Darius Robinson's Constant Drive for Improvement Leads to Rising Draft Stock

Darius Robinson is consumed by disappointment. Missouri just wrapped up a thrilling 33-31 win over Florida but the team captain believed that he didn't do his 'one-eleventh' for the Tigers. 

"First off, I just wanna say, I gotta be better," Robinson said through sighs. 

The fifth-year defensive end led the team in tackles for loss and sacks in the win but felt that his performance was unacceptable for the standard that he had set for himself.

"If I'm the player that I envision myself as and my teammates and coaches believe, I gotta be better so I gotta go to practice tomorrow and get better and I'm just glad we won," Robinson said. "As a leader, I hold the standard and I just gotta get better."

Robinson cited two mistakes he made on a late defensive drive that Florida scored a touchdown on to create a one-point lead with three minutes remaining. 

"I was heartbroken because I thought I loss us the game," Robinson said.

The game against Florida was especially meaningful for Robinson as it was his last that he would play at Faurot Field. Robinson had stuck through countless moments of adversity through his time at Columbia including a coaching change and four seasons with six or fewer wins. 

In 2023 though, Missouri leaped to new heights The Tigers had their best season in a decade, finding 11 wins and a trip to the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State. Behind the success was a culture change due to vocal leaders like Robinson.

"D-Rob is a big leader," Missouri linebacker Chad Bailey said in the 2023 season. "He loves to communicate, he's always looking out for his guys, especially the young guys. He's always trying to bring up dudes up with him."

In his five years at Missouri, Robinson compiled 69 tackles, 13 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. Robinson's most successful statistical came in 2023 when he switched from playing on the interior of the defensive line to the edge position. The decision to make the move to the outside came from the Missouri coaching staff after the team lost edge Isiah McGuire to the NFL Draft following the 2022 season.

Robinson's willingness to switch positions is now playing big dividends as his versatility is one of his best traits as a prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. This week, Robinson has taken the first steps towards his future by shining in front of NFL scouts at practices for the Reeses Senior Bowl. 

"I’m looking to prove that I’m the best defensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft," Robinson said in an interview with TheDraftNetwork this week. "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."

Robinson has taken practice reps at both the interior and edge positions along the defensive line this week and showcasing his rare skillset with his 6-foot-5, 286 lb. frame. 

"I’m an extremely long and physical prospect," Robinson said to TheDraftNetwork. "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."

This week at Senior Bowl practices, Robinson has quickly caught the attention of many scouts and analysts alike. In three days of practices, he has shown off his diverse pass-rushing arsenal that makes for a dangerous mix when paired with his power.