The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. We take a look at another Scouting Combine standout in Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Robinson was rumored as a first-round prospect heading into the 2023 season. A few down games and two missed games with a concussion made the league soften its take on him. However, after destroying the Scouting Combine with a 4.48 40-yard dash and 10’8” broad jump, the NFL community has taken notice.
Demeioun “Porkchop” Robinson was a five-star recruit out of Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He was the No. 2 edge rusher nationally, only behind fellow first-round hopeful Dallas Turner. During his time at Penn State, Robinson would become an ESPN midseason true freshman All-American candidate, earn second-team All-American honors his junior season, and be named to the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists.
Chop Robinson, Defensive End, Penn State
Name: Demeioun “Chop” Robinson
Jersey: No. 44
Position: Defensive End
School: Penn State
Class: Junior
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 254 lbs.
Strengths
The biggest strength of Chop Robinson is his elite explosiveness off the edge. His first step, paired with his elite speed, will be where he wins in the NFL. He isn’t straight-line speed alone though, as he can win with quickness to cross linemen’s face as well.
Another strong facet of Robinson’s game is his bend and balance. Once he blows by a lineman, he can dip and rip under to get to the quarterback. He doesn’t get into positions where he gets close and ends up eluded by the QB.
While this isn’t the best area of his game, I was impressed with some of his hand usage. The area will still need a lot of improvement, but his quickness translates to his hands as well.
Weaknesses
Robinson wins often in his game, but it rarely has to do with his pass-rush moves. During his time in the NFL, he will need to improve his plan, as well as move his arsenal against NFL tackles. This isn’t to say that he can’t do so, either. He’s displayed quick hands with swipe moves during his time at PSU.
Pro Comparison: Micah Parsons
It was difficult to find a comparison for Robinson. Von Miller was in a league of his own. Myles Jack never got down to the edge, and Shaq Barrett didn’t have the explosiveness Robinson does. The draft prospect version of Parsons resembled Robinson, being a raw, extreme-speed threat off the edge.
Draft Projection: Late First or Early Second Round
After his Scouting Combine performance, Robinson shot back up boards, though I wasn’t sure why he dropped in the first place. Teams like Tampa Bay at No. 26, Carolina at No. 33, and the Chiefs, Bills, and Lions could all use his services. He may need time to polish, but if Robinson hits, you could have one of the league’s best pass rushers for the next decade.
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