This PSU alum and DMV native has the MVP on his mind.
Defensive end/linebacker Demeioun “Chop” Robinson certainly lived up to his moniker in college, picking up 20 tackles for a loss in three seasons between Maryland and Penn State. Combine that with 11.5 sacks and Robinson is expected to be a headlining defensive name at the upcoming NFL Draft.
It’s safe to say that the former Nittany Lion occupies some prime real estate on teams’ draft boards. But anyone looking to contain Baltimore Ravens quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has perhaps taken a special interest in Robinson after some intriguing comments made during an appearance on NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk.
When asked by Mike Florio which NFL quarterback he’d like to “put on his (butt)” more than anyone else, Robinson quickly targeted Jackson.
“I’m from Maryland,” Robinson said. “Seeing Lamar all the time just running around, I want to sack Lamar Jackson because he’s the hardest quarterback to sack.”
A Gaithersburg native, Robinson spent one year in College Park with the Terrapins before transferring to Happy Valley. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors this past season which put him in prime position for an early draft entry.
Jackson’s dual-threat abilities have made him one of the most potent weapons in recent NFL memory, but that obviously has opened him up to potential sacks. The Ravens’ franchise man was taken down 44 times last season, tied for the sixth-highest rate in the NFL.
Robinson did hint that he’d fully embrace being Jackson’s teammate as well. As noted by Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner, he previously donned a helmet with a B-branded bird as a member of the Ravens’ youth football program and would be open to a second tenure.
“I grew up a Ravens’ fan,” Robinson said. “I’m not too far from Baltimore. The Ravens have always been in my blood.”
Time will tell if Robinson, projected to be a first-round pick, lands within the Ravens’ reach, as Baltimore is slated to pick 30th when the 2024 NFL Draft opens in Detroit on April 25.
