Darius Robinson DT Missouri: Scouting Report

Height: 6’5

Weight: 286

Overall

Darius Robinson is a long and powerful defensive end in Missouri’s hybrid defense. In his 5 collegiate seasons, he played in 47 games, with 30 starts. He battled a number of injuries throughout his career causing him to miss games in multiple seasons but did not suffer anything major that would affect him moving forward. He began his career as a defensive tackle but moved to the outside prior to this last season and had his most productive year yet. He played primarily on the edge but with Missouri’s hybrid defense, he was used as a 5-technique end when lined up in a 3-4 which is where he projects best at the next level.

Pass Game

In the pass game, Robinson has a quick first step off the line of scrimmage and a very strong initial punch along with the leg drive to get linemen on their heels and collapse the pocket on bullrushes. With his massive size, he plays too high at times allowing tackles to get hands on his chest and when they do, he struggles to get free. He did not show a vast pass rush repertoire on film but he has active hands and shows the ability to create pressure using a swipe move or inside step. He does not have very good bend when rushing on the edge but from the interior he is athletic enough to out maneuver guards and the explosiveness to get the quarterback when he gets into space. He is still a very raw player when it comes to rushing the passer but with further coaching, he has the tools to develop into a dominant 5-technique tackle.

Run Game

In the run game, Robinson does a good job of extending his arms after initial contact to create separation from his man and he has the power to set the edge. At times he will fail to get his gap side arm and leg free allowing the ball-carrier to get past him before he can get off the block and make the tackle. He has some stiffness when it comes to moving laterally which will hurt him when playing on the outside but on the interior he can use his power to move vertically, driving his man back rather than laterally down the line. He is a good tackler but struggles making plays in the open field with his struggles changing direction quickly. He plays with a good motor and did a good job of consistently chasing down plays deep into the secondary.

Last Word

Robinson is a powerful defensive lineman who projects best as a 3-4 defensive end where he can work more on the interior with the flexibility of moving to the edge in sub-packages. He has elite physical tools and his explosiveness on bullrushes will make him very valuable on 3rd downs. His size and athleticism will allow him to excel on special teams as well.

One-Liner: Darius Robinson is a raw defensive lineman, but he has the elite physical tools to develop into a very good 3 down interior lineman, especially in a 3-4 scheme.

Grade: 6.7 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2023 - Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio State, Kansas State

Team Fits: Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings