Landon Robinson’s meteoric rise through the college ranks hit a crescendo, and the Copley graduate couldn’t be happier.
Robinson, who had a dream season last year for Navy, saw a dream fulfilled Saturday, April 25, when the 5-foot-11, 293-pound defensive tackle was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was taken with 10th pick in the seventh round (No. 226 overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals.
He was a first-team Associated Press All-American for the Midshipmen in 2025 and the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s means everything to have this opportunity to pursue the NFL and see my dreams fulfilled,” Robinson said via text message. “Having the honor of going to the Naval Academy and taking what I’ve learned into this next step in my career is such a blessing. I’m excited to get to work and do everything I can to be successful at the next level.”
Robinson, whose father, Lance, was a gymnast at Kent State, led Navy in 2025 with 8½ tackles for loss and 6½ sacks.
He had 64 tackles last season and was a starter in 2024 and 2025.
Robinson finished his career with 153 tackles, 18½ tackles for loss and 14½ sacks. He also forced two fumbles and blocked a kick.
Landon Robinson drafted at same spot as Pat Tillman
Robinson shares a draft spot, No. 226 overall, with former Arizona Cardinals standout Pat Tillman, a 1998 selection who was recognized at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh before Robinson was announced as the Bengals’ pick. Tillman gave up his NFL career to enlist in the U.S. Army after the Sept. 11 attacks, and was killed on April 22, 2004, in a firefight in Afghanistan.
Landon Robinson scouting report, strengths, weaknesses at Navy
Here’s what NFL.com had to say about Robinson:
Strengths
Weaknesses
A look back at Landon Robinson’s college career at Navy
Brad Bournival can be reached by email at bbournival@usatodayco.com and is on X at @bbournival.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Bengals select Copley, Navy DT Landon Robinson in Round 7 of NFL draft
Reporting by Brad Bournival, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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