For Chop Robinson, it actually began with Chris Grier.

The Miami Dolphins’ general manager saw how quickly a depleted pass rush can tank a season in 2023, when his team lost its top three pass-rushers (Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Andrew Van Ginkel) to season-ending injuries.

So, GM Chris Grier spent his first first-round pick since 2021 on Penn State pass-rusher Chop Robinson at No. 21 overall.

Grier told reporters that Robinson was the highest-rated player on their board at the time and someone they’d been targeting since early in the draft process. But he also filled a position of need.

The Nittany Lions have provided the NFL with consistent elite pass rushers for a very long time, and it’s tough for any NFL GM to go wrong with a PSU pick on defense.

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NFL Legend Sees Lofty Potential for Chop Robinson

In the Dolphins division along with the Bills, Patriots and Jets, Robinson will fit right in and have the opportunity to feast.

One former Dolphins legend, and Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate, already sees the potential for greatness in Robinson.

“So far, the things I’ve heard coming out of camp is just his work ethic,” former Dolphins All-Pro offensive tackle Richmond Webb said, during a recent appearance on the Between The Hashmarks Podcast. “Not just on the field, but trying to get knowledge from guys who have played the position, the film work, all that stuff.

“Normally when you’re a first-round pick, you’re kind of feeling yourself. It’s natural, you’re one of the best players, there’s only 32 first-round picks in the NFL Draft each year. If you’re one of those guys, you’re a pretty good player. But that hasn’t been the way Chop has been carrying himself.” since he’s been in South Florida.”

Robinson’s extremely “high motor” and natural ability to hunt the ball with excellent speed, makes him a formidable threat for any offensive scheme.

The Dolphins are expected to challenge at the playoff level after decades of falling short, and Nittany Lion Chop Robinson is a big piece to help make it happen.

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