The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Missouri EDGE Darius Robinson plans on taking full advantage. Robinson recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Robinson also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pass rush arsenal, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Robinson better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Darius Robinson: I was at The University of Missouri. My head coach Eli Drinkwitz brought me to his office. He let me know about my invite. That was a huge honor, especially because the news came directly from my head coach.
I didn’t receive the invite last year. It was on my list of goals for this season. Earning that invite is a huge honor.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Darius Robinson: It’s the best pre-draft all-star game you can attend. It’s another opportunity for me to show the scouts what I can do against some of the other best seniors in all of college football. I was excited to receive the invite. I’m ready to get to work.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Darius Robinson: I’m looking to prove that I’m the best defensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft. I’ve played every position at Missouri. I’m versatile enough to play both inside and outside. I’m going to showcase how physical of a player I am. I use my hands well. I want everybody to see that I’m one of the top linemen in this draft class.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Self-scout yourself.
Darius Robinson: I’m an extremely long and physical prospect. I have a very high motor. I understand how to use leverage to my advantage. I’m extremely violent. I’ve improved as a pass rusher over the years, particularly from last season to this year. If I was writing my own scouting report, I’d state that I’m the best defensive lineman in this draft.
JM: If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL pass rusher, who would you choose and why?
Darius Robinson: I think I’m a mixture of Chris Jones and Maxx Crosby. On the outside, Maxx Crosby uses his leverage very well, just like I do. On the inside, Chris Jones is a bigger guy. He plays with both power and finesse.
JM: You had a career-high 8.5 sacks this season. You were one of the most impressive pass rushers in the SEC. What changed for you in 2023 that allowed you to take that step forward?
Darius Robinson: Honestly, my defensive line coach Kevin Peoples changed the trajectory of my career. He’s an amazing coach. He really taught me upper body rotation and how to better use my hands. Coach Peoples maximized my God-given abilities. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. I give him a lot of credit.
JM: Coach Peoples is an outstanding teacher who’s been around for a long time. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? What are some of your go-to moves and counters?
Darius Robinson: I definitely think I do a great job setting everything up with my power. I have to make offensive linemen aware that I’m capable of running through somebody. That comes first and foremost. After that, I use the forklift, two-hand swipe, and so on. I use different movements with my hands based on the pass set I get. Whatever I choose, speed or power, I’m going to dominate.
JM: When I asked you for your NFL comp, you said a mixture of Maxx Crosby and Chris Jones. You have inside-outside versatility. We saw that this season at Missouri. Talk to me about that versatility to move all around the defensive line.
Darius Robinson: This year was one of the first times I’ve ever played defensive end. That was my first time doing that for Missouri. I was allowed to showcase that versatility. I feel like me being 280 pounds and being a lengthy defensive linemen, I was able to play multiple positions at a high level. I played the five [technique] and the six [technique]. I came inside and played the 3-tech and 4i. I really showed off my versatility. I don’t think there are many defensive linemen in this 2024 NFL Draft that did what I did.
JM: You were effective at every position. What’s on Darius Robinson’s pre-game playlist?
Darius Robinson: The pre-game playlist has a lot of Tee Grizzley. He’s from Detroit like me. There’s a lot of Meek Mill on the playlist as well. I like anything that really gets me going. Honestly, right before we exit the tunnel, I listen to gospel music. It helps me relax and remember what I’m doing this for.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Darius Robinson?
Darius Robinson: I want to win MVP. I want to be the best defensive lineman in attendance. Senior Bowl MVP is my goal. A successful Senior Bowl means I established myself as the best defensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft.
