Miami Dolphins bolster pass rush, taking Chop Robinson of Penn State with 21st pick of NFL draft

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.

General manager Chris Grier used his first opening-round pick since 2021 to bolster a defense that saw a mass exodus of talent this spring. Robinson figures to immediately fill a need for new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver with his first-step quickness and athleticism.

Robinson, who is 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, had 60 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles over three college seasons.

The Dolphins have tried to address some of their losses on defense since the start of free agency. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, safety Brandon Jones and others signed free agent deals elsewhere, and veteran Xavien Howard and Jerome Baker were cut.

Robinson could get playing time immediately. The Dolphins could start the season without standout edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, who are both recovering from significant injuries.

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Alanis Thames, The Associated Press