Meet the Prospect: Darius Robinson and how he overcome..

How he fits in: In order to better match Detroit’s rush and cover going into 2024, general manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions will try to increase the talent level and depth up front along the defensive line this offseason.

Robinson is a versatile defender who began his career as a defensive lineman before moving to the edge in 2023. In that year, he recorded 14.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, adores that level of adaptability upfront. If Robinson and new Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams work together, Robinson’s pass-rush game should improve due to his excellent length and strength.

Aidan Hutchinson, one of the top young pass rushers in the NFL, plays for the Lions, but they still need to develop talent.

Important observations: During an all-star game practice week, Robinson was practically unblockable in the Senior Bowl, earning the highest pass-rush grade ever awarded by Pro Football Focus.

What they had to say about him: “Because he’s bigger, he was kind of in that awkward situation at Missouri where they were trying to determine whether he would be an inside player or an outside person. Simply based on physique type, Cam Jordan is a name that is frequently mentioned. Because he was such an athlete, I recall watching Cam Jordan at Cal work out and run with the skill players.

“I felt that this 286-pound guy would be better suited as a fit on the outside standing up on the edge, but he can really move like that. He has the strength to power through your chest. He has great backside closing ability. You saw it at the Senior Bowl, and I simply felt that a wider alignment with him really helped release him. He seems like someone who will probably make it big in his 20s, and I believe that makes him deserving. He is capable of traveling in that direction.” – NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Robinson is ranked 38th overall on Jeremiah’s most recent Top 50 prospects.

Robinson is ranked as The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s 31st overall prospect. Despite not making ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s Top 25, Robinson is ranked as the second-best defensive end available by Kiper, behind Florida State’s Jared Verse. Robinson is ranked as Field Yates’ thirty-third overall prospect by ESPN Insider.

What Robinson had to say when asked at the Combine what makes him stand out from the other edge rushers in this class: “I would say that I’m the best,” Robinson replied. “I perform all positions. I have a range of play from 0 to 9. I am going to run, I am going to strike someone, and I am going to play physically. I’m capable of doing everything; all I need is the chance to just plant my cleats and go as quickly as I can.”