Jaguars go with fierce pass rusher in NFL Media's latest mock draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars made upgrades across the roster in free agency. Their pass rush, in particular, got some juice with the addition of Trevis Gipson. That said, there's still room for another edge defender in the Jags' rotation. Penn State's Chop Robinson would be a great addition at No. 17 in the draft, and Chad Reuter of NFL Media agrees.

Reuter drew up a four-round mock draft and had Jacksonville taking Robinson in the first round, arguing that the former Nittany Lion would be a great replacement for K'Lavon Chaisson.

"Tagging Josh Allen keeps him and Travon Walker in place for 2024. Robinson takes over the departed K'Lavon Chaisson's designated pass rusher role (with Walker moving inside when necessary) and has the potential to take over for Allen in 2025 if the veteran departs in free agency."

A four-star recruit out of high school, Robinson began his collegiate career at Maryland before transferring to Penn State, where he believed he was going to be better utilized. He was right as he became a key cog for the Nittany Lions. Although his sack totals weren't particularly great, he routinely showed the speed and power to create havoc at the line scrimmage.

At 254 pounds, Robinson may need to bulk up to succeed in the NFL. Also, he needs to work on his hand usage if he wants to consistently get after the quarterback. That said, the Jaguars and any other team in need of pass-rush help should be thrilled with his 4.45-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Robinson has been projected to go on Day 1 throughout the draft process. His 40-yard dash probably solidified his case and maybe even raised his stock.

On a related note, the Jags take Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat in the second round, Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley in the third, Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson, and Oklahoma offensive tackle Walter Rouse in the fourth in Reuter's mock.

The Jaguars could most definitely use Chop Robinson

A pass-rush specialist at this stage of his career, Chop Robinson would be a great addition to the Jags' pass rush. After letting K'Lavon Chaisson and Dawuane Smoot walk in free agency, they need to round out their rotation. The front office inked defensive end Trevis Gipson, who comes with plenty of upside, but there may still be room for another pass rusher.

After all, Gipson posted seven sacks for the Chicago Bears in 2022, but he's come crashing down the past two seasons. He's a low-key solid addition with huge upside but that shouldn't stop the team's brass from bolstering their pass rush. The trouble with taking Robinson in the first round is that the Jaguars may have more pressing needs.

After losing Calvin Ridley in free agency, their wide receiver corps could use reinforcements. Adonai Mitchell, Brian Thomas Jr. and even Rome Odunze (if available) would be great gets at No. 17. On the other hand, the Jaguars also need to bolster their cornerback room. They moved on from Darious Williams and signed Ronald Darby in free agency but he's not a long-term answer at the position.

Add the fact that Tyson Campbell is set to become a free agent next year and the Jaguars may be better off taking a cornerback early in the draft. Based on their needs, Jacksonville could wait until Round 3 to address the pass rush and Robinson will be gone by then.

The bottom line is that Robinson is a great prospect that would give the Jacksonville Jaguars a fierce No. 3 pass rusher behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen. However, they may need to pass on him to address other needs with the 17th overall pick.

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