Darius Robinson, a Missouri defensive end, was a favorite among Detroit Lions journalists on Tuesday at the NFL Combine, and with good cause. The Southfield, Michigan native is not only a hometown favorite, but as a defensive lineman with first-round skill, he might be the Lions’ first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Robinson allegedly met with the Lions at the NFL Combine for a formal meeting, and he confessed that the opportunity to speak with his childhood team was a significant occasion for him.
“My heart was bumping,” Robinson told the Detroit News. “It was like a dream to see all the names and faces from my childhood as a Lions fan. “That was an excellent interview.”
Robinson isn’t only playing to the crowd here. In fact, his mother kept receipts. On Twitter, she posted a photo of Darius as a child at Lions training camp, receiving an autograph from former defensive tackle Nick Fairley.
Darius Robinson at Lions training facility gets autograph from a Defensive Player, now it’s time for him to switch sides. pic.twitter.com/m34U0Yieqf
— Ms.Robinson (@RobinsonValori) February 29, 2024
As a football player, it’s difficult not to notice the possible match in Detroit. Robinson has been described as someone who “loves ball,” is “rugged,” and “relentless.” At 6-foot-5, 286 pounds, he can set the edge in the run game, play with power or quickness, and compete both inside and outside.
“I play all positions. “I can play from zero to nine,” Robinson stated. “I’m going to play physical; I’m going to run and hit someone. I can do everything, and all I want to do is put my cleats in the ground and play as fast as I can.”
While the Lions currently have a number of players that can play various positions (Josh Paschal, John Cominsky), none have produced like Robinson did at Missouri. Last season, Robinson recorded 8.5 sacks and 42 pressures (per PFF) in 12 games while being a disruptive and disciplined run defender.
To enhance his ties to the Lions, Robinson’s head coach at the Senior Bowl last month was Terrell Williams, the new Lions defensive line coach.
“Coach T, man,” Robinson explained. “He taught me to be violent, physical, pad level, and get off. “He’s an excellent coach.”
Robinson is expected to be picked around the end of the first round, about the same spot as the Lions’ first-round choice (29th overall). However, ESPN’s Field Yates feels he may not advance that far.
