Mike McDaniel discusses ‘value’ Chop Robinson is adding to team and ‘earning the respect of his teammates’

Miami Dolphins rookie Demeioun “Chop” Robinson has already caught the eye of head coach Mike McDaniel while earning respect from his teammates in the process.

The No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Robinson received some major praise from his head coach as the Dolphins continue to prepare for their second preseason game.

“You have a lot of hope for first-round draft picks when you come to your team,” McDaniel said. “Chop has gone about it the way you really hope…to really add value to the team. He’s earning the respect of his teammates each day, and he’s doing it through work, strain, how he handles coaching as a rookie.”

Right now, the Dolphins list Robinson on their second team on their depth chart at the outside linebacker position. He is behind veteran Emmanuel Ogbah, but there is a chance that Robinson could play a big role as a rookie.

Pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are both coming off of season-ending injuries in the 2023 season, and it’s possible that one or both of them may not be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.

If that’s the case, Robinson could find himself as a regular in the rotation for Miami’s pass rushers.

McDaniel didn’t share much about Phillips’ status, although it seems like the former first-round pick is making progress in his return from an Achilles injury.

“He is who I thought he was,” McDaniel said of Phillips. “This is a guy who’s on a mission that is bigger than just being a player on an NFL team. He’s trying to position himself where he feels he’s the top of his class at what he does. I’ve seen some maturity from him in understanding the bigger picture. He’s very, very disciplined in not overstepping the boundaries outlined for him.”

Robinson spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons of his collegiate career at Pennsylvania State University, where he recorded 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.

With veteran Shaquil Barrett retiring this offseason after signing a deal with the Dolphins, Robinson’s development becomes even more crucial for a Dolphins team looking to compete for a playoff spot and a Super Bowl in the 2024 campaign.

If Robinson continues to impress in practice and during the preseason, the Dolphins may consider giving the young linebacker a chance to start at some point in the 2024 season.

For now, McDaniel and his coaching staff are focused on the Washington Commanders, who Miami will play on Saturday, Aug. 17 in its second preseason matchup.