The Baltimore Ravens have assembled one of the NFL's deeper groups of pass rushers, but not every edge defender brings the same skill set. Some specialize in winning around the corner. Others thrive with their hand in the dirt. A select few possess the size and athleticism to create mismatches from multiple alignments.
Tavius Robinson belongs in that final category. The third-year linebacker has steadily developed into an important part of the defensive front. Baltimore's top defensive assistant, Anthony Weaver, believes one trait separates him from many players at his position.
It's not just his physical ability. It's his willingness to do whatever the defense asks, and do so with a team-first mindset.
Anthony Weaver values Tavius Robinson's versatility
Following a third Ravens training camp practice,
one the defense coincidentally dominated, Coach Weaver spoke with media members. He was asked about Robinson's ability to generate pressure both on the edge and from inside alignments. Weaver made it clear the Ravens view him as far more than a traditional outside linebacker. They view him as the embodiment of unselfishness and constant work ethic.
"[Tavius Robinson] is a stud. He can do so many things because of his traits, his attitude, his body type. Not everybody is built like that. He has a mindset where he does not care where he is rushing from. Sometimes you get those edge guys who do not really want to reduce inside the tackle. He does not care. He just wants to be on the field, helping to contribute, and he is going to help us in a variety of ways."
Robinson's combination of length, power and athleticism gives Baltimore flexibility when designing pressure packages. Rather than limiting him to one role, the Ravens can move him around the formation in search of favorable matchups. That versatility becomes even more valuable when it's paired with the right mentality, which Robisnon has. Per his defensive coordinator, Robinson just wants to help his defensive teammates.
Weaver believes Robinson's biggest strength may be his approach to the game. That mentality reflects exactly what Baltimore hopes to build under Weaver's direction. The Ravens have emphasized communication, flexibility and putting the team ahead of individual preferences throughout training camp. Robinson appears to embody all three.
As Baltimore prepares for the regular season, Robinson may never lead every headline in a room that also features Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green and Roquan Smith. Still, if Weaver's comments are any indication, the Ravens see him as the type of versatile, team-first defender who often makes a championship-caliber defense function at its highest level.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Anthony Weaver praises Tavius Robinson's selfless approach
