Through the offseason and training camp, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has garnered plenty of hype.
There’s another 2024 Cardinals first-round pick who’s earning a groundswell of buzz, as well.
Defensive lineman Darius Robinson, whom the Cards took at No. 27 overall, drew high marks in his preseason debut Saturday against the New Orleans Saints and could earn a spot in the starting lineup just like his fellow first-rounder Harrison.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday that Robinson “1,000 percent” still had a shot to earn a starting spot.
"I expect him to play well, and he didn't play a ton," the second-year head coach said, via the team website’s Darren Urban. "For what he's done in training camp and in that game, I think he's right where he needs to be to be a person that affects winning in a positive way for us on defense."
In the Cardinals’ 16-14 loss on Saturday, Robinson played 10 snaps, tallying a tackle and a QB pressure.
"I'm ready to bring it each and every day, but it kind of sinks in," Robinson said. "The first tackle was Alvin Kamara, so it was like, 'OK, I'm here, ready and locked and loaded.'"
With two preseason games remaining, it would seem Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones have the inside track for starting spots at defensive end. Robinson, based on his draft equity, surely has a bigger role in the Cardinals’ future. Just when that future comes to be would seem to be in his hands.
"The sky is the limit for the guy," Gannon said. "We're pushing him, and he pushes himself."
Perhaps surprisingly, the 22-year-old Missouri product isn’t pushing the agenda to start, but more so pushing himself to make progress step by step.
"I just want to be the best Darius Robinson,” he said. “Whatever that looks like."
Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will get another look at Robinson when the Cardinals face the host Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.