In late May last year, the start of OTAs had signaled the arrival of a rookie teeming with talent. Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Ty Robinson turned heads and earned praise for his combination of strength, quickness, and tenacity, leaving veterans, including Jalen Carter, highly impressed.
The 4.83 40-yard time Robinson clocked was the fastest in his draft class amongst defensive tackles, and his ability to power his way past linemen in practice while consistently wreaking havoc stood out to his new teammates from the jump.
"He's moving good and he's a big boy," said Jalen Carter. "He's here, and he's working. I think he's going to have a big impact this season."
A seemingly smooth transition hit a serious snag for Ty Robinson entering Year 2
While Robinson continued to make waves throughout OTAs and the summer months, something was lost in translation once the bright lights of both the pre-season and the regular season turned on. The strong early impressions made by the fourth rounder out of Nebraska soon saw the 6-foot-5, 288-pound rookie fade out into relative obscurity, as the season unfolded and Robinson stayed relegated to the sidelines for most of the 11 games he suited up for. With bouts on the inactive list added in, he finished his rookie campaign with only 1 solo tackle and 4 assisted tackles, as other backups, including Bryan Young, powered their way past him to earn meaningful snaps and make plays.
In a league where competition is always fueling fierce depth chart battles, with new arrivals ushering in top talent from all over, striving to make their dreams a reality, Robinson must realize it's go time. Draft status, especially in the NFL, does not guarantee long-term employment with a franchise.
Robinson will now look to show that last season's OTAs were not an aberration and that he can, in fact, translate a strong showing in the coming months into impact in the Philadelphia trenches.
When considering the current defensive line depth chart, Young is back in the fold, and he likely slots in as the first backup behind the star-studded trio up front of Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. Of course, Ojomo is in the final year of his contract following a tremendous season, and figures to land massive money, so he may simply prove too costly for Howie Roseman to retain. Gabe Hall and Ta'Quon Graham return along the d-line as well, while the raw phenom Uar Bernard will be defensive line coach Clint Hurtt's long-term developmental prize.
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If Robinson doesn't emerge from the pack with improved play, he risks getting phased out in Philadelphia. It's imperative that he seize the opportunity in his second time around in OTAs and sustain momentum, as time is of the essence.
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