Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson makes bowl game, 2024 NFL Draft decision
Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson has made two key decisions ahead of the Nittany Lions’ final game of the 2023 season. The junior from Maryland will not play in the team’s Peach Bowl meeting with No. 11 Ole Miss. And, he is going to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft following the Dec. 30 contest in Atlanta, Ga.
“After careful thought, I have decided to forego our bowl game and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft,” Robinson wrote on Twitter. “From one dream to the next, I am excited to continue this next chapter.”
Both moves were expected. Robinson is a likely first-round selection. He has been a tremendous piece fo the No. 10 Nittany Lions defense over the past two seasons. But, now he’s ready to move on to the next chapter of his football journey.
Robinson, of course, came to Penn State after spending just one season at Maryland. He moved from linebacker, which he played in College Park, to defensive end in State College. The move worked out perfectly. Over the course of 22 games so far in blue and white, Robinson has 41 tackles (17.5 for loss), 9,5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles.
“As a man, it helped me,” Robinson said of his move to PSU. “Coach Franklin’s message of being early to meetings and being on time, it helped me with my mindset. I didn’t think that was a big deal before I got here. And as for football, being developed by Coach Deion and Coach Scott, it’s been a blessing.”
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Lions defensive coordinator Manny Diaz made a big impact, as well.
“On my football career, he had a big impact,” Robinson said. “He pushes me and us to be the best. And as a man, he showed me more about that than just becoming a football player. He keeps pushing me and tells me I need to do everything I need to do to be great.”
Where could Penn State end Chop Robinson go in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Penn State has had some players over the last few years who were called potential first-round NFL Draft picks but ultimately fell into Rounds 2 or 3. Robinson may find himself among them. But, his stellar pass-rushing abilities and ability against the run, as well, could very easily lock him into a team that picks on Day 1 of the annual selection process.
“Taking Robinson in the top 20 picks would represent a bet on potential over production, as the Maryland transfer has yet to string together the kind of season one might expect from a player with his outstanding first step and pliability,” USA Today writes in sending Robinson to Arizona in the top 20. “That’s a gamble, however, that might suit the Cardinals, who have taken a long-term view of reconstructing a roster that lacks defenders with Robinson’s immense upside.”
