NFL Draft Profile: Merlin Robertson, Linebacker, Arizona State Sun Devils
#8
Pos: LB
Ht: 6023
Wt: 223
Hand: 0938
Arm: 3158
Wing: 7678
40: 4.75
DOB:12/7/1999
Hometown: Gardena, CA
High School: Junipero Serra
Eligibility: 2023
Merlin Robertson
Arizona State Sun Devils
One-Liner:
Robertson is a very clean NFL linebacker prospect who had some big games in college, but the athleticism may be cause for concern.
Evaluation:
Robertson primarily aligns as the SAM linebacker on the Sun Devils instincts. He has a very refined frame that is NFL-ready - thich base and adequate muscle mass. His instincts are extremely astute; very easy to see how quickly and fluidly his mind processes on the field. Electric run defender who is able to sniff out draws from either the A or B gap. Sheds blocks with ultimate ease. Technical tackling ability is superb - doesn’t try and clip ankles, always goes after the play the correct way. Pass-rushing ability is a positive; mostly attacks from the inside and his closing speed is solid. Improving in coverage; never going to be a true “sideline to sideline” backer, but knows his role and excels at it. Worry about his athleticism - not the most smooth mover and may need to cut weight. Lack of speed and twitch is another concern; missing angles isn’t quite his issue, he will simply be juked or at a physical disadvantage. Doesn’t excel when playing the outside on run downs - will sometimes leave a receiver wide open and his attempts to recover rarely turn out well. Hips are very stiff and change of direction ability is very limited as well. Merlin Robertson is a player who doesn’t really have that many outstanding weaknesses when it comes to his game. He’s smart, instinctual, and a great leader with a ton of experience. On the flip side, his pass coverage skills may not translate as well to the NFL due to his physical limitations. I would love to see him try and gain some explosiveness but cutting about ten pounds, and I feel a team could really make him excel as a middle linebacker. It’s risky to say, but Robertson feels like a very safe player who can be found on Day 2, as long as the team that selects him knows his limitations.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Merlin Robertson, in 2018, was the Pac 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2018, showing that he has made an impact from the very beginning. He also led the team in tackles as a freshman. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was a valuable piece of Arizona State’s defense. Ranked as a four star prospect from Junipero Serra High School, Robertson totaled three hundred and seventy seven tackles, with nineteen and a half sacks in his career. From Carson, California, Robertson will look to be one of the top players on ASU’s defense in 2022.
