Chop Robinson Is Finding His Form

Miami Dolphins rookie EDGE Chop Robinson has begun playing better football as of late. Robinson recorded a sack of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Monday night's upset victory. It marked his second consecutive game with a quarterback takedown.

Robinson was lined up opposite Rams right tackle Joe Noteboom on the pass-rushing rep. The Dolphins were leading 7-0 with Sean McVay's offense facing a 3rd-and-9 from the 50-yard line roughly midway through the first quarter. Robinson quickly defeated Noteboom inside to sack Stafford and force a Rams punt.

Robinson had endured a difficult start to his rookie campaign. The No. 21 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft failed to record a sack in Miami's opening seven contests despite playing a heavy workload. With sacks in back-to-back games, Robinson is beginning to heat up at the appropriate time.

"I’m trusting the process," Robinson told The Draft Network exclusively in late October before recording his first career sack. "I know the sacks are going to arrive in bunches once I get that first one under my belt.”

That statement has been proven accurate.

In truth, Robinson was placed in a difficult situation with the Dolphins to begin his rookie season. Starting-caliber edge defender Bradley Chubb remains on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after suffering a season-ending torn ACL last year. The other starter, Jaelan Phillips, suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.

Those injuries have unfairly catapulted Robinson into a larger role than he was ready for. A raw product coming out of Penn State, Robinson played 30% of Miami’s available defensive snaps in his Week 1 debut. By Week 2, he was surpassing 50% of snaps and has played more than 60% in recent showings.

But you've seen the lightbulb begin to flicker for a talented pass rusher who pairs an explosive first step with relentless effort. After accumulating just eight quarterback pressures in his first six career appearances, Robinson has been far more productive in recent weeks. Robinson recorded three pressures apiece in back-to-back games versus Arizona and Buffalo in Weeks 8 and 9, with his first sack occurring versus the Bills. Against the Rams on Monday, the ex-Nittany Lions performer totaled a career-high six pressures.

Robinson has added 13 tackles to his defensive totals. The Gaithersburg, Maryland native has logged significant snaps versus the run too, recording seven stops for first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Robinson's 20 pressures now rank third among all rookie outside linebackers, trailing just Jared Verse (44) and Laiatu Latu (23). His pass-rush win rate (PRWR) of 14.5% is second behind Verse (21.1%). It places his rookie season in the proper context. Robinson is right where he should be in his developmental track, showcasing improvement as the campaign progresses forward.

The Dolphins have placed a lot of responsibility on Robinson's plate this season. With sacks in consecutive games, the first-year pass rusher is beginning to respond by being productive for a Dolphins defensive line that's missing its two star contributors. Robinson has started maximizing his opportunities.