As training camp continues and preseason rolls on, many NFL teams are seeing their rookies and rotational players grow into bigger roles. For a team like the Baltimore Ravens, their starters for the 2025 campaign are set in stone, which makes it a crucial month for those looking to carve out a substantial place on the 53-man roster.
One position group where there is a logjam is edge rusher. Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, and Mike Green are all expected to have big years ahead, and Adisa Isaac and David Ojabo are looking to earn the faith of the coaching staff in the coming weeks.
One player who was underrated last year is Tavius Robinson. Now, he is developing into the player the Ravens envisioned when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Throughout the entirety of the offseason, Robinson has been one of the centers of attention. Back in June, outside linebacker coach Chuck Smith raved about Robinson, mentioning how he does not get enough credit. Now, it is starting to come together, and much of that could be attributed to Robinson studying a franchise legend.
During his press conference on Monday, Robinson highlighted how he has taken the time to watch a bit of Jarret Johnson and try to understand the mentality he played with. Robinson said:
“I’ve watched as many podcasts, everything that he’s been on, just trying to tap into his mental a little bit and his highlights, as well. He was a guy that maybe didn’t get all the credit that he deserved, sack-wise and pass rush-wise, but he was a dominant run defender, dominant physical, gritty player. I’ve done a couple of deep dives on him and kind of gone through his career here.”
Tavius Robinson is looking to emulate Jarret Johnson.
Johnson played with the Ravens for nine seasons, and although he never tallied more than six sacks in a year, he was a reliable piece on defense. He was a versatile player, coming up with clutch sacks, clogging running lanes, and dropping into coverage, too. He was as consistent as it gets and made the plays when his number was called upon.
In two seasons with Baltimore, Robinson has steadily improved each year. He had just one sack in his rookie year, but followed that up with 3.5 in 2024. That 2024 campaign also included 12 quarterback hits, and this offseason, it sounds like he could become one of the team’s better players on the defensive line.
The 26-year-old’s numbers are not flashy. His 62.3 overall grade per Pro Football Focus in 2024 was 99th among edge defenders, but he does everything you can ask for out of a player at his position. He possesses the traits to become a Jarret Johnson-like player, and in 2025, he is looking to assume that role.