Miami Dolphins rookie EDGE Chop Robinson has showcased improvement every single week. An athletic pass rusher with an explosive first step, Robinson possesses the skill set required to develop into a double-digit sack artist. He’s currently making incremental gains weekly.
Robinson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network while discussing his partnership with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Robinson self-scouted the start of his rookie season, his “Welcome to the NFL” moment, his evolving pass-rush arsenal, and more.
JM: You're here fighting food inequality on behalf of Campbell's Chunky and the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Why is this cause so important to you and your family?
Chop Robinson: I remember growing up in a similar situation. My family and I required food donations when we didn’t have anything to eat. Being in a position to give back now, it means a lot to me. I’m very fortunate to be in a position to give back. I have to take advantage of my platform to do good in the world. Giving back means more than receiving.
JM: There’s no doubt about that. You’re seven weeks into your NFL career. How would you self-scout these first few games? How have you acclimated?
Chop Robinson: I think I’ve been getting better every single week. It’s all about displaying that weekly improvement. I’m taking things one week, one day at a time. Every practice represents a new opportunity to get better. I know what I want to achieve this season will start happening soon for me. I’m putting that work in.
JM: We’ve seen the weekly gains. Did you have a “welcome to the NFL” moment? Maybe it was trying to tackle a running back you grew up watching, or something along those lines.
Chop Robinson: For me, it was going up against the left tackle for the Buffalo Bills [Dion Dawkins]. I remember watching him on television last season when I was still at Penn State. Lining up against him now, I’m going up against a great tackle and I see Josh Allen at quarterback (laughs). That’s another guy [Allen] I grew up watching.
It all feels like a dream come true for me.
JM: That’s awesome. I know you're waiting for that first career sack. You’re getting pressure. How do you balance sticking to the plan while ensuring you're not pressing and getting impatient?
Chop Robinson: I’m trusting the process. That’s all I have to do, to continue taking things one day at a time. I know the sacks are going to arrive in bunches for me once I get that first one under my belt. It’s going to feel great once that starts happening for me. I’m just trusting the process. That’s all I can do.
JM: That’s the right attitude to have. How has your pass-rush arsenal evolved from college to the pros? These tackles are a lot better than what you saw at Penn State. What’s working for you?
Chop Robinson: It’s definitely evolved. I’m using more moves now than I used in college. At Penn State, I was probably a little overly reliant on my speed. Now, I’m doing a better job converting speed to power, setting moves up with power. I’m definitely doing some different things.
JM: We can see that on tape. You have some great teammates in your position room like Bradley Chubb and Jaelen Phillips, who are unfortunately both hurt right now. Despite that, how have they helped you grow as a player?
Chop Robinson: They’ve both had a lot of success in this league. Chubb, he’s been playing at a high level for a long time. I’ve been watching film with them and picking up on little tips. I’ve been listening to their advice. They’ve been watching my reps in practice and in the games as well.
I’m soaking up all that information from the vets.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today, and thank you for the amazing work you’re doing with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger program. In closing, what are your goals for the remainder of this season?
Chop Robinson: I just want to keep getting better every single week. I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. That’s the main thing. I’m going to continue pushing forward and trusting the process.
