A Local Defensive End the Chiefs Could Draft

Missouri EDGE Darius Robinson could be a perfect addition to the defensive end room

The Chiefs have brought back their entire defensive line room from 2023 now with Mike Danna returning to the Chiefs on a three year deal.

While it may not be the biggest position of need for 2024, there is always a need to improve your defensive line. Charles Omenihu will miss the start of the season, and is only under contract through 2024. While the Chiefs have capable bodies, they could need more upgraded talent for this year and beyond.

Danna’s presence provides some inside-outside versatility that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets from he and Omenihu, but there is always a need for more bodies up front.

If the Chiefs went EDGE early in the draft, it wouldn’t surprise. Not much of anything should surprise the Chiefs with the first pick as the team looks to stack quality players for this season and beyond.

There’s one particular EDGE that makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs at the end of the first round.

Here is a sneak peek at a KCSN Draft Guide write up on Missouri’s Darius Robinson.

The 2024 KCSN Draft Guide provides a one-stop shop as to how the top college prospects fit with your Kansas City Chiefs. This digital download will include detailed analysis and profiles of hundreds of prospects, player comps, scheme-fit analysis, a Chiefs draft pick trade chart, features, and more!

EDGE Darius Robinson — Missouri

6’5” — 285 lb

Southfield, MI • September 13, 2001 (22)

Grade (round): 2nd

2023 Stats: 43 TKL, 14 TFL, 8.5 SACKS, 1 FF

Background:

Three star recruit that started his career at defensive tackle. Focused on basketball until his junior year of high school before committing full time to football. Saw playing time his first three seasons before earning a starting role as a senior at defensive tackle. Transitioned to defensive end for rs senior year and earned First-Team All-SEC honors.

Strengths:

Robinson is a “first off the bus” type of player with a big frame that is well filled out. He plays with exceptional power, intensity, and burst which allows him to be at one setter for the entire defense. He has played on the interior defensive line and outside at defensive end while in college. As a rusher Robinson has a very detail oriented rush plan that centers around his length and strength. He utilizes a good burst to get off the line of scrimmage and quickly gets into his rush plan which often consists of using a long arm or bull rush to set up his moves.

Robinson showcases a good club-rip and push-pull to win the outside shoulder of a blocker. He also has a good inside swim move or just a simple bull-rush to counter through or to the inside of a blocker. Robinson is an excellent run defender that can extend blockers off his frame and shed them quickly. He not just holds the edge but can play through blockers to the ball carrier and if he adds weight back to his frame can handle double teams on the interior. He is very young in his journey at defensive end, so there is untapped potential to the technique in his game.

Weaknesses:

Robinson is a little heavy footed when asked to play in space which can limit some of his usage as a defensive end. He is a strong player but can struggle with his pad level - especially when playing inside - and lose his balance. As a rusher on the outside Robinson is still learning how to navigate the extra space and his proper pathing.

Robinson’s rush plan can be a little predetermined and results in resorting to just a pocket pusher. He has below average hip and ankle flexibility making it difficult for him to run the arc with good pacing. Robinson is a good run defender on the edge but can be a tick late to diagnose some misdirection runs that take advantage of his over-pursuit.

How he fits with the Chiefs:

Robinson is going to be loved by NFL teams for his character, physical presence, effort, and raw power. He can set the tone for a team while providing leadership and technically sound play along the defensive line at almost any position. Teams will have to determine if they want to keep developing him as a defensive end or add weight back to his frame and move back inside to defensive tackle. He has the traits to fit both roles and some teams may even use him in that way.

The Chiefs would be one of those teams that would play Robinson as a base defensive end and enjoy moving him inside for rushing downs. His power profile, run defense, versatility and strong character are a match made in heaven for Joe Cullen and Steve Spagnuolo.

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