Miami Dolphins answer a significant roster question by drafting edge rusher Chop Robinson
The Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Given the Dolphins' injury issues that struck the team after Thanksgiving last season, with both starters Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb going down with season-ending injuries, it's not at all unusual that the Dolphins would […]
The Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Given the Dolphins' injury issues that struck the team after Thanksgiving last season, with both starters Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb going down with season-ending injuries, it's not at all unusual that the Dolphins would look to improve that group. With Christian Wilkins and Andrew Van Ginkel both also gone in free agency, the Dolphins have a serious issue facing them with generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, particularly for the first part of the 2024 season, at least.
A to Z Sports' draft analyst James Foster ranks Robinson as his 32nd best overall prospect and 5th overall edge rusher.
Chop Robinson's Scouting Report from A to Z Sports Film Room's James Foster
Strengths:
- Overwhelming 1st step. Slow-footed tackles have no chance
- Times the snap to maximize his acceleration upfield
- Dips his inside shoulder & sinks underneath the tackle's punch
- Maintains speed while flattening at the top of the rush
- Flashes the ability to cross the face with inside counters
- Uses an inside stutter-step to create more space around the edge
- 3 career forced fumbles
- Punches above his weight class as a run defender. Good hand activity shedding blocks
- Disruptive run defender. Quick lateral shifts make him an evasive target
Weaknesses:
- Modest production that's highly concentrated in a few games vs. weak competition
- Loses balance when bending through contact
- Speed rush success is dependent on beating tackles to their landmarks
- Doesn't really have any pass rushing moves. It's all speed
- Will need to develop some way of winning with his hands
- Fairly undersized, with a thin frame
- Unlikely to hold his ground vs. NFL drive blocks
This is a pick with a lot of upside, but also a lot of risk for the Dolphins. Robinson's athleticism is undeniable. He ran a ridiculous 4.48 40-yard dash time at the Combine. He also has an undeniably fast first step and natural athleticism that, if channeled properly, can translate to getting into the backfield regularly.
However, the Dolphins' coaching staff will have their work cut out for them in working on developing pass rush moves besides just blowing by guys with speed. That won't cut it in the NFL. The lack of statistical production in college is also concerning.
With the Dolphins' present short list of healthy options at edge, Robinson will get his chance quickly to show if he's close to becoming a force for the Dolphins, or if he will need more time to develop.
Miami Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips provides update on his rehab during Hurricanes’ spring game
Encouraging words from the former Hurricane and current Dolphin
