Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson has gone from an NFL Combine snub to drawing comparisons to Aaron Donald and being labeled a potential steal in this month’s draft.
At 5-foot-11 and 297 pounds, Robinson is undersized by NFL standards, but he compensates with impressive strength and power at the point of attack.
Over the two seasons he was eligible for PFSN’s CFB Impact Metrics, Robinson graded in the top five among all defensive tackles in the American Conference. Most notably in 2025, he led the conference in tackles (54) and solo tackles (24), playing 83 percent of snaps, which earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors.
PFSN spoke exclusively with Robinson about DPOY accolades, his preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, and much more.
What does it mean to you to be named Defensive Player of the Year in the American and first-team All-American? What went into the preparation for such a big year for you?
Landon Robinson: “It means a lot to be seen in that light, to be, obviously, the Defensive Player of the Year, but also being All-American. That’s something that it’s definitely been a goal of mine my entire career. Just having an opportunity to do that, and all the hard work that my teammates and I have put in throughout the entire summer, throughout all four years, it truly means a lot.
“It’s just so rewarding being able to look back with such a good team season, 11-2, but also be able to accomplish those individual goals. It truly means a lot. It’s such an honor being able to be named that and just shows all the hard work that we put in.”
As you’re preparing now to go to the NFL, it’s not super often you see a ton of guys from the service academies represented in the draft. So what does that mean, especially you and Eli Heidenreich, to be able to represent not just Navy, but the service academies as a whole?
LR: “It’s an honor. It’s super special. When I first got to the Naval Academy, obviously, you play Division I football to hopefully have an opportunity to go to the NFL. But it’s not always the case. Throughout my four years, there haven’t been many that have made that next step. So that’s always been my goal.
“It’s just truly an honor being able to put in all the hard work with my teammates throughout all four years and have the accolades we’ve had as a team to get my name out there. I truly feel like I wouldn’t have been able to do it myself. It’s all my teammates’ hard work, and all of us together working to make it happen.
“It’s truly special to come from a service academy and have such a diverse background with the military, school, and football. It’s a very unique opportunity, and I’m truly thankful.”
And I feel like not enough people understand what goes into not only being a football player and a student, but coming from that service academy. So how does the day-to-day differ playing at the Naval Academy compared to your average college football player?
LR: “At the Naval Academy, your days are packed. You start from 6:30 in the morning all the way until 9 at night. You always have something to do. Morning formation happens around 7, then breakfast, then class all day until about 3. After that, you go to practice, then whatever football activities are scheduled, then homework. You also have noon meal formation and other obligations.
“It’s a packed day, and it makes you really good at compartmentalizing. When you’re in class, you’re focused on class. When you’re doing military duties, you’re focused on that. When you’re in football, you’re fully locked in. It makes you different because you have a lot on your plate that you have to balance to succeed.”
From your time off the field, working with formation or anything military-related, what’s a fun story from your time at Navy?
LR: “There are so many. One that comes to mind is this past summer during Marine Corps training at Quantico, Virginia. We were out in the woods the entire time. The whole team was there for a training block. We were wiping ourselves down instead of showering, eating MREs, doing all these gritty but fun things.
“One funny story was during land navigation. You get a map, compass, and pen, and you have to find points in the woods. One of us got lost, and we were all out there trying to find him. It was just hilarious. Something very unique to the Naval Academy.”
I know during the pre-draft process you’ve been busy. Shrine Bowl, Combine, Pro Day, team meetings. What’s this process been like?
LR: “It’s been busy, but it’s been good. I’m enjoying every step. I’ve had dinners with teams before and after Pro Day, workouts, Zoom calls. I had a workout with the Ravens this morning, have one with the Commanders next week, then a Bengals [top] 30 visit, and a dinner with the Texans. It’s super cool and a blessing to even be considered a draft pick.”
That’s really impressive. I know your Pro Day was well attended. I’m a Chicago guy, so I’m curious if you’ve had any interaction with the Bears.
LR: “I spoke with pretty much every scout there. I talked with the Bears scout and had good conversations, but they haven’t followed up yet. The teams I mentioned earlier are the ones I’ve built closer relationships with so far. But you never know.”
You never know. The Bears sometimes move late. I know Dennis Allen has historically liked athletic defensive tackles like you. I’ll be rooting for you wherever you go. Switching gears, some people talk about being an undersized defensive tackle. What advantages do you think your frame gives you?
LR: “I think my size helps. I weighed 297 this morning, so I’m not underweight. From a height standpoint, it’s about leverage. Low man wins. That’s something every coach teaches.
“Being able to use natural leverage and quickness is how I win. I have long arms, too, so I can get under blockers and use my length to control them. It’s a game of leverage, speed, and strength. I use it to my advantage.”
That shows on tape. Moving off the field, how do you spend your free time?
LR: “I love to lift. I stay active. Most things I do involve improving my body. I watch a lot of film, especially Aaron Donald, Geno Atkins, and guys my size who succeeded. I also play video games with my brothers and read a bit.”
What games do you play?
LR: “Call of Duty, Battlefield, Madden, 2K, Helldivers. Pretty wide range.”
Who’s your go-to team in 2K?
LR: “I go with the Cavs since I’m from that area, but also Golden State because of Stephen Curry. If you’re down, you just give him the ball and start shooting.”
Growing up in that Cleveland area, those Cavs-Warriors battles must’ve been fun.
LR: “Definitely. It was great.”
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If I’m an NFL GM, what am I getting if I draft you?
LR: “You’re getting a great leader who cares about the team and the people around him. Someone who gives everything to make sure the locker room is right. On the field, someone aggressive, who shoots gaps, uses speed and leverage, sheds blocks, and plays with a high motor. Someone who will fight to the end for team success.”
