General manager Chris Grier used his first opening-round pick since 2021 to try and restore some talent to a defense whose losses include standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who signed a $110 million contract with Las Vegas
The Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, hoping to bolster a defense that has seen a mass exodus this spring.
The Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, hoping to bolster a defense that has seen a mass exodus this spring.
General manager Chris Grier used his first opening-round pick since 2021 to try and restore some talent to a defense whose losses include standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who signed a $110 million contract with Las Vegas.
Robinson figures to fill an immediate need for new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver with his quickness, but his college production didn’t quite match his athleticism — he had 9 1/2 sacks, 31 tackles and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons with the Nittany Lions, along with two sacks at linebacker with Maryland in 2021.
The 6-foot-3, 254-pound Robinson, who switched to defensive end after transferring to Penn State in 2022, said his lack of production in college was because of “inconsistencies” with his hand placement.
Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters.
“That’s something I’ve been working on this whole offseason,” Robinson said, “and I feel very confident because I’ve been working on it so much repeatedly. And I know it’s going to be natural when it comes time to put my hands to use.”
Grier said while Robinson’s sack numbers were low, the team values his disruptive skills.
Meet the Walmart deli employee who’s also a track star hoping to make the Olympic team
2024 NFL Draft ties record for most wide receivers drafted in first round
“Over the years we’ve talked about the sacks and stats part,” Grier said. “For us, it’s an important part, but we’ve always talked about the ability to disrupt the passer. And his disruption numbers are all very high.
“The guy that comes to mind for me would be Danielle Hunter, (who) had four career sacks coming out of college, and he’s been a really good player in this league. I don’t put that pressure on (Robinson) to be Danielle Hunter, but… we think a lot of her characteristics and the things you see in the movie will translate.
Robinson gives the Dolphins a good connection opportunity. Missing defenders Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are seriously injured and are likely to miss the early part of the season. Even with the production of Chubb and Phillips, who combined for 17 1/2 sacks in 2023, Miami still needs passing depth behind them.
Dolphins signed linebacker veteran Shaquil Barrett in March, but the addition of Robinson gives them a solid rotation at the position.
“I feel like this will be a great situation for me ,” Robinson said. “Come and learn from these people. Taking things from them and incorporating them into my game and vice versa. »
Miami coach Mike McDaniel didn’t rule out putting Robinson, Chubb and Phillips on the field at the same time.
“All the scrimmages are live,” McDaniel said. “I think it’s essential to remember, ‘Man, this team – they have too many passers.’ That’s their problem. » This was never said. …You let the player determine the arrangement of all the things you can do. added that Weaver’s defense is similar to the one Robinson played at Penn State, switching to both nose tackle and edge rusher.
Robinson was a third-team AP All-American last season and drew comparisons to Dallas. Cowboys All-Pro quarterback Micah Parsons, thanks to his explosive ability, Robinson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds in 2024. Parsons ran a 4.39 in 2021.
“I would say the speed and turns we both had,” Robinson said. “Micah has speed – he runs a quick 40. That’s how he plays. I have speed. Micah also has a great turn. He can get around a big offensive lineman and make tight angles, and I feel like that’s part of my game.”
Including Robinson, the Dolphins essentially used three first-round picks on defensive linemen in the last three years – Miami drafted Phillips 18th overall in 2021 and sent the 2023 first-rounder to Denver to acquire Chubb in 2022.