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KC Chiefs 2021 draft preview: Kwity Paye leads defensive end prospect list

By Thomas Welte

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Tryon #9 of the Washington Huskies looks on in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Tryon #9 of the Washington Huskies looks on in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Defensive End Janarius Robinson #96 from Florida State of the American Team is defended by Tackle Dillion Radunz #75 from North Dakota State from the National Team during the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021, in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Defensive End Janarius Robinson #96 from Florida State of the American Team is defended by Tackle Dillion Radunz #75 from North Dakota State from the National Team during the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021, in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Janarius Robinson, DE, Florida State

Janarius Robinson found himself on my list of Senior Bowl standouts but a closer look at his film leaves a lot to be desired. The raw tools and physical traits are all there, and Robinson certainly looks the part. However, the Chiefs have been burned before by well-built defensive ends—recent draft disappointment Tanoh Kpassagnon comes to mind. Robinson could be the 2021 NFL draft version of Kpassagnon, or he could be much more.

https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1354076414119714817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1354076414119714817%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Farrowheadaddict.com%2F2021%2F02%2F01%2F2021-senior-bowl-winners-losers-kc-chiefs%2F

Comparing Robinson to Kpassagnon is a bit unfair. Robinson was less statistically productive in college, but flashes the tools to make it work. The conversation will be is Robinson athlete-turned-football-player or a football player who also happens to be athletic. I believe the Florida State Seminole is the latter and has his best football ahead of him.

Robinson has anvils for hands, and he hits hard with his punch. He plays with grit and while he is far from the “bendy” pass rushers that are so popular, he demonstrates a knack for getting penetration and making a play. The 87-inch wingspan that Robinson boasts rivals that of an NBA player, and when he can utilize that to lock offensive lineman out of his frame, it is a thing of beauty.

Robinson does have some pass-rushing tricks in his arsenal, but all of them could use refinement. The pieces are there for Robinson, but there is significant work to do in terms of utilizing leverage, maximizing his drive through his lower body, and finding a better feeling for anticipating the snap.

Robinson is undoubtedly a project player, but his stock is ascending after a better-than-expected Senior Bowl showing. Robinson should probably be an early day three selection, but it would not be surprising to see a team roll the dice on the massive end on day two. Kansas City may be wary of an oversized developmental defensive end, but pass rusher is a premium position and Robinson’s physical traits make him valuable. The Chiefs may have to call his name at the end of round three if they want to secure Robinson’s talents.

I think the Tanoh Kpassagnon comparison is appropriate, and drafting Robinson means banking on him fulfilling his potential and realizing what could be.

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