The San Francisco 49ers will undoubtedly use at least one of their 10 selections in this week's draft to bolster the edges of their defensive line. Despite acquiring Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos in free agency, maintaining an intimidating pass rush remains a priority.
The 49ers had discussions with Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson at the NFL Scouting Combine and reportedly remain interested in him.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, while reporting on the Arizona Cardinals' and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' interests in Robinson, adds, "The San Francisco 49ers are also mentioned as a perfect fit for Robinson, and the team has some interest in the defensive lineman."
With the No. 31 overall pick, the 49ers could target Robinson, who is projected to be selected in the first or second round. Their next selection, at No. 63 overall, comes at the end of the second round. A trade could also come into play.
Robinson received first-team All-SEC honors, tallying 43 tackles, including 14 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 games during his senior season in 2023, per Sports Reference. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 112 tackles, with 21 for a loss, 13 sacks, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble across five seasons.
"Robinson has come across incredibly well during interviews, and teams view him as a prospect who will do whatever is necessary to improve his game," Pauline noted.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound Robinson recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.95 seconds, a vertical jump of 35 inches, a broad jump of 9 feet, 3 inches, and 21 reps on the bench press.
Visit our pre-draft tracker for a comprehensive overview of all reported formal and informal meetings between the 49ers and prospective NFL rookies.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place in Detroit, Michigan, from Thursday through Saturday.
