Summary

Landon Robinson (23 years old) is an explosive but undersized DT prospect from the US Naval Academy. Perhaps one of the most unique players in this class, Robinson stands a shade under 6-feet tall and 293 lbs. Despite any size limitations, Robinson was a First Team All-American in 2025 and was First Team All-AAC in 2024 and 2025. The Ohio native has also been featured by Bruce Feldman on his annual “Freaks List” the past three years. Robinson backed up those claims with his athletic testing at his Pro Day — 32.5” vertical jump, 4.87 40-yard dash, and a 7.32 three-cone time most notably. After not playing as a Freshman in Annapolis, Robinson posted 18.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over the past three seasons. Robinson was selected as a co-captain for the 2025 season along with QB Blake Horvath. To highlight Robinson’s athleticism, the Midshipmen utilized him as a ball carrier on a fake punt vs. Army in 2024 and he was used on kickoff coverage as a Sophomore. Following his Senior season, Robinson capped off his college career by accepting an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where the Midshipmen DT shined during one-on-one drills during the week and also in the game. Despite his stellar college career and Shrine Bowl performance, Robinson was not invited to the Scouting Combine.

Strengths

Quickness off the Snap: Robinson showcases his impressive athleticism off the snap by quickly blowing by Guards and Centers and winning early in the down.
Impressive Anchor: For a player with obvious size limitations, he is an easy player to write off as a run defender. However, Robinson shows the power and ability to anchor against double teams and use his natural leverage in the run game. Navy often used Robinson on the nose where he was asked to take on double teams.
Red Hot Motor: As one would expect, the Naval Academy product plays hard each and every snap. Robinson displays the hustle and athleticism to follow the ball and chase down ball carriers.
Hand Usage: While he is likely scratching the surface, Robinson has displayed continued development using his hands as a pass rusher. Robinson has displayed a cross-chop and swim move, and has improved immensely swiping the hands of interior linemen as a pass rusher.

Weaknesses

Size: The obvious issue teams will have with the former Navy star is his size. There will be some teams that are not willing to select a sub-6-foot DT due to their scouting thresholds.
Getting Off Blocks: A big question for Robinson will be how does he fare as a pass rusher if his initial move or quickness don’t get him a quick win. Bigger and stronger linemen in the NFL may be able to neutralize him.
Role Change on Sundays: As previously noted, Navy used Robinson predominately as a Nose Tackle lined up over the Center. However, Robinson’s skillset and size will likely have him best suited as a penetrating 3-technique in the NFL. Robinson could be used situationally as a 0 or 1 technique on known pass rush downs though.
Counter Moves: Robinson’s hand usage has improved as a college player, but the next step will be tying moves together and learning counters for when his first plan and natural athleticism don’t work against professional offensive linemen.

Outlook

There is no way getting around the fact that there just aren’t many 5’11” defensive tackles playing on Sundays. Landon Robinson has been a smaller DT his whole life though, and he has yet to be held back. With his athleticism, work ethic, natural power, durability, and determination, he is not a player I would personally feel comfortable dismissing or passing on due to size concerns. Due to his height and length, Robinson is going to come at a significant “height discount” in the 2026 NFL Draft. If he was 6’2”, the Naval Academy product would likely be selected in the top 50 picks. However, you can expect to hear Robinson’s name called on day three despite standing at 5’11” and not being invited to the Scouting Combine. Overall, Landon Robinson projects to at least have a role in the NFL as a rotational DT and could realistically help a team on special teams as well. Robinson is the type of player and person any team could use in their building.

Pro Comparison: Mike Daniels

Team Fits: JAX, LAR, NE, DET, CHI

Report written by Kevin Hine, Depth U Contributor