PROSPECT SUMMARY - JANARIUS ROBINSON

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.

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Joe Marino

Games watched: Syracuse (2019), NC State (2019), Boise State (2019), Arizona State (2019), Miami (2020), North Carolina (2020), Pittsburgh (2020)

Best Game Studied: North Carolina (2020)

Worst Game Studied: Boise State (2019)

First-Step Explosiveness: Robinson is fluid out of his stance and he anticipates the snap well. His initial steps gain considerable depth and he does well to use them to set up his rush. While I wouldn’t label him as explosive, he’s quick off the ball.

Flexibility: Robinson is more loose throughout his frame than what is expected for his stature. He is fluid enough to press tight angles and rush with tilt. No, he isn’t bendy like Gumby, but he has enough flexibility to complement his length and power to corner the outside hip of an offensive tackle if he can grease the angle.

Hand Counters: Robinson executes with busy hands and good rush variety. He has a variety of club combos, a rip move, scissors move, and he loves ghost rushes. He knows how to swipe and clear his pads and rarely gets hung on contact due to tardy and unresponsive hands.

Length: Robinson has extremely long arms and he knows how to use them. He does well to establish his hands and play with extension against the run, often tasked with defending multiple gaps. He maintains good separation as a pass rusher and knows when to get his hands up and impact throwing lanes. He was extremely effective at blocking field goals at Florida State.

Hand Power: Robinson features heavy and violent hands that deliver devastating blows. When he gets his hands placed, it’s tough for blockers to clear his clamps and he controls reps. He has all the pop needed to shuck blocks, clear his pads, and dictate reps.

Run Defending: Robinson does a great job of using his length and playing with extension against the run. He has a stout anchor and the power to squeeze gaps. He showcases good power at the point of attack and he isn’t easily moved out of his run fit. Robinson processes well and understands how to combat blocks and how to respond to pullers.

Effort: Robinson plays with consistent energy on every snap. He is willing to pursue and chase plays down from distance. He’s never content being blocked and battles to clear contact through the whistle.

Football IQ: Robinson has good vision and processing skills. He identifies blocks and generally has correct responses. There are times I want him to deploy his rush plan quicker, but that could be more a product of the scheme at Florida State.

Lateral Mobility: Robinson has sufficient lateral mobility but he isn’t exactly explosive. His mental processing skills, length, and effort help make up for any mobility he is missing. Robinson doesn’t always appear comfortable in space, although his effort is strong.

Versatility: Florida State played Robinson in so many different roles including 4-3 end, 5-technique, on the interior as a pass rusher, and occasionally in a stand-up role. At the next level, he’s probably best suited to play 5-technique. Robinson is a terrific run defender and has room to grow as a pass rusher, especially if he fully embraces the power components of rushing the passer.

Prospect Comparison: Daeshon Hall (2017 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers)