The Detroit Lions recently hosted Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Que Robinson for an official pre-draft visit, signaling interest in the fifth-year senior as they evaluate potential selections for the upcoming NFL Draft.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Robinson was in Detroit on Monday to meet with the Lions’ staff before continuing his pre-draft tour with visits scheduled for other NFL teams. According to Schultz, Robinson is projected to be a possible Day 2 selection, though several draft analysts anticipate he’ll be chosen later—perhaps in the fifth to seventh rounds.
Robinson, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 243 pounds, is known for his athleticism and versatility, though he comes with a few limitations. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein offered a detailed scouting report, describing Robinson as a “tweener” in terms of physical build. Zierlein noted that while Robinson has flashed the kind of athleticism that translates to professional potential, his frame might be too slight to consistently hold up as a traditional edge defender in the NFL.
A late bloomer in college, Robinson mostly contributed on special teams prior to the 2024 season. It wasn’t until his final collegiate campaign that he began to see increased snaps on defense. Despite the limited defensive experience, he showed promise. Robinson recorded four sacks and seven tackles for loss in nine appearances for Alabama in 2023. He earned a starting role in five of those games before suffering a season-ending injury during a matchup against LSU.
Zierlein highlighted that Robinson is still developing in many areas and requires more experience playing off the ball. However, his speed and agility allow him to run the arc effectively as a pass rusher off the edge. Additionally, he has demonstrated the ability to exploit mismatches against interior linemen when used as an off-ball blitzer. His mobility also makes him a viable option to spy on elusive quarterbacks.
While concerns remain about Robinson’s lack of physicality and the need for more refinement, his unique skill set and athletic profile could make him a valuable asset on special teams. Zierlein emphasized that Robinson’s current traits make him a strong candidate for a four-phase special teams role, with the potential to grow into a hybrid linebacker position in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
The Lions’ new defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, may view Robinson as a fit for the SAM linebacker role, a position that combines responsibilities in run defense, pass coverage, and occasional edge rushing. Given Detroit’s current depth at linebacker, Robinson would likely begin his career contributing on special teams while he continues to develop his defensive instincts and physicality at the professional level.
Robinson’s visit to Detroit is part of a broader pre-draft schedule that also includes meetings with the Atlanta Falcons and the Kansas City Chiefs. His willingness to meet with several franchises indicates growing interest in his potential, especially for teams seeking depth and athleticism on defense and special teams.
As the draft approaches, teams like the Lions are weighing the upside of developmental players like Robinson—prospects who may not be immediate starters but offer raw tools, special teams value, and the potential to contribute in multiple areas down the line. Robinson’s combination of size, speed, and versatility make him a name to watch in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
