Ty Robinson, a 6’6″, 310-pound defensive lineman from the University of Nebraska, enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an intriguing prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Robinson’s journey to the NFL has been marked by steady improvement and consistent production throughout his collegiate career.
College Career
Robinson arrived at Nebraska as a highly touted four-star recruit from Gilbert, Arizona. After redshirting in 2019, he quickly established himself as a key contributor on the Cornhuskers’ defensive line. Over his six-year career, Robinson tied the Nebraska record for games played with 60 appearances.
His development was evident each season, culminating in a breakout senior year in 2024. Robinson’s final campaign saw him post impressive numbers:
– 37 total tackles
– 12.0 tackles for loss
– 7.0 sacks
– 4 pass breakups
– 1 blocked field goal
– 1 safety
These performances earned Robinson Second-Team All-Big Ten honors from the Associated Press and Third-Team recognition from Coaches and Media.
Strengths
Robinson’s physical attributes and on-field performance make him an attractive prospect for NFL teams:
1. Size and Power: At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Robinson possesses an NFL-ready frame with a strong, developed upper and lower body.
2. Versatility: He has experience playing multiple positions along the defensive line, from 0-technique to 5-technique, and can even line up as an edge defender.
3. Pass-rushing Skills: Robinson has developed an effective arsenal of pass-rushing moves, including a powerful bull rush, rip move, long-arm technique, and club move.
4. Run Defense: He’s an extremely physical run defender who uses his strength and leverage to shed blockers and disrupt plays in the backfield.
5. Motor and Effort: Coaches and scouts consistently praise Robinson’s relentless motor and high-effort play.
6. Leadership and Character: Robinson was voted to wear the single-digit No. 9 jersey at Nebraska, traditionally reserved for the program’s toughest players.
Areas for Improvement
While Robinson has many positive attributes, there are aspects of his game that will need refinement at the next level:
1. Pad Level: Given his height, Robinson will need to focus on maintaining proper pad level to maximize his leverage against NFL offensive linemen.
2. Pass-rush Refinement: While he showed significant improvement in his senior year, Robinson can still develop more consistency and variety in his pass-rush techniques.
3. Athleticism: Robinson’s athleticism is solid but not elite for his position, which may limit his ceiling as a pass-rusher at the NFL level.
NFL Projection
Robinson projects as a versatile defensive lineman who can contribute immediately in early-down situations while developing into a more complete player. His best fit would likely be in a multiple-front defense that allows him to move around the formation.
Teams that emphasize versatility along the defensive line, such as the New England Patriots or New York Jets, could maximize Robinson’s skill set. His ability to play both interior positions and potentially kick out to defensive end in certain packages adds to his value.
Most draft analysts project Robinson as a Day 2 to early Day 3 selection. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN listed Robinson as the No. 6 defensive tackle prospect in his January 2025 rankings[2]. Other projections have him going anywhere from the 4th to 6th round.
Conclusion
Ty Robinson enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a high-floor prospect with the potential to outperform his draft position. His combination of size, strength, versatility, and work ethic make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their defensive line rotation.
While he may not possess elite athleticism or pass-rushing skills, Robinson’s steady improvement throughout his college career suggests he has not yet reached his ceiling. His experience in a major conference, coupled with his leadership qualities and durability, should allow him to compete for playing time early in his NFL career.
The team that selects Robinson will be getting a battle-tested defender with a clear upward trajectory. His ability to impact both the run and pass game, even if initially more as a rotational player, could provide excellent value in the middle rounds of the draft. As he continues to refine his technique and adapt to the NFL game, Robinson has the potential to develop into a quality starter and key contributor on a professional defensive line.
