The Miami Dolphins predicted "X-Factor" is a player who has been rising through OTAs and training camp.
One players that consistently comes up in terms of Miami Dolphins talent that can take the next step as a defensive end is Chop Robinson.
Robinson has been the talk of the town since OTAs, sporting a new physique and hunger that has led to multiple reports of him getting in the backfield early and often. Now, the Dolphins defender has also been predicted to be the "X-factor" for the team in 2026.
Robinson's journey has certainly been up-and-down, as he was initially a breakout candidate in 2024. During his rookie season, the Miami pass rusher secured six sacks en route to being nominated as a Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 2025 season was a stark contrast, as Robinson seemingly fell out of favor with then-head coach Mike McDaniel. The young defender picked up four sacks, but only started three of the 15 games he appeared in.
McDaniel and the coaching staff chose to utilize veteran Matthew Judon over Robinson.
With the 2025 season now in the past and a brand-new coaching staff in place, Jeff Hafley has continually praised the leaps and bounds that Robinson has undertaken to get better.
Additionally, ESPN's Ben Solak pegged Robinson as being the Dolphins' "X-factor" for the 2026 season.
"He has bulked up and had a strong camp and preseason showing, and new defensive coach Jeff Hafley gives him a second opportunity to build on his hot start -- this time, with the size and disposition of a three-down player. Should Robinson have the season-long impact that he has teased in flashes, the Dolphins' young and unproven defense will have at least one cornerstone to build on moving forward," Solak said.
What makes this prediction ring a bit truer is that Robinson has continually caused chaos throughout OTAs and minicamp, often beating Miami's stalwart offensive linemen to get after Malik Willis.
Granted, Robinson did not play that much during preseason, but his ability to win his pass rush assignments are still well documented.
Shaking off the 2025 season is also something that Robinson spoke about, along with most of the returning Dolphins players. That, in turn, has led to far more confidence in the upcoming third-year defender.
Robinson also represents the kind of physical and dedicated player that Hafley has preached about since taking over the team.
With a roster that is mostly constructed of new players, UDFAs, and rookies, the returning vets are the ones that everyone will look to for guidance. The captains for the Dolphins have not yet been revealed, but it would not be the least bit shocking if Robinson was among those names.
The way in which he has spoken about his ascent through camp and dedication to get better in Year 3 is admirable. How that translates on the field remains to be seen, but the defense having a strong pass rusher can go a long way.
Hafley's defense also appears to be farther along chemistry-wise than the offense, and Robinson could be at the core of that defense along with linebacker Jordyn Brooks and defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
Should Robinson transform into a double-digit sack producer in 2026, the Dolphins may have the right elements to be highly competitive.
