By Jeremy Hritz
Over the course of the next week, I will be profiling all of the Steelers draft picks and undrafted rookie free agents. The goal is to give you a comprehensive look at all of the new players to familiarize you with what they have to offer and what they can possibly contribute in the 2022 season.
Introduction
With the first of their two 7th round picks, the Steelers selected Mark Robinson, ILB from Ole Miss. A project player who will need significant development before he can contribute, Robinson has is an authoritative tackler who will need to shore up other facets of his game before he can be considered a viable inside linebacker.
Player Profile
| Height | 5’11 | School | Ole Miss |
| Weight | 230 | Major | General Business Major |
| Age | 22 | Hometown | Leesburg, Georgia |
Statistics
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.69 | 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.38 |
| Bench | 34 | Games Played | 37 |
College Defensive Statistics
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int |
| *2020 | Ole Miss | SEC | SR | RB | |||||||
| *2021 | Ole Miss | SEC | SR | LB | 13 | 42 | 49 | 91 | 5.5 | 3 | 0 |
Strengths
Robinson’s strength is his tackling, as he is consistent and reliable. In addition, he packs pop, leaving an impression on ball carriers so there is no confusion as to who delivered the hit. Unique path to linebacker, as he was a running back at Presbyterian before walking at Ole Miss where he was converted to an inside backer. This experience on offense as a runner gives him a unique perspective and insight on defense and locating and bringing down ball carriers. High-effort, high-motor athlete who will not give up on a play.
Areas for Growth
Robinson is very inexperienced at the position, and overall, he is a raw prospect who will require much development. And for all of his production in terms of tackling, he is ineffective in coverage and has to learn the nuances of that skill. Robinson’s success will hinge largely on his ability to grow and improve at the NFL level.
Where Does He Fit Into the Depth Chart?
The inside linebacker position is crowded for the Steelers, and Robinson has a lot of work to do if he is to make the roster. As it stands today, his best shot is to make the practice squad, and even though he could provide snaps on special teams, he is too raw to add value as an ILB.
Projected Contribution in 2022
Practice squad-bound. He will turn some heads with his tackling in camp, but his involvement on defense will depend on how quickly he can learn the defense and become a better all-around inside linebacker. Robinson will spend all of 2022 learning, growing, and developing.
Did You Know?
As a freshmen running back at Presbyterian, Robinson started 2 games, running for 334 yards and 5 touchdowns.