Written By Adam Aniba
This year's defensive end draft class features some impressive prospects, but outside of the top 30-35, there are some true high ceiling role players at edge that should be available late on day 2.
Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson had his coming out party in 2023, after the graduate student was moved to the edge full time having the best statistical season of his career.
Darius Robinson
6'5" 286 lbs | DE | MIZZ
Draft Proj Late 3rd Rd
Career (43 games)- 112 TAK (43 solo), 21 TFLs, 1 PD, 13 SACKS, 1 FF & 1 FF
2023Â (12 games)- 43 TAK (29 solo), 14 TFLs, 9 SACKS 1 FF & 1 FF
Background
Robinson grew up in Southfield, MI and played football for Canton Prep. He strictly played basketball his entire life, but decided to transfer to Canton for his junior season.
Robinson dedicated all his energy and time to football, despite never playing organized football prior to arriving at Canton Prep.
As a team captain, Robinson made an immediate impact lining up at defensive tackle, outside linebacker, tight end, but primarily lined up at defensive end. Robinson helped lead his school to a state playoff appearance as senior.
The Canton Prep edge rusher was named a 3-star recruit by all the major recruiting outlets, despite only playing two years of organized football. He was ranked as the 39th defensive end in the nation by Rivals and the 17th overall prospect in Michigan.
As a freshman in '19 Wilson was active in 5 games only playing 43 snaps and registered 1 tackle on the year.
In 2020 Robinson played in 7 games and saw a an uptick in snaps with 189 on the year. On the season he recorded 6 tackles, 3 QB pressures, 1 QB hit and sack.
As a junior in '21 the Tigers lineman played in 10 games (294 snaps) recording 15 tackles, 9 assists, 5 QB hurries and 1 sack on the season. He primarily lined up inside on the but kicked out to edge when needed.
In 2022 Robinson played in 12 games (417 snaps) registering 21 tackles, 5 assists, and 18 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 18 total pressures, which included 9 QB hurries, 6 QB hits, and 3 sacks during his senior season.
As a graduate student in '23, the 5th year senior saw extended time as the starting defensive end for the first time in his career, replacing Isaiah McGuire who departed for the NFL ('23 4th rd Browns).
On the season Robinson was active in 11 games (466 snaps) registering 43 tackles (29 solo), 14 tackles for a loss, 42 pressures, 6 QB hits and a career-high 8 sacks.
For his efforts Wilson was named to the 2023 1st-Team All-SEC (AP and Coaches) and was invited to the Senior Bowl.
PROS
Ability to line up inside as a run stuffer, but also had his best season of his collegiate career lining up as an edge rusher last season
Scheme versatile, lined up on the edge in the wide-9 also utilized in 3, 5 and 7 technique
Arm length stands out (34 1/4-inch), which aids him to shed blocks
Utilizes a moderately effective spin move and powerful bull-rush
Impressive combination of power, relentless motor and strong hands
CONS
Not slow by any means, but lacks ideal closing speed and burst
Susceptible to cut blocks, needs to keep his head on a swivel
Can get caught up in the wash at times when lining up inside
Lacks overall bend, plays a bit upright/stiff at times and requires leverage refinement as well
When over-pursues struggles to recover
Outlook
Although Robinson didn't start playing organized football until his junior year in high school, he was a valuable chess piece in Missouri's defense. He does have the flexibility to play inside, but he looked at his best when on the edge.
Robinson definitely helped his stock during his week on Mobile, earning the Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week.
The NFL Combine will help teams get a better idea of Robinson's athletic attributes, but he's already made an impression as a coach-able edge rusher that can be molded with continued development.
*GAMES WATCHED*
10/21/23 vs S.Car, 11/4 vs UGA, 11/11 vs Tenn, 11/18 vs Florida, 11/24 vs Ark
& 12/29/23 vs OSU
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
