The comparisons between Tavius Robinson and Ravens legend Jarret Johnson go deeper than their shared No. 95 jersey number.
Johnson was a known tough guy in Baltimore’s defense. He was a player who did the dirty work from 2003-2011 while stars such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs got more of the fame.
As he enters his third year, Robinson has taken on that kind of status for the 2025 Ravens. A rugged 6-foot-6, 262-pound outside linebacker, Robinson beats up the opposition much like Johnson did for so many years – setting a hard edge versus the run, pushing blockers back into quarterbacks’ laps, and punishing tight ends.
It’s not by accident. Robinson said he’s watched Johnson’s highlights and even tuned into podcasts Johnson has been on to try to get inside his head.
“He was a guy that maybe didn’t get all the credit that he deserved – sack wise and pass wise – but he was a dominant run defender, dominant physical, gritty player,” Robinson said. “So yes, I’ve done a couple of deep dives on him and gone through his career here. He’s a legend for sure, so it’s a blessing to wear his number.”
“A hundred percent, yes,” Robinson said. “The way he played, the physicality, the effort that he played with. A hundred percent, yes.”
While Robinson’s game will always be centered around power and physicality, he’s trying to add more finesse and pass rush techniques to his arsenal. Robinson went from one sack as a rookie to 3.5 last season and wants more this year.
Earlier this offseason, Pass Rush Coach Chuck Smith called Robinson a “centerpiece” of the Ravens’ defense. On Monday, Outside Linebackers Coach Matt Robinson said he enjoys watching Robinson play against tight ends because he knows what’s usually going to happen.
“I think [Robinson] is going to really put his hands on people, get knock back, change the line of scrimmage, force ball carriers to bounce, or he’s going to end up making a play,” Robinson said. “I know the inside linebackers like playing behind him, because he’s going to change the line of scrimmage in front of them, and usually it turns out good for the Ravens.”
While it may not result in a ton of stats for Robinson, he’s doing his job. He’s so valued at this point that he didn’t even suit up for the Ravens’ first preseason game – a far cry from when he used to play almost the entire game as a rookie.
That’s the kind of recognition that Robinson appreciates. Johnson never got much media adoration outside of Baltimore, but his teammates, coaches, and diehard Ravens fans knew how important he was to the team. That kind of career sounds good to Robinson, too.
“I would be happy with that for sure,” Robinson said. “He had a great career, and he’s a legend in this building. He’s on our defensive meeting slideshow every day. He’s one of the guys up there. So, just playing my role to the best of my ability.”