Miami Dolphins
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The Dolphins expect better from one of their disappointing players
The Miami Dolphins’ past two seasons have largely been disappointing as the team missed the postseason and posted back-to-back below .500 records. Despite a promising 2023 season, the signs of a possible decline were there for Miami, as the team struggled to develop talent after their promising 2021 draft class.
After acquiring Tyreek Hill prior to the 2022 season, Miami had limited selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they failed to develop any starters with their four picks. Out of that draft class, only seventh-round pick Cameron Goode remains on the team, and he’s primarily a special teams player. The following draft was more of the same for Miami, after acquiring Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey, the team had limited draft capital. Out of that draft class, only running back De’Von Achane remains on the team.
Miami finally held its own first-round pick for the first time in three years during the 2024 NFL Draft. They used that selection on pass rusher Chop Robinson, who then had a promising rookie season, but had a “disappointing sophomorecampaign.” Now, fresh off a sophomore slump, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan gave his thoughts on the former first-round pick.
Miami Dolphins General Manager Speaks on Chop Robinson
Regarding Chop Robinson,Sullivan said, “He has a responsibility, has to be intentional about his business… I have a lot of confidence in [coach Jeff Hafley] his staff and their ability to teach and develop young players. Chop has a lot of natural talent. We have a lot of really good coaches in the building. I think it will be a good marriage. We will get the most out of Chop.”
During his rookie season, Robinson totaled six sacks, all of which came off over the course of the last 10 games. Following the impressive season, Chop was ranked as the No. 27 best pass rusher in the NFL heading into the 2025 season byPro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith, who said of Robinson,“Robinson had an impressive rookie season, ranking sixth in the NFL with an 18.8% pass-rush win rate and leading the Dolphins with 56 total pressures. Already an established pass-rusher, he’ll need to improve his run defense — he earned a 55.4 grade in that area last season — to take the next step in his development.”
Robinson’s rookie season even impressed some of his teammates, as his 2024 Dolphins teammateTerron Armstead said of him, “Von Miller-esque… the second-half of the season, Chop was arguably the best pass rusher in the league… I can see him leading the league in sacks.”
Robinson’s Disappointing Rookie Season
Unfortunately, his second-year breakout campaign did not occur as Robinson totaled only four sacks in 15 games, while starting only three games for Miami. Aside from Robinson’s sack total, his pass rush win rate and number of pressures diminished as well.
Regarding Sullivan’s comments and Robinson’s future, FanSided’s Dante Walker wrote:
“The note about being intentional seems to carry some weight here. Whether coaches and personnel in 2025 noted a nonchalance or lack of intensity in Robinson’s work habits is a matter of interpretation and ultimately, water under the bridge. Entering the ever-pivotal year three of his rookie contract, Robinson is on notice that his best is required now.
He has a golden opportunity to carve out a significant role on Jeff Hafley’s defense from Day 1, and it will be on him to seize it.”