Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson has been a massive winner throughout this week’s Senior Bowl practice sessions. The 6-foot-5, 286-pound Robinson is a rocked-up prospect who's been displaying why his pro-ready frame will make an instant impact at the next level. Robinson possesses rare inside-outside versatility, an ability he exhibited through a career-high 8.5 sacks in the ever-competitive SEC this season.
Conversations with scouts and decision-makers in Mobile indicate Robinson is beginning to garner first-round consideration in the 2024 NFL Draft. A technically advanced run defender, Robinson possesses legit three-down potential. Playing multiple positions makes Robinson such a desirable prospect. With that in mind, we've identified three potential team fits for Robinson.
HOUSTON TEXANS
I can think of few coaches better suited to fully unlock Robinson's potential at the next level than Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. As the former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, Ryans managed several versatile linemen while showing off the aptness to consistently put the talent at his disposal in positions to succeed. Ryans did the same with Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Will Anderson Jr. this past season.
Jonathan Greenard, Sheldon Rankins, Jerry Hughes, and Derek Barnett are among the defensive linemen who concluded the 2023 campaign on an expiring contract. Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio must restock the cupboard with talents that complement Anderson Jr. this summer. Robinson would be a great addition to Ryans' defensive line.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
John Harbaugh's defense has taken quite the hit this week. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald became the new head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson was a potential in-house candidate to replace Macdonald, but he accepted the same role with the Tennessee Titans. Free agency will mercilessly welcome more departures.
Justin Madubuike is set to reach free agency after posting a career-best 13.0 sacks. Even Jadeveon Clowney, who plays multiple positions, had a resurgent season with 9.5 quarterback takedowns. Do-it-all linebacker Patrick Queen may also price himself outside of Baltimore's comfort zone.
Robinson screams Raven to me. He's a tough, hard-nosed defender who plays multiple positions and stops the run with a red-hot motor that's always revving. General manager Eric DeCosta consistently does an outstanding job identifying great culture fits. Robinson checks a ton of boxes.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The 49ers are playing for Super Bowl LVIII. A ton of short-term rentals are being utilized across the defensive line. I don't expect general manager John Lynch to retain Randy Gregory or Chase Young, who were both midseason acquisitions.
Javon Kinlaw, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Kevin Givens are among the interior defenders set to hit the open market in March. Barring an unforeseen development, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is staying in San Francisco, and he'll demand for the cupboard to be restocked. Like Ryans did before him, Wilks has done a great job rotating fresh bodies in and out of the lineup. Rostering a variety of talented playmakers is a necessity when deploying such a strategy. Whether the 49ers own the 31st or 32nd selection, Robinson should rank highly on their big board.
