Baltimore Ravens select Tavius Robinson in fourth round of 2023 NFL Draft

From Guelph, Ontario, to Ole Miss, to the 2023 NFL Draft: That’s the path that Tavius Robinson has taken. And he’s completed his journey to the NFL as the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the No. 124 pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

After beginning his collegiate career in Canada, Robinson transferred to Ole Miss ahead of the 2023 season and played three years with the Rebels. He played in 34 games over three years at Ole Miss, getting more productive as the years went on. In 2022, Robinson finished with eight tackles for loss, seven sacks, a pass batted down and five forced fumbles. He recovered two fumbles, too.

Robinson wasn’t on the radar of any of the major scouting services as he played for Guelph Collegiate (ON) Vocational Institute. He originally joined the University of Guelph football program, where he played two seasons, 2018 and 2019. He transferred to Ole Miss to play in the SEC and pursue an NFL career.

With three strong years against SEC competition and solid showing at the 2023 NFL Combine, Robinson has completed a long journey, one that started more than five years ago in Ontario.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Robinson

With less time in a football-intensive setting than many of his counterparts, Robinson lacks certain refinement to his game and still has a ways to go in adding to his frame, according to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein.

At 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, Robinson isn’t exactly light, but he can certainly add some muscle and weight to his frame to hold up as a defensive end in the league.

“Ascending, even-front defensive end prospect with outstanding traits and projectable upside. Robinson plays with good aggression and heavy hands as both a run defender and pass rusher. He has the agility and foot quickness to beat blockers whether chasing the run or rushing the passer. Robinson attacks the pocket with a game plan and a variety of moves at his disposal. He needs to grow into his frame to improve against the run, but Robinson should become a rotational defender and has future-starter potential,” Zierlein said.

And many of the weaknesses that Zierlein sees can be aided by some weight and strength. Zierlein sees Robinson struggling to anchor or get off of tackles once engaged. Getting some more power and pop via some additional mass could unlock another level of ability for Robinson, who Zierlein thinks could develop into a viable starter.