Aaron Donald’s retirement created a noticeable vacuum on defense for the Los Angeles Rams. There is no replacing one of the greatest defenders in NFL history, but may the Rams replace that void in the 2024 NFL Draft?
ESPN’s Field Yates feels that dynamic Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson is the answer for Los Angeles in his latest NFL mock draft. Yates contemplated Texas star Byron Murphy II at No. 19 before instead for Robinson.
“The Rams’ need for a pass rush boost drew me to the dynamic Robinson. While his small sack production (four in 2023) will be scrutinized by clubs, I see the finest initial step for any pass-rusher in the class, as well as a man who can bend the edge quickly. It’s easy for me to see him stuffing the stat sheet even more at the NFL level,” Yates said in his April 3 mock draft.
Murphy would slip down to the Dolphins at No. 21 in Yates’ exercise. Robinson is a very intriguing defensive possibility for the Rams to explore. He has the size and tremendous get-off quickness to become an effective pass rusher in the NFL. Many draft evaluators have criticized Chop for his lack of sack productivity in his final two seasons with the Nittany Lions.
Robinson had just 9.5 sacks at Penn State from 2022 to 2023. Of course, sack totals should not be the sole indicator of a player’s performance, whether they play collegiately or professionally. Anyone who watched Chop play in college could tell he was disruptive at all times, even if he didn’t knock down the other quarterback.
Robinson has a plenty of physical tools for defensive coordinators to work with. He is raw and has to improve before being deemed a more complete player. But his natural get-off speed is incredible. All he needs to do to realize his full potential is join the proper team. I’m not convinced the Rams are the ideal fit for Chop, even though he’s faced Cardinals second-year starter Paris Johnson Jr. before.
