New Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Darius Robinson gets high praise from SEC defensive coordinators tchieu

The Arizona Cardinals added Darius Robinson with their second pick in the first round, and in doing so added more along the defensive front seven that was a huge need heading into the 2024 NFL offseason.

There were some who wondered about his fit in the first round, but those in the SEC had high praise for him.

From E$PN Insider:

The end of the draft’s first round generated interest because of who heard their names called — and who did not. The final six picks began with a rare defensive selection in Missouri lineman Darius Robinson, who fought injuries for chunks of his career and delivered a breakout final season in 2023 with 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He was picked at No. 27 by the Arizona Cardinals.

“I’m glad he showed out at the Senior Bowl because I saw it in person,” an SEC coordinator said. “He’s strong, he’s violent, he’s twitchy. He’s what you look for in an NFL D-tackle.”

Added another SEC coordinator: “He’s an all-around player: Pass-rusher but heavy-handed, can play the run, do a lot of different things, more athletic than you think, great size, good player. He can’t play the 3-technique, but he can play 4 [technique].”

One of the things we have seen that Jonathan Gannon loves to see in defensive players, especially his edge players is the ability to stay on the field.

In his rookie season it is not as imperative, but if he is playing 55% or more of the snaps, that is going to be the expectation.

We saw that is what the Eagles loved to do under Gannon.

Derek Barnett played 64% in 2021, Josh Sweat played 62% in his lone Pro Bowl season in 2021 and 56% in 2022.

That is what Gannon and likely Rallis will want and Robinson looks like he can give the Cardinals just that.