Darius Robinson Selected by Arizona Cardinals in 2024 NFL Draft

The Missouri defensive lineman is the first Missouri player to be taken in the first round since Charles Harris in 2017.

Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) sacks Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan (2) / Credit:© Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz accomplished a lot last season, as his Missouri Tigers went 11-2 and capped off a dream season with a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

 However, one milestone Drinkwitz hadn't achieved was producing a first round pick.

That was achieved late Thursday night, as defensive lineman Darius Robinson was taken with the 27th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft by the the Arizona Cardinals in Detroit, which is about a 20-minute drive from Robinson's hometown of Southfield, Mi.

Entering the draft, the Cardinals had needs all over their defense. After securing Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick, Arizona grabbed Robinson as a hopeful lynchpin on the defensive line.

Robinson signed with Missouri in 2018 as a three-star recruit. After receiving little playing time in his freshman season, Robinson's contributions slowly increased throughout his time in Columbia. Prior to last season, he moved from defensive tackle to defensive end and had a monster season as Missouri's top defensive player.

In five seasons with the Tigers, Robinson recorded 112 total tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Last season, he recorded 43 total tackles with 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Robinson was the unquestioned leader of Missouri's defense and played a big part in the Tigers finishing 11-2 in 2023.

Robinson keeps the streak of a Missouri Tiger getting drafted to 20 consecutive drafted, as MU has had at least one player selected in every NFL Draft since 2005. He is the ninth Missouri player selected in the Drinkwitz era and the first to go in the first round.

Young joins Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa as the third Alabama quarterback taken in the first round since 2020 after the feat had not been accomplished since 1976. He is the 42nd Alabama player selected in the first round in the Saban era. 

Missouri Defensive Lineman Darius Robinson

Darius Robinson is always looking for something to improve upon.

He returned to Missouri for one final year in 2023, despite the Tigers finishing the 2022 season 6-7. He knew there was unfinished business and that there was enough talent on the roster for the team to be much better.

That thought was vindicated with Missouri’s 11-2 season in Robinson’s final year. He was a crucial part of it with his production and leadership that he brought to the team.

Not only did he lead the team with 8.5 sacks but he also was one of the most valued voices in the locker room.

“The best leader I’ve ever been around,” Missouri running back Cody Schrader said of Robinson. “From a work ethic standpoint, from a vocal standpoint — I think he was the heart and soul of our team. When he said something, everybody listened. We went as we went and that’s why you’ve seen him have the success he’s had.”

Now Robinson’s journey will continue with the chance to become the first Missouri player selected in the first round of the NFL draft since Charles Harris in 2017. Robinson was one of just 13 prospects invited to attend the draft in person in Detroit. 

"My story's just starting. I'm not satisfied with being here," Robinson said. "I gotta go dominate now."

Player info

• Jersey: No. 6
• Position: Edge rusher
• DOB: September 13, 2001 (22)
• Hometown: Southfield, Michigan
• High School: Canton
• Recruiting Class: 2019
• Recruiting Rating: 3-star, 21st in Michigan, 58th DE
• Played in Senior Bowl

Accomplishments 

One of the highlights of Robinson as a prospect is his versatility. He mostly played on the interior of the defensive line in his first four years at Missouri but switched to the edge in 2023 to better suit the needs of the Missouri roster.

The switch to edge resulted in the most prolific season of Robinson’s career. Not only did he record a career high in sacks with 8.5, but he also earned a spot on the All-SEC First team.

The prior year, 2022, Robinson had played in all 13 games and started in 10. He recorded 3.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles-for-loss. He was one of the primary defensive linemen alongside Isaih McGuire, a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Robinson finished his career at Missouri with 115 total tackles, 12 sacks and one forced fumble.

NFL Combine/Workout Details

Height: 6-5 1/8
Weight: 285 pounds
Hand: 10.62

Arm: 34.50

Wing: 84.38

40-yard dash: 4.95 seconds
10-yard split: 1.73

Vertical jump: 35”

Bench: 21

What They're Saying

“He believed in what we could be and the potential of this team,” Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwittz said. “Unselfishly changed position after working his entire life to play on the inside. He was frustrated because the stats weren’t there in the first couple of games despite me thinking that he was doing alright.”

NFL.Com’s Lance Zierlien: “Right out of the gate, Robinson’s physical attributes should give him a potential advantage in head-to-head matchups. He has jarring power in his hands and a twitchy upper body to get rid of blockers quickly. His arm length is a weapon at the point of attack.”

Mock Draft

In Danny Kelly’s mock draft for The Ringer from April 24, he projected Robinson to be selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round with the 27th overall pick. The Cardinals are in need of a pass rusher, as they only had one sack in the final six games of the 2023 season.

Projection

Robinson’s stock skyrocketed after an impressive week at the Senior Bowl. Before the week in Mobile, Alabama, he was projected to be a third or fourth round pick. However, he is now projected to be selected either in the late first round or early second.

The Last Word

"I would say I'm the best (Edge in the draft). I play every position. I can play from a 0 to a 9. I play physical. Imma run. Imma hit somebody. I can do everything. I just want an opportunity to put my cleats in the ground and play as fast as I can."

— Robinson