Dominique Robinson Planning To Get Tutored By All-Time Great

Dominique Robinson thought he had a pretty good idea of what to expect when he got to the NFL. While he was still new to the edge position after years as a wide receiver, he'd made so much progress in such a short time at Miami of Ohio. Then he announced himself to everybody with 1.5 sacks in his debut. This was no problem. Over the next 16 games, Robinson failed to record another sack as opposing tackles completely shut him down. To say it was a humbling experience would be an understatement.

Robinson realized two things. His upper body strength wasn't nearly where it needed to be, and his overall technique was painfully lacking. He's spent the off-season fixing the former. As for the latter, he told Jeff Joniak of Bears Weekly that he has plans for that.

"I took some time to work out with some guys this off-season. I got with BT Jordan actually right before he accepted that job out in Seattle. He's a pass rush specialist, so I got with him. I'm supposed to get with Rob Mathis. I think I'm going to try to get with him after OTAs going into camp in our off time. So I've been working with different guys, trying to improve."

BT Jordan has been among the more respected pass rush consultants over the past several years. He's worked with NFL elites like Maxx Crosby, Cameron Heyward, Chandler Jones, Von Miller, Haason Reddick, and T.J. Watt. It isn't a surprise Seattle hired him. Robert Mathis was one of the most prolific pass rushers of the 2000s and early 2010s. Across 192 career games, he racked up a prodigious 129.5 sacks. If anybody can show Robinson how to do it in the NFL, it's him.

Dominique Robinson deserves credit for one thing.

He understood last season wasn't a failure. It was a lesson. The NFL taught him how inadequate he is and what it will require for him to improve. The 5th round pick has loads of talent to work with. He's long, athletic, and has the burst many top pass rushers lack. If he can improve his strength and diversify his arsenal of moves, there is no doubt he can become somebody capable of 8-10 sacks every year. It comes down to how much he wants it. The Bears are willing to be patient with him, but they won't wait forever.

Mathis didn't have success in the NFL because of ridiculous talent. Most considered him too undersized for the NFL at 6'2, 245 lbs. Yet he became feared because of his relentless motor mixed with his wide array of moves that gave tackles fits. Dominique Robinson is bigger, longer, and more athletic than Mathis. The difference between the two is their approach to the game. The five-time Pro Bowler was a student. Every detail mattered. That is what he will likely try to teach Robinson when they get together.