Ascending Young Steelers LB Could be Future Starter

Mark Robinson is the most intriguing player in the entire Steelers inside linebacker corps. It is not hard to place what makes him so intriguing. A former running back, Robinson is a throwback hard hitter that is currently a bit one-dimensional but has the athleticism to have upside as an all-around player as the game slows down for him. However, it does appear this year will be the year for Robinson to get a starting job.

But according to Pro Football Network insider Adam Caplan, the starting role might not be that far off for the Steelers linebacker. Selected last year in the seventh round, Robinson found his way onto the field against the Ravens in 2022, and it appears some in the Steelers organization are intrigued by the tape and traits he showcases. In fact, the door is open for Robinson to potentially be a starter in the future.

“Robinson started one game last season (Week 16 at Ravens), and a personnel source said his tape was “really intriguing and explosive,” Caplan wrote. “He actually played running back for three years previously at Presbyterian College. But his one season of tape as an inside linebacker was so intriguing that the Steelers clearly felt there was something to develop. Another source said that Robinson’s overall speed and pursuit to the ball carrier has been very impressive since he’s been with the team.”

Regardless of where it goes from here, Robinson is a guy who is showing flashes. Those flashes continue to stack into what has become a solid camp for the second-year player out of Ole Miss. Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, and Kwon Alexander should have their roles locked down this year. But beyond this year, both Roberts and Alexander are on short-term deals, and if the team thinks they could have something in Robinson, it is possible that he could factor significantly into their future plans.