Miami Dolphins rookie watch 2024: Can Chop Robinson bring the fire off the edge?
When the Miami Dolphins selected Chop Robinson with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the idea was for the edge rusher to add some depth behind Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. But, with both coming off injuries, the Penn State product may also have been seen as an insurance policy.
The talent, speed and production at Penn State terrorizing Big 10 quarterbacks stand out on its own, but the question facing Robinson entering his rookie season is whether he can be an impactful player even when Phillips and Chubb are fully healthy and in the mix.
Again, the physical traits are there and similar to that of the veteran duo, but how quickly he is counted on may determine his success in his rookie season. The Dolphins also have Shaquil Barrett in the mix, so all the pressure won’t be Robinson, but there is no doubt a big opportunity is within the reach of the former Big 10 star, especially with Chubb and Phillips placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp.
Miami Dolphins selection of Chop Robinson brings edge
While both players can be activated any time, the types of injuries they are rehabbing from could extend into the regular season. That’s how a talent like Robinson can make a name for himself while filling a void in the Dolphins defense.
As NFL scouts witnessed at the NFL Scouting Combine, the speed of Robinson (4.48, 40-yard dash) is what stands out. At 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, his elite athleticism is right up there with another Penn State alum by the name of Micah Parsons.
It is that speed and explosiveness that will fascinate Dolphins fans and put offensive linemen throughout the league on notice, especially if he finds his niche and learns quickly in the NFL, which it appears he’ll have an opportunity to do with both Phillips and Chubb sidelined and coming back from injuries that may slow them even when they are back.
The fascinating aspect when it comes to the Dolphins defense is they may have a player in Robinson on a rookie deal who could allow the team to part ways with either of the veteran edge rushers later in the season or even down the road if they need to clear up cap space. So, in that aspect as well, the Dolphins are depending on Chop Robinson to find his fire off the edge and learn everything he can from the veterans around him.
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As a player with extreme talent and untapped potential, Robinson is a player to watch in training camp as he’s a player who just might give the Dolphins the edge they are missing in both Phillips and Chubb if either or both don’t come back as strong to begin the season.