The Chicago Bears didn't raise too many eyebrows with their final roster selection. Most of the guys expected to make the team did so. There were a couple of intriguing undrafted additions like Jahdae Walker, but it was a straightforward process. However, there was one exception. Many couldn't understand the decision by the team to retain defensive end Dominique Robinson. The former 5th round pick started his career with a bang, notching 1.5 sacks in his first game. He has half a sack in the 33 games he's appeared in since then. It is difficult to understand the point of keeping him anymore, especially with serious depth concerns at edge rusher. The simplest answer lay with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
He explained on 1920 Football Drive that it came down to seeing real progress from Robinson in training camp. The young lineman started to look like an actual defensive end in terms of his technique and playing style. For somebody who was a wide receiver during most of his college career, it's a significant step. Allen seems to feel Robinson is on the cusp of a breakthrough.
Dennis Allen better hope he's correct.
The Bears already faced depth concerns when training camp started in July. Now they're teetering on the edge of a crisis after Austin Booker went on IR with a knee injury. They haven't made any moves since either. That tells you Dennis Allen is willing to roll with Robinson and Daniel Hardy as the primary backups to Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. It isn't the most inspiring group. Still, Allen feels confident it can work. His success as a defensive coordinator suggests he's trustworthy on these matters. Then again, his eye for edge rush talent isn't entirely flawless. This is the same coach who signed off on draft picks like Marcus Davenport, Payton Turner, and Isaiah Foskey. Maybe his trust in Robinson is genuine, but it feels misplaced.
