Future Broncos: Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson

If the Denver Broncos want to upgrade their play in the defensive trenches, Missouri’s Darius Robinson is a name to look at early in the 2024 NFL Draft.

As we continue our Mile High Report NFL Draft Profiles leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, my next two installments will continue my theme of the Denver Broncos looking at players to upgrade their defensive line.

One prospect I’m high on and would like the Broncos to consider in a hypothetical first-round trade back would be fifth-year Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson. After a relatively quiet first four seasons, Robinson saved his best for last and put together an incredible year moving from the inside to the outside of their defensive line.

If you want the Broncos to upgrade their trenches and like prospects who offer positional flexibility and versatility—he is someone to keep an eye on over the next week. Let’s take a deeper dive at Robinson who is flying up draft boards as April 25th approaches.

Player Profile: Darius Robinson, DL — Missouri

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 285 pounds | Arm Length: 34-1/2” | Hand Size: 10-5/8”

40-Yard Dash: 4.95 seconds | 10-Yard Split: 1.73 seconds | Bench: 21 reps | Vertical: 35”

Statistics at Missouri: 43 games, 69 solo tackles, 43 assisted tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Elite size and wingspan that can’t be taught which presents him with a big advantage as he transitions to the rigors of the National Football League
• Punishing player in the trenches that plays with impeccable strength and grit at the point of attack
• Always giving it 100-percent and playing through the whistle—he doesn’t take snaps off
• Long strider that covers a lot of ground in pursuit quickly
• Demonstrates the ability to kick inside on passing downs and get after the quarterback on interior rushes
• Premier run defender that will be able to hold his own immediately in that respect as a rookie in the pros
• Had 8.5 sacks as a fifth-year senior and has a lot of untapped potential

Negatives:

• Bull rush and arm over are a go-to moves, but needs refinement and development in other areas to keep up with the better technique and savvy of pro offensive lineman
• Possesses average play diagnosis ability and needs to get better understanding what is developing in front of him
• Sometimes his overaggressive approach causes him to misread the play or take errant angles in pursuit
• Tested incredibly well, but tape shows a lack of suddenness and quickness off the snap from time to time
• Underwhelming production for first four years is somewhat of a concern

Projection: Top 25 selection — Middle to Late First-Round Grade

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Robinson

Robison has incredible physical gifts and improved greatly in his last year with the Tigers. His transition to the outside paid big dividends for his production in ‘23. His best fit with the Broncos would be a 3-4 defensive end opposite of Zach Allen that possesses the ability to rush from in the inside when asked.

As far as I’m concerned, the sky is the limit for him. He checks every major box regarding physicality and football character. One of the defining aspects of first-round picks is having an elite trait and his size is off the charts. Things like that can’t be taught, but the areas he needs improvement in for the most part can. I’ll bet on every single day of the week.

If the Broncos aren’t able to secure a first-round quarterback, Robinson would be a great option in a trade down. In my opinion, he would be an instant starter for the team and give them a blue-chip foundational player in their defensive trenches. If any prospect could help brighten the long-term future of that position group, he would be it.