Could the Dolphins 2024 First-Round Pick Be Out the Door After 2026?
Coming off a promising rookie campaign in 2024, Miami Dolphins defensive end Chop Robinson could find himself on the chopping block after 2026. The former first-round pick recorded six sacks in his first year in Miami, with all six coming in the final 10 games of the regular season. Meanwhile, in his sophomore season, Robinson struggled to pressure the quarterback and stay on the field, recording four sacks and 19 pressures in only 15 games played due to multiple concussions. Those numbers were reflected in his overall grades as well. Robinson was rated as the third-best rookie edge rusher in 2024 with a 70.0 PFF grade. That fell dramatically in 2025, as the 23-year-old pass rusher earned a 54.8 grade, ranking 97th among 115 qualifying defensive ends.
The Dolphins are certainly no strangers to underperforming first-round pass rushers, taking five, including Robinson, since 2000. No one stayed for more than one contract with Miami, and none recorded more than 26 sacks during their time in South Beach. This new Dolphins regime under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley hasn’t been afraid to cut ties with players signed and drafted by former general manager Chris Grier, either. The team announced the release of tackle Kion Smith on June 15th after trading star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in March and cutting All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
The good news, however, is that the former Penn State Nittany Lion will have plenty of opportunity on the edge both against the run and the pass in 2026. The Dolphins traded former 2021 first-round pick Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles this past year and cut Bradley Chubb this offseason. That lack of competition in the defensive edge room, combined with Hafley’s playcalling, which ranked third in the NFL over the past two seasons in blitz percentage on third and fourth down, could provide a spark the explosive pass rusher needs to get back on track in 2026. However, another season like 2025 could leave Robinson joining a growing list of former Dolphins first-round picks taken by Grier, looking for new work and greener pastures.
