Paton’s assessment comes as Denver is expected to pursue a notable offensive upgrade in free agency, while contending that the defensive depth is already strong—talent to spare, even if some players sit behind established stars on the depth chart.
Robinson appeared in six games as a rookie, all in the season’s second half, and delivered his best performance in the AFC Championship Game: three tackles, 1.0 sack and one tackle for a loss in a 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots. He remains on a four-year, $5.05 million rookie contract at just 21 years old, with 12 tackles and a half-sack in the regular season.
Paton drew a parallel to a path that has helped other defenders reach big contracts, pointing to Milton Williams of the Patriots as a potential blueprint. Williams, buried on the depth chart for years, broke through and signed a four-year, $104 million deal after a standout Super Bowl run—an example Paton suggested could be possible for Robinson if his development accelerates.
Before his pro debut, Robinson showed loftier expectations than his background might imply. At Alabama, he started only five of nine games in 2024, totaling 4.0 sacks while contributing more than 700 special-teams snaps. Scouts and media suggested a strong late-blooming potential, with some early comparisons to a high-impact burst off the edge.
Even as Robinson’s college resume was modest, early scouting notes and media chatter highlighted his athletic traits. A May 2025 DNVR podcast referenced his notable jump off the line of scrimmage and a “Von Miller burst”—a lofty, if speculative, comparison that reflected the excitement around his athletic ceiling.
For Denver, the takeaway is straightforward: the Broncos’ sustained emphasis on drafting and developing talent could yield dividends on the defensive side if Robinson makes a meaningful Year 2 leap. As the team eyes offensive upgrades this offseason, the defense remains positioned to capitalize on its depth and upside.
