5 days ago
Ravens Coach Names Unlikely 'Centerpiece' of Defense
Ravens Coach Names Unlikely 'Centerpiece' of Defense originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Pass rushers are all-important for high-impact NFL defenses.
Baltimore Ravens' pass rush coach Chuck Smith's primary focus is turning anybody that comes his way into prolific pressure guys for the team. Smith has a lot of great players at his disposal, such as veterans Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh …
Advertisement
Maybe now rookie Mike Green.
Smith turned heads recently by saying he believes an unheralded player is progressing toward becoming the "centerpiece" of their defense.
Smith had that high praise for Tavius Robinson.
Robinson is 'everything you look for in a Baltimore Raven,' according to Smith, who believes the third-year pro will be a 'bona fide pass rusher and he has an opportunity to have a breakout season," as quoted by Baltimore Banner's Giana Han.
"Tavius Robinson doesn't get enough credit," Smith said, in a video Han posted on X.
It's high praise for a player that has started just eight NFL games in his career. Still, Smith sees Robinson becoming "a centerpiece in our defensive front,'
Advertisement
Robinson has shown flashes in his two-year career. Last season, Robinson tallied 3.5 sacks and a pass breakup. also racking up 12 quarterback hits, despite playing less than 50 percent of defensive snaps.
Smith himself logged 58.5 sacks in his nine-year NFL career. He wants to see Robinson get onto the field more often, which makes sense, when you consider Robinson is a freak of nature. Listed at 6-foot-6, 262 pounds with a quick first step, Robinson has the physical tools for success.
The Ravens have been waiting for Robinson's tools to translate to on-the-field production. Robinson had high expectations after general manager Eric DeCosta compared him to ex-Ravens Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith.
Robinson had started earning more trust during the regular season, due to a growing confidence in shutting down the run and pressuring the quarterback.
Advertisement
Robinson had a massive play in the playoffs last season, tacking NFL MVP Josh Allen for loss after Allen held on to the ball on a read option.
The Ravens ultimately lost that game 27-25, but two of Robinson's four tackles during the run were for loss.
Related: Ravens Face Potential 'Nightmare Scenario' in 2025
Related: Ravens Cornerback Labeled Prime Breakout Candidate
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
