rookie guard helped the Patriots limit the Bengals to one sack Sunday and helped pave the way for Rhamondre Stevenson to pick up 120 rushing yards. Robinson landed a key block that helped free up Stevenson for his only touchdown of the game.

The offensive line as a whole wasn’t perfect – Jacoby Brissett took his share of big hits. But, the unit was a bright spot on Sunday and for the most part exceeded expectations.

Robinson, a fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M, played a role in that. The 6-foot-4, 315 pound guard impressed during camp, giving the Patriots flexibility to use Mike Onwenu at the right tackle spot.

Throughout training camp, it appeared that the Patriots were focused on shoring up the middle of their offensive line, with David Andrews at center and Onwenu and Sidy Sow at the guard spots.

The issue with that grouping was that both tackle spots were major question marks.

With Onwenu’s ability to play multiple spots, and Robinson’s development, the Patriots were able to address right tackle by moving Ownenu there. If Robinson is able to develop into a dependable player at guard, it will be a boost for the Patriots.

“His overall effort and mentality is something that, when you think about changing a culture, he’s definitely one of those guys that fits into that box,” Mayo said. “He did a great job. Now, in saying that, it’s only one game. We’ll see how that continues to progress going forward.”