Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson, selected with the No. 27 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has reflected positively on his rookie year despite facing significant hurdles. Robinson's first season in the NFL was a learning journey through the complexities of professional football. After a preseason calf injury limited him to just six games, Robinson embraced the challenges and opportunities presented throughout his inaugural season on the field.
Robinson's introduction to the NFL was abrupt, with his initial snaps revealing a tendency to exert excessive effort, leading to early fatigue. This intense approach delayed his full participation until Week 13. However, he capitalized on the opportunity to observe seasoned players like Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions in Week 3, gaining valuable insights from the sidelines. By the end of the season, despite limited playtime, Robinson recorded 10 tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss.
The experiences of the season provided Robinson with crucial lessons about the dynamics of NFL games. As he adjusted to the league's pace, he improved his physicality against runs and developed a better understanding of handling double-teams. His head coach, Jonathan Gannon, recognized his impact, describing Robinson as a "disruption" capable of making plays in both passing and running scenarios.
"He can make plays in the pass and run game," said Jonathan Gannon. "That's why we brought him here. It's been awesome to see."
Defensive line coach Derrick LeBlanc noted that Robinson's first encounter with professional gameplay against the Minnesota Vikings was overwhelming, as he temporarily forgot his training under game pressure. Despite this, LeBlanc acknowledged Robinson's resilience and adaptability throughout the season.
"He's had a lot going on this year," remarked Derrick LeBlanc.
Looking ahead, Robinson is determined to focus on his physical development and mental health in the offseason. He aims to rebuild his body, increase in size, and enhance his mental resilience to prepare for future seasons. Additionally, Robinson is keen to refine his skills as a pass rusher, acknowledging that real-game experience is crucial for honing these abilities.
"When you hit the bags, the bags don't punch back," Robinson explained, highlighting the importance of real-game scenarios for skill development.
Robinson also expressed a commitment to improving his techniques and strategic approach on the field.
"I got to do a better job… of my rush angles, my plan, and just keep attacking," he stated.
As Robinson embarks on this offseason journey, he remains optimistic about his growth potential. His coaches believe that with continued dedication and focus, Robinson can become a formidable presence on the Cardinals' defensive line. The lessons learned during his challenging rookie season have equipped him with invaluable insights that will undoubtedly shape his future contributions to the team.
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