Miami Dolphins young edge rusher Chop Robinson could be in for his biggest and best season yet.
The Miami Dolphins don’t have much going on for them in 2026; however, the same can’t be said for their young edge rusher, Chop Robinson.
Robinson is set to enter his third season in the league and is poised for a breakout season this fall.
The Dolphins have revamped and retooled their front office and coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season.
Miami is banking on those changes making a significant difference moving forward, especially for Robinson. The 23-year-old will be counted on to lead the pass rush and take a much larger role as one of the focal points of the defense.
Head coach Jeff Hafley mentioned how he wants Robinson to become an every-down player. Hafley also went on to say that the young defender will play a position where he’s going to line up in a 9-technique and play on tight ends and set the edge as well.
The first two seasons of his career have been a roller coaster. Robinson’s rookie season was one to behold, as he posted six sacks and earned all-rookie honors, named to the PFWA All-Rookie team.
However, his sophomore season in 2025 saw a decline, mainly due to struggles to defend the run. Robinson managed to play in 15 games last season, but the production was not there.
Robinson’s struggles in 2025 can’t be ignored; however, that was with the former regime.
Hafley is set to provide Robinson with every opportunity he can to prove that he is worth the first-round pick Miami spent on him. The Maryland native has all the tools and resources to do just that.
Although the Dolphins added Josh Uche and David Ojabo in free agency and drafted Trey Moore – it’s still Robinson’s position to lose.
The departure of Bradley Chubb opened the door for Robinson, and Hafley is doing everything in his power to help him break through it. The plan is to get the best out of him by moving him around the line and getting every ounce out of him.
Robinson admitted last season that he spent too much time overthinking instead of simply trusting his instincts. An expanded role, a clearer mindset and a new coaching staff should be what Robinson needs to take the next step in 2026.
The scheme under Hafley is projected to fit better, and more snaps should mean more production for Robinson.
Instead of frequently dropping into coverage or handling responsibilities that took away his explosiveness, Robinson has said that this new defense allows him to "set the edge and get to the quarterback."
Robinson’s quick first step could be even more effective in the new defensive scheme, allowing him to play faster and with less hesitation.
If Robinson develops into the every-down defender Halfey envisions, the increased snap count alone should give him more opportunities to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers.
Given the confidence the Dolphins have in Robinson, it would not be surprising if he emerges as the team's top defensive player.
The Dolphins are not expected to amount to much this upcoming season, but if Robinson makes a significant leap and the rest of the roster follows suit, Miami could become a team capable of surprising opponents throughout the season.
