Reports suggest that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are connected to a pass rusher with the potential for elite performance.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly considering bolstering their defense under head coach Todd Bowles by selecting athletic Penn State pass rusher Chop Robinson in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Robinson is recognized as one of the most dynamic and agile pass rushers in this year’s draft class, potentially offering immediate impact as a starter within the Buccaneers’ front seven.
In ESPN’s recent mock draft projection, featuring selections from Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr., Yates predicts that the Buccaneers will opt for Robinson with the No. 26 overall pick in this year’s draft, scheduled later this month.
“Tampa Bay has identified primary needs at edge rusher and on the interior offensive line,” Yates explains. “While Robinson’s college production was modest (4.0 sacks in 2023), his exceptional first-step quickness and relentless effort make him a compelling prospect. He is anticipated to thrive as a professional, surpassing his collegiate achievements.”
Throughout his collegiate career spanning three seasons, including stints at Maryland before transferring to Penn State, Robinson amassed 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. However, his exceptional athleticism and explosiveness could significantly elevate his potential in the NFL, especially with the benefit of a complete offseason conditioning program.
Chop Robinson’s NFL Draft scouting report highlights his exceptional athletic prowess despite not posting significant college production.
At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Robinson showcased remarkable speed by completing the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.49 seconds, highlighting his explosive capabilities.
Describing Robinson’s agility, NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein compares him to All-Pro Micah Parsons, emphasizing his quickness and ability to overpower blockers instantly. However, Zierlein notes that Robinson needs to refine his hand techniques and attack angles to fully realize his potential against NFL tackles. Nonetheless, Robinson’s exceptional athletic abilities provide him with a solid foundation to become a successful NFL starter.
Pro Football Focus recognizes Robinson’s outstanding performance with an elite 90.9 overall grade for the 2023 season, highlighting his exceptional 20.9 pass-rush win rate, establishing him as one of the top edge rushers in this year’s draft class.
While some scouts draw parallels between Robinson and Micah Parsons, an NFC National Scout interviewed by NFL.com suggests that Parsons was slightly more polished as a football player upon entering the NFL, whereas Robinson still has room for growth and development.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass rush demonstrated solid performance last season, ranking 10th in the league with 48 sacks.
However, with the Atlanta Falcons acquiring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason, and the potential for significant progress in Bryce Young’s development with the Carolina Panthers, the Buccaneers cannot have too many dominant edge rushers if they aim to defend their NFC South title.
Robinson could potentially be the type of player who leads the pass rush.
“I believe a player who possesses quickness off the snap, speed, and exceptional bending ability,” Robinson stated, as reported by the Buffalo News. “I think these qualities define the best pass rusher—a player who can bend and effectively use his hands.
“I would definitely highlight my bending ability as my strongest attribute. Being able to lean with my shoulder, lead with my hands, and maintain my speed. So, I would say I excel in that area, and that’s not something you see every day.”
