Darius Robinson, a defensive lineman from Missouri, has met with the Detroit native twice in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, demonstrating the Detroit Lions’ unabashed interest in him.
Robinson may be guaranteed a spot in Detroit’s first round draft selection, according to an insider. ESPN analyst Matt Miller cited a scout close to the Lions who thinks Detroit may have already decided on their top pick when breaking down the pre-draft excitement surrounding the franchise.
The scout who Miller mentioned has “crossed paths with the Lions’ decision-makers multiple times this year and has shared conversations with them about team needs” stated, “This is your landing spot for Darius Robinson.”
Detroit’s defensive scheme is “ideal fit” for Darius Robinson
Miller pointed out that Robinson would make sense for the Lions, who are looking for a reliable pass rusher to play next to Aidan Hutchinson.
At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Robinson, the adaptable defensive lineman from Missouri, is a perfect fit for the strategy, according to Miller. “In 2023, Robinson played both defensive end and defensive tackle, recording 8.5 sacks. Although the Lions have excellent defensive linemen in Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, Robinson’s strength and quickness would be a nice complement.”
Hutchinson, who recorded 11.5 sacks in his second season with the organization, was the only reliable pass rusher the Lions had at times.
Robinson and the Lions have been connected by other commentators. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter predicted in a mock draft that was released on March 22 that the Lions will select him with the 29th overall choice. Like Miller, Reuter said that the defensive lineman from Missouri would be useful to the Lions because of his versatility.
According to Reuter, “Robinson showed off his versatility in Missouri’s scheme last year, often standing up at 285 pounds.” “He would probably be used similarly by the Lions, across from Aidan Hutchinson.”
Lions Remaining True to What Works
In the previous NFL Draft, general manager Brad Holmes of the Lions faced criticism for selecting tight end Sam LaPorta at number 34 and running back Josh Gibbs at number 12, both of whom were heavy offensive selections. Holmes stated that the Lions’ strategy is to select the best player available, despite the fact that the team had some pressing defensive needs at the moment.
Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell “made it clear they have no plans to change their approach of drafting the best player available” this year, according to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. According to Holmes, the team filled the obvious holes by re-signing important players, adding veteran depth to their secondary, and using free agency to fill in the obvious needs. This allows them the flexibility to select the top draft pick.
At league meetings in March, Holmes stated, “You guys have heard me talk openly about it, but free agency is a time to pull out the depth chart and start plugging holes and all that kind of stuff.” However, when it comes to the draft, you might truly err by reaching for a necessity and passing over guys who could have a significant influence.
