Dolphins Go With Chop Robinson with First Pick

The Miami Dolphins went for help on defense with the 21st overall selection

Alain Poupart | Apr 25, 2024

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) / Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins had several options with the 21st overall pick after an offense-dominated start to the 2024 NFL draft, but they eventually decided to go with a pass rusher.

The Dolphins selected edge defender Chop Robinson with their first-round pick, the first time they drafted in the first round since 2021.

In selecting Robinson, the Dolphins favored him over other available prospects such as top-rated cornerbacks Terrion Arnold, Nate Wiggins and Quinyon Mitchell, versatile DB Cooper DeJean, offensive lineman Graham Barton, and wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Xavier Worthy.

Robinson was selected right after the Pittsburgh Steelers took Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, who also would have been a solid selection for Miami.

The Dolphins have two productive starters at outside linebacker with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, but both are coming off serious season-ending injuries and their status for the start of the 2024 season is less than clear.

Beyond that, Chubb's contract contains no remaining guaranteed money beyond 2024, and it's possible the Dolphins will be revisiting several high-priced players in light of the looming extensions for Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Jevon Holland, and also Phillips.

The Dolphins did sign veteran Shaquil Barrett to help the pass rush, but he got only a one-year deal and is coming off two rather lackluster seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Robinson is viewed as a pass-rushing prospect with a ton of upside, whose ceiling is much higher than might be suggested by his modest four sacks at Penn State last season.

Robinson shined at the combine, running a 4.48 at 6-3, 254 pounds, giving him a distinct Cameron Wake vibe.

Born Demeioun Robinson, he was nicknamed "Pork Chop" because of. his size at birth (11 pounds), though it later was shortened to "Chop" as he got older.

The Dolphins will be back on the clock in the second round, at number 55 overall, on Friday night.

Published Apr 25, 2024|Modified Apr 25, 2024

ALAIN POUPART

Alain Poupart is the publisher/editor of All Dolphins and co-host of the All Dolphins Podcast. Alain has covered the Miami Dolphins on a full-time basis since 1989 for various publications and media outlets, including Dolphin Digest, The Associated Press, the Dolphins team website, and the Fan Nation Network (part of Sports Illustrated). In addition to being a credentialed member of the Miami Dolphins press corps, Alain has covered three Super Bowls (for NFL.com, Football News and the Montreal Gazette), the annual NFL draft, the Senior Bowl, and the NFL Scouting Combine. During his almost 40 years in journalism, which began at the now-defunct Miami News, Alain has covered practically every sport at one time or another, from tennis to golf, baseball, basketball and everything in between. The career also included time as a copy editor, including work on several books such as "Still Perfect," an inside look at the Miami Dolphins' 1972 perfect season. A native of Montreal, Canada, whose first language is French, Alain grew up a huge hockey fan but soon developed a love for all sports, including NFL football. He has lived in South Florida since the 1980s.