FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Darius Robinson
Darius Robinson (DL – Missouri)
6’5″ – 296 lbs.
Background:
Played sparingly in 2019, then rotated into the defense in the following two seasons, starting one of seven games played in 2020 and finishing with 12 tackles, then picking up another 21 the following year, with six starts in 10 appearances. Has started almost every game over the past two seasons (a few in which he rotated in), finishing with 35-5.5-3.5 in 2022 and then breaking out this year with 43-14.0-8.5 to conclude his college career.
Positives:
Two-year starter with escalating output. Tall, solidly-built five-technique on the end of Missouri’s three-man lines. Tough, physical player whose temperament should appeal to line coaches. First out of his stance with a low pad level. Functional strength looks very good. Able to dig in at the line of scrimmage and hold the point of attack when two-gapping. Typically does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square and playing with discipline in his run fits. Gets pretty good extension with his arms to lock out opposing blockers. Has active, powerful hands to discard blockers. Flashes the ability to locate ballcarriers and make tackles when engaged. Motor is good; plays through the whistle and can occasionally pick up tackles or sacks on second effort. Flashes a good level of activity with his hands on some snaps as a pass-rusher. When rushing from a wider technique, bends a better arc than his size would suggest.
Negatives:
Didn’t see him playing on many four-man lines or from many wider alignments. There are some stiff movements to his game. Takes himself out of the occasional snap by trying to anticipate the play direction. Can be a bit of a leaner, causing occasional balance issues. Range in pursuit is relatively limited. Doesn’t have the most sophisticated approach as a pass-rusher; mostly a straightforward bull-rushing type that lacks a deep repertoire of counters. Would like to see him be a bit more consistently active with his feet when bull-rushing. Closing burst is closer to adequate and could struggle to finish his rushes at the next level.
Summary:
A big, rocked-up five-technique who can hold the point of attack and discard blockers when two-gapping in the run game. His overall toughness and functional strength could allow him to carve out an early-down role in a defensive line rotation at the next level, although he doesn’t have ideal fluidity for a pro pass-rusher. A solid lunch-pail type who should get consideration beginning on the third day of the draft, likely from an odd-front, two-gap defense, which prioritizes discipline over penetration.
Projection: Round 4-5
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