No prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft has enjoyed a more successful process than Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson. Robinson is an exciting prospect who possesses rare inside-outside versatility. After recording a career-high 8.5 sacks in the SEC this past season, Robinson then traveled to Mobile and was the best player in attendance at the Senior Bowl.
Robinson then dominated the NFL Combine as well. The Mizzou standout ran an outstanding 4.95 40 at nearly 290 pounds. Robinson also had a 35-inch vertical and 9-foot-3 broad jump. Robinson pairs supreme athleticism with a thorough pass-rushing plan.
Robinson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his performance at the NFL Combine, Friday's Pro Day, his versatility to play multiple positions across the defensive line, his pass-rush arsenal, and more.
JM: You absolutely crushed the NFL Combine. It was another achievement for you in what's been an outstanding pre-draft process, starting at the Senior Bowl. You ran a 4.95 40, leaped a 35-inch vertical and 9-foot-3 broad. That's outstanding athleticism for 285 pounds. How would you grade your overall performance?
Darius Robinson: I would probably give myself a B. There are definitely a lot of areas I need to improve in. My mindset is to always be better today than I was yesterday. I need to continue to grow and get better. I felt like I could have done better with my agility testing.
I’m excited to get back to football now that the NFL Combine is over. I’m getting ready for rookie minicamp. That’s where my head’s at. I’m excited for what’s to come.
JM: Were scouts satisfied with your results? I’m sure they were.
Darius Robinson: Yeah, they were. I definitely received a lot of great feedback from different coaches and general managers around the league. My agent heard glowing reviews from NFL decision-makers he’s spoken with.
I’m excited for Friday’s Pro Day (3/22). It represents another opportunity for me to showcase that I get better every time I take the field. I want to be better than I was the last time people watched me.
JM: Pro Day is this week (3/22) as you said. Do you plan on standing on your numbers, or will you be participating?
Darius Robinson: I plan on redoing my bench press. I’ll also be doing the five-10-five shuttle and the L-drill.
JM: We’re excited to hear that you’ll be expanding on your testing. You had a career-high 8.5 sacks this season. You strung together a dominant campaign in the SEC. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
Darius Robinson: I would say it’s fast, physical, and violent. That’s an honest assessment. I’m not a guy that relies on a bunch of tools. Some guys are a jack of all trades and master of nothing. I prefer to keep it simple.
I keep it violent. I explode out of my stance with power and stay on my speed track. The goal is always to play as fast as I can.
JM: What would you consider your go-to moves and counters?
Darius Robinson: I can’t give you all my secrets (laughs). I have to stay on my speed track, two by four. That means I’m two yards outside the tackle and I’m looking four yards up the field. If you watch me on tape, I angle myself before I get into my stance. I’m showing speed to get the tackle to open up his chest, open his shoulders. I can work different types of power variations as well.
I can also get on a two-by-two power track. I’m trying to show power pre-snap, but maybe I end up winning with speed or finesse. It all comes down to the offensive tackle I’m up against. Is he a high-hand or a low-hand guy? What type of setter is he?
I’m going to find the weakness in whatever he does. That’s the best thing I can do.
JM: You have the versatility to play both inside and outside. Do you see yourself playing 3-tech, or moving all around the d-line at the next level?
Darius Robinson: The team that drafts me will make that decision. That’s the honest truth. Whatever they want me, or need me to play, that’s what I’ll do. I’m going to put my best foot forward.
I feel like I’ve expressed that throughout all of my team meetings. I’ll play any position you need me to play. I really don't care. I can play 0-tech through 9-tech. I just want to help the team win a Super Bowl.
JM: You strike me as the type of defender who understands you need to earn the right to rush the passer by stopping the run on early downs.
Darius Robinson: It all starts with stuffing the run. My favorite portion of practice is those run-stopping days, those run-stopping practice drills. It sets a physical tone for the rest of the week.
Those run-stopping drills set the tempo we’re going to play with. You need to be physical by owning your gap. You have to beat somebody and control your gap. You need to play fast and physical. Just own your stuff and do your job at the end of the day.
JM: I believe you've completed a bunch of Top 30 visits, and have a few more coming up. Where have you been to date and what else do you have scheduled?
Darius Robinson: I’ve visited a few teams already. I prefer to keep the details private at this time. I want to make sure I’m respecting every team. You never know where you’re going to be drafted. I’m having a lot of fun getting to know these coaches. I’m looking forward to taking more visits after Pro Day.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation that highlights why you're a top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. When a team uses a top-50 pick on Darius Robinson, what kind of player are they getting?
Darius Robinson: They’re getting a guy that’s going to be extremely consistent. I’m the same person every single day. I bring the same effort and intensity to every practice. I don’t have an ego. I’m all about producing great results. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.
