Cardinals, NFL React to Second First-Round Pick

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals bolstered their defensive line with the selection of Missouri DL Darius Robinson, a violent defensive lineman who can play at either defensive tackle or defensive end under the guidance of DC Nick Rallis and HC Jonathan Gannon.

With plenty of defensive talent slipping, Arizona opted to stay put at No. 27 and upgrade the trenches over a position such as corner, where some top talent could still be at their disposal when they pick at No. 35 on Friday to begin Rounds 2 and 3.

Budda Baker seems to love his new teammate, giving the pick an "A++" grade:

A++
— Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) April 26, 2024

Linebacker Zaven Collins might be free for some more sacks along the line of scrimmage now:

LFG! Welcome to the fam!!!!#BirdGang https://t.co/3TWZBzbChw
— Zaven Collins (@ZavenCollins) April 26, 2024

They say iron sharpens iron, and Robinson just might help make Paris Johnson Jr. a better offensive tackle during practice:

Let’s get to work @Darius6Robinson !!
— Paris Johnson Jr. (@ParisJohnsonJr) April 26, 2024

The Cardinals could also see B.J. Ojulari take that massive leap in Year 2:

Darius Robinson’s size should complement the speed of BJ Ojulari. Slowly but surely, Cardinals upgrading the trenches.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) April 26, 2024

Was Robinson a reach? Don't believe rankings around the internet - he indeed had a first-round grade.

Somehow everyone believes Darius Robinson was gonna be there at 35. Seems like people are taking the pff mock draft simulator rankings to heart. Let’s not forget they had cooper Dejean ranked #8 and we are at pick # 29. Those rankings are not indicative of anything
— K1SinceDay1 (@KSzn2021) April 26, 2024

Perhaps the Cardinals did some scouting at the Cotton Bowl:

Both of Arizona's first round draft picks were present at last season's Cotton Bowl Classic. 4th overall pick, Ohio State's Marvin Harrison, Jr, opted out of the game and did not appear. 27th pick Darius Robinson, from Mizzou notched a sack and a pair of tackles for loss.
— Adam Busack (@Kingbus5) April 26, 2024

From the looks of it, Robinson looks like he's ready to get to work tomorrow:

#Mizzou DE Darius Robinson after being drafted:

"This is an amazing opportunity, man. I really want to thank the Arizona Cardinals for believing me...just really excited for this opportunity...I got all my family and friends to support me...it's time to go to work."
— Wendell Shepherd (@wendellsjr_) April 26, 2024

The Cardinals walked away from the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft addressing both sides of the ball. They look to pick up action tomorrow, where they'll have a total of four picks in the next two rounds.