Ravens Draft Target Rumor: Penn State's Chop Robinson
The Baltimore Ravens boasted one of the league’s most feared defenses in 2023, combining on-field talent with incredible coaching to overwhelm opposing offenses. However, the offseason brings about change, and many veteran defensive players may find themselves leaving for greener pastures in free agency.
Defensive tackle Justin Madubuike may field the biggest contract this spring, but the Ravens are also losing edge rushers Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney to the open market. Of their five players with over 300 pass-rushing reps last season, three will at the very least have the opportunity to leave.
Chop Robinson
© Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
As such, Baltimore may be primed to replenish its pass rush in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Picking 30th might put a dent in the Ravens’ chances to land Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, but there may not be a better fit for Baltimore.
Robinson has largely been projected to fall deep into the first round. This week’s NFL Scouting Combine, though, could change that. Few boast Robinson’s athletic traits. While some may see post-combine risers as evaluators double counting for athleticism, others may feel the middle of the first round is justified.
If Robinson falls to the Ravens, they’d be hard-pressed not to run the card in immediately, and he may be worth trading up for if the board falls fortunately and the asking price isn’t too steep. Trading up for non-quarterbacks isn’t exactly good business, but the incubator that is the Baltimore defense could help mitigate those concerns.
Robinson is a pass-rushing specialist off the edge whose calling card is his combination of acceleration and bend. He turns the corner as well as anyone in the class and has the speed and motor to wreak havoc in pursuit of mobile quarterbacks.
He comes in the build of Dallas Cowboys megastar (and former Penn State star) Micah Parsons, and while that is an unfair expectation to place on anybody, an immediate boost to a defense’s potency feels like a likely outcome.
Baltimore has a history of drafting bendy, athletic edge rushers. From Odafe Oweh to David Ojabo and Tyus Bowser, the Ravens have a type, and Robinson fits it well. His weaknesses against the run are more than manageable and a worthy trade-off for the ceiling he gives the pass rush.
It’s difficult to maintain elite play without continuously adding high-level talents, especially on defense. In a universe where Robinson falls to Baltimore or within striking distance of a trade-up, he’s a prospect who should be heavily considered.
