Can the Commanders wait on Chop Robinson to be a complete pass rusher?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Chop Robinson, DE
School: Penn State | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6’3” / 254 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 1-2

Player Comparison: Bryce Huff

College Statistics

Player Overview

Folks on Hogs Haven might already be familiar with Chop Robinson. Born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Demeioun Robinson was nicknamed “Porkchop” after weighing 14 pounds at birth. He dropped “Pork” and went by “Chop” as he got older. Given his size at birth, maybe it was predictable that he’d play football. Chop would become a standout player at Quince Orchard where he helped them to a state championship and owns the school’s career sack record. A five-star recruit and ESPN’s top-ranked player in Maryland , Robinson chose to stay home and play for the Terps.

Robinson got on the field in every game at Maryland in 2021 and made a modest impact in limited snaps. What popped off the tape was his athleticism. After watching film of Arnold Ebiketie, current Atlanta Falcon with Maryland roots, and seeing how much he improved. Robinson entered the transfer portal and headed to Happy Valley. At Penn State in 2022, Robinson earned All-Big Ten honorable mention after posting double-digit tackles for loss and career highs in sacks and tackles. Many expected a big year from Robinson in 2023, but he missed time with an injury. Only getting on the field for seven games, Robinson was impactful but didn’t have the stats to show for it.

Strengths

• Excellent burst off the line and into backfield
• Speed rushes around edge and through gaps effective at generating pressures
• Can convert speed to power to push blockers
• Has the flexibility to flatten around the edge and get to QB
• High-motor; will chase down plays from backside and downfield
• Effectively sets an edge and maintains ground in the run game

Weaknesses

• Lack of length makes some pass rush moves less effective
• Needs to improve pass rush plan and when to deploy different techniques
• Hand usage needs to improve to help him get off blocks
• Loses balance and ends up on the ground often
• Lacks sack production

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

After trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the Commanders used free agency to add help on the edge. Adding Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler, Jr. to the team to go along with K.J. Henry, Efe Obada, and others establishes a floor of talent that the Commanders will build on going forward. That might start with adding more help at defensive end in the draft.

With rare athletic traits at the position, it’s easy to see why Chop Robinson is a highly-regarded prospect. Speed is his calling card and he uses it effectively to get into the backfield. While there are times you see him use other skills to rush the passers successfully, these areas of his game need improvement. If he does improve in those areas, he could be a headache for offenses in the NFL. I say if because he didn’t have the sack production you would like in college and it won’t get easier in the league. While he has enough speed and power, he has to learn how and when to deploy all the tools to rush the passer to be his most effective.

If the Commanders are enticed by Robinson’s traits and how he currently impacts the game while he gets better at other aspects of playing defensive end, they may use an early pick on him in a few weeks. With so many players signed at the position, Robinson would not need to start and can be used situationally as he improves technique. If he does, he might live up to some of the Micah Parsons comparisons people have made. If not, he may remind fans of Chase Young: a talented pass rusher who never became the dominant force his talent and traits suggested he would be.