Many of the predictions draft evaluators believed they understood about which players will be selected will be abandoned once action begins on April 25. All of the hoaxes, rumors, and other garbage will lead to real findings that need to be considered.
The Detroit Lions are undoubtedly one of the top wildcard teams in this year’s draft. They are positioned to select practically any position as the “best player available” at selection No. 29 in the first round, and they will undoubtedly do so. Both a trade up and a trade down are feasible.
ESPN recently collaborated on draft-related intelligence by bringing together their NFL franchise reporters and draft analysts (subscription required). Matt Miller, a draft expert, singled out one prospect at selection 29.
An area scout who has spoken with Lions decision-makers about team needs and crossed paths with them several times this season stated, “This is your landing spot for Darius Robionson.” Robinson, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive lineman from Missouri, is a perfect fit for the strategy. Although the Lions have excellent defensive linemen in Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, Robinson’s strength and burst on the edge would be a nice addition. In 2023, he played both defensive end and defensive tackle while recording 8.5 sacks.”
Darius Robinson is very easy to tie to the Lions at pick No. 29
From the Senior Bowl to the NFL Combine to his attendance at the team’s local Pro Day this week, the Lions have demonstrated a great deal of interest in Robinson throughout the pre-draft process. A significant portion of mock drafts over the past week or two have him going to the Lions at No. 29.
Growing up, Robinson supported the Lions and lived in Canton, Michigan. He talked at the combine about how, in contrast to earlier meetings, his encounter with the team in Indianapolis affected him slightly differently.
“I felt my heart pounding,” Robinson remarked. “I’ll tell you what, sitting there with all the names and people in the room and coming up as a Lions fan, it was like a dream. The interview went quite well.”
The Lions (as well as many other teams) should be extremely attracted to Robinson’s inside-outside versatility and production boost (8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss) from last season when he spent more time out on the edge. He’s definitely a possibility if he’s available at pick 29.
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