Penn State’s Chop Robinson is one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the class. He stands at 6’3”, 254 pounds, but ran an incredible 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
That is the kind of athleticism that will get scouts’ attention. Robinson is one of the more polarizing guys in this class, and he is currently projected to hear his name at the end of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Let’s dive into Robinson’s journey with the former Penn State edge rusher entering the NFL.
Where Did Chop Robinson’s Football Career Start?
Robinson played high school football at Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, Md.
During his junior season in 2019, Robinson helped lead Quince Orchard to a 12-1 record and a spot in the state semifinals after the team won a state title in 2018. They went 25-2 in those two seasons, and Robinson set the school career sacks record with 14.
MORE: Top EDGEs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Being from Maryland, Robinson made the decision to stay in-state and committed to Maryland. He chose the Terrapins over Clemson, Florida State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, and Penn State, among others.
Revisiting Robinson’s College Career
Maryland
Robinson stayed home and started his collegiate career at Maryland in 2021. In his lone season in College Park, he finished with 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. He was named to the ESPN Midseason All-Freshman team as a result.
Robinson’s stay at Maryland was short, however, as he entered the transfer portal and eventually went to Penn State.
Penn State
This is where Robinson’s career started to blossom. Finishing his sophomore campaign with 26 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, he made an immediate impact in 2022 for the Nittany Lions.
One of Robinson’s best games of the season was against his old college, as he finished with three tackles and two sacks against Maryland. He was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team, setting the stage for his breakout junior season.
Last year, Robinson had to battle injuries, playing in only seven games. He finished with 15 tackles and four sacks but made the decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
Robinson’s Potential in the NFL
Looked at as a boom-or-bust prospect, scouts are kind of all over the place when it comes to Robinson’s potential. His attributes and traits suggest that he has a chance to be a big-time player.
The athleticism Robinson possesses is rare to have at that position. However, there are some injury and durability issues, as well as how he will hold up with the physicality of opposing offensive linemen.
Penn State’s Chop Robinson is a BEAST.
An eye-popping 4.49 40-yard dash. 🤯#WeAre | #NFLCombine
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 29, 2024
PFN’s Ian Cummings is very high on Robinson, viewing him as “a borderline top-10 prospect” and “one of the top defensive prospects in the class.”
“He’s a contender for the EDGE1 mantle alongside Alabama’s Dallas Turner and Florida State’s Jared Verse,” Cummings said. “Robinson’s elite explosive athleticism and play speed can send tackles careening off the snap, and his high-end ankle flexion only makes his speed more potent. Robinson’s burst and bend are overwhelming qualities, and he can capitalize on those traits with active hands.
“There’s still room for Robinson to further fill out his pass-rush arsenal and be more consistent with his power, but he’s ultimately a maniacal hot-motor attacker with the bedrock athletic traits to be an instant disruptor, and he can do so from all alignments. The flashes of combo work and combative hand usage invite excitement for his projection.”
Cummings compares Robinson to former Miami Dolphins edge rusher Cameron Wake.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Chop Robinson
Robinson’s Highlights, Records, and More
As a sophomore at Penn State, Robinson was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by coaches and the media.
Heading into the 2023 season, there were big expectations for Robinson, as he was named preseason second-team All-American. He was also named to the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists to start the team.
Injuries derailed much of Robinson’s season, unfortunately, but he was still able to make the All-Big Ten first team this past season. He also made third-team All-Big Ten in the end-of-season CFN awards.
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