You can have all the dynamic and flashy players you want on an NFL roster but one thing has always remained the same, you win and lose in the trenches. The Dallas Cowboys were 31st against the run and 20th in sacks in 2020, which means they need help on their defensive front expeditiously.
The Cowboys have a nice duo at the defensive end that will likely be the starters in 2021 with former All-Pro DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory. Also, they have respectable depth with Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae, Ron’Dell Carter, newly signed veteran Tarell Basham. However, in a passing league, you can never have enough bodies to get after the quarterback or stop the run. With that being said, Florida State Defensive End Janarius Robinson has the potential to be a Day 3 steal for the Cowboys.
Robinson redshirted his true freshman season in 2016. He would fill a reverse role a year later but managed just four tackles and a sack. In 2018, Robinson recorded 27 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup. His Junior campaign was easily his best as he amassed 48 tackles, three sacks, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Robinson closed out his collegiate career with a solid season as he racked up 25 tackles, three sacks, and a pass breakup.
The former Seminole does a great job of setting the edge. Uses his unreal 86-inch wingspan to extend his arms and gain added leverage. Possesses a combination of good footwork and hand usage to beat offensive linemen. He’s effective in the run game and gets pressure on the quarterback with great bend off of the edge.
Robinson isn’t just a one-trick pony. He can play 5-technique in a 3-4 front or a base end in a 4-3. He had an impressive 20.5 tackles for loss during his days in Tallahassee, and you can’t undervalue a guy that keeps offenses behind the chains. Also, he brings nearly 40 games of experience on the college level as a three-year starter.
Robinson’s scouting report via The Draft Network
Florida State defensive end Janarius Robinson was a 4-star recruit that started for three seasons in college. While his production was modest, the entire Seminoles defense has underachieved as the coaching staff struggled to develop talent and use players to their strengths. With that said, the flashes from Robinson are exciting. Robinson has long arms, heavy hands, and a stocky build that was engineered to play on the edge in the NFL. He is a powerful run defender, smart processor, and has plenty of tools to become a more effective pass rusher. He has some really exciting flashes rushing the passer where his length, flexibility, rush variety, effort, and hand power shine. There is room for Robinson to round out his game by learning how to consistently apply his immense physical gifts on the field and deploy his rush plan quicker. Robinson has the skill set to start as a 5-technique in a 3-4 front but could very well also serve as a base end in a 4-3. Robinson is the type of prospect that screams better pro than college player as he gets the right coaching to help unleash his physical tools.
Ideal Role: Starting 5-technique or 4-3 base end
Scheme Fit: 3-4.
Robinson may not get the recognition that other edge rushers in this class get but he has huge upside and with the right coaching staff he has a real good shot of becoming a productive pro.
