The Penn State edge rusher is a freak athlete with unlimited upside.
Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.
Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.
It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.
With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect.
Next up is Dane’s 26th ranked prospect, Chop Robinson, and athletic freak of an edge rusher who could be the answer to the Arizona Cardinals pass rush issues.
Dane’s Take:
A one-year starter at Penn State, Robinson was a wide-aligned pass rusher in former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s scheme, standing up and rushing with his hand on the ground. After one season at Maryland, he transferred to Penn State (partly because he wanted to remain a pass rusher instead of moving to linebacker) and was one of the most disruptive players in the country (42.7 percent of his tackles the past two seasons came in the backfield).
The Arizona Cardinals desperately need a defensive playmaker who can help create negative plays for the opponent. Robinson’s blend of size, athleticism and strength should allow him to continue to be able to do that.
While some pass rushers require a runway to build up speed, Robinson accelerates 0-to-60 in a blink, creating instant suddenness from his spot to shoot gaps or win races to the corner. He shows natural rush instincts and uses a variety of swats, swipes and dips to evade blocks, although his counters need further development. He is a tougher run defender than expected, but he is slightly undersized and could use additional bulk to better match up with NFL blockers.
With Zaven Collins and B.J. Ojulari penciled in, using Robinson as a pass rusher only in year one with spot duty as things come up is an ideal scenario.
Overall, Robinson needs to continue developing to prove he isn’t a one-trick pony, but his first-step explosiveness and aggressive hands give him the potential to be the most dynamic pass rusher in this class. He is ideally suited as a wide-nine defender who can be schemed across the front.
Robinson is the perfect addition to the Cardinals as an potential top edge rusher, without having to be rushed into things.
His mix of size and athleticism with his advanced strength makes him a similar prospect to Boye Mafe.
Next up… Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton.
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