MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
General manager Chris Grier used his first opening-round pick since 2021 to bolster a defense that saw a mass exodus of talent this spring, including standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who signed a $110 million contract with Las Vegas at the start of free agency.
Robinson figures to fill an immediate need for new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver with his first-step 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.
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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.
"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."
Robinson gives the Dolphins an option to plug in right away with edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips coming off significant injuries and at risk of missing the start of the season. Even with the productions of Chubb and Phillips, who combined for 17 1/2 sacks in 2023, Miami needed pass-rushing depth behind them.
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The Dolphins signed veteran linebacker Shaquil Barrett in March, but the addition of Robinson gives them a solid rotation at the position.
"I feel like that's going to be a great situation for me," Robinson said. "Coming in and learning from those guys. Take things from them and take it into my game and vice versa."
He said he hasn't talked much with Weaver about how he will be used in the defensive coordinator's creative playcalling, but added that Weaver's defense is the same one that Robinson played in at Penn State, moving to both nose tackle and on the edge.
Robinson was a third-team AP All-American last season and has drawn comparisons to Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons because of his explosiveness. Robinson ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 combine. Parsons ran a 4.39 in 2021.
"I would say the speed and bend that we both have," Robinson said. "Micah has the speed — he ran a fast 40. He plays like it. I have the speed. Micah also has a great bend. He's able to bend around a big offensive lineman and turn tight corners, and I feel like that's a part of my game."