Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 254 pounds
Arm Length: 32 1/2"
Hand Size: 9 1/8"
Accomplishments:
Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists (2023) • All-Big-Ten Honorable Mention (2022)
“Chop Robinson showcases an explosive first step that sets the stage for him to develop into a dominant pass rusher on the next level.”
Strengths:
Explosive first step as a pass rusher
Relentless effort
Plus-level functional strength
Ability to drop in coverage (hook/curl to flat defender)
High motor
Concerns:
Identifying run keys
Block deconstruction
Improve pass rush repertoire/counter moves
Film Analysis:
Chop Robinson possesses the adequate size and athleticism for a stand-up edge rusher, which allows him to be an impact player when rushing the quarterback and utilizing his athleticism to make plays, including dropping in coverage. At the snap, Robinson has an explosive first step that he uses to put offensive linemen in a panic situation where they have to try to get depth as quickly as possible and lose their technique. From this position, Robinson can continue to run the arc using a rip-and-dip move to defeat the offensive lineman if he can convert speed to power and work through the offensive lineman to collapse the pocket on the way to the quarterback. Robinson is a high-activity rusher. If his initial move doesn't work, he will continue to work throughout the play, which allows him to make an impact via second and third attempts or on chase-down plays.
Robinson's improvements as a player involve him as a pass rusher and as a run defender. As a pass rusher, Robinson does an excellent job of winning around the arc, but there is still room for him to develop inside track counter moves. Robinson needs to improve moving laterally to give himself a counter move to take the inside track in case the offensive lineman oversets him and gives him an easy path to the quarterback.
As a run defender, Robinson needs to improve in identifying run keys and defeating blocks. Robinson is a high-motor, high-effort, explosive player, but in the run game, he will occasionally run himself out of the play and give up his responsibility in an attempt to chase the play. Also, once offensive linemen are engaged with Robinson on run plays, he struggles to quickly disengage and make himself available to make the tackle.
Overall, Robinson has all the tools necessary to develop into a dominant pass rusher on the next level. There are just minimal aspects of his game that he needs to improve on to become a more well-rounded player
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Michigan (2023), West Virginia (2023), Ohio State (2023), Iowa (2023), Auburn (2022), Ohio State (2022), Michigan (2022), Michigan State (2022)
