This Dolphins rookie could make or break the defense, but he’s ready for the job

General manager Chris Grier ignored needs in the trenches when the Dolphins selected Chop Robinson with the No. 21 pick in the 2024 draft. The edge rusher is thought to have boom-or-bust potential with extreme athleticism, but a lack of ability to “finish” a play.

Robinson’s college stats won’t wow you. In 2023, he collected 15 tackles, 7.5 of which were for a loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Reviews on the first-rounder were initially mixed. Months later, Robinson is turning heads at Miami Dolphins’ training camp.

  The pick has already paid off in more ways than anticipated. Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb likely won’t return from injuries that required surgeries until after a Week 6 bye. Veteran linebacker Shaq Barrett announced an early retirement shortly after signing with the Dolphins. Very quickly, the weight of the outside linebacker unit now sits on the rookie’s shoulders.

Robinson’s quick get-off and aggressive nature have stood out during the early days of training camp. New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is thrilled with what he’s seen from the rookie.

“He’s still trying to learn some of the finer techniques and fundamentals of the game, but you see his athleticism and his skill set. What I love most about the kid is just his intent when he comes to work,” Weaver said. “You can see him just contemplating every single thing that’s being given to him and trying to see what bits and pieces he can take from people to use with his game.”

Weaver isn’t the only one impressed. Offensive tackle Kendall Lamm has high praise for the rookie after weeks of going head-to-head with him.

“His speed off the line is very, very good,” Lamm said. “You always see with young rushers, it takes time for them to learn us as tackles in the NFL, but you can definitely see why Chop is what he is because his get-off is phenomenal.”