NFL Analysis

4/25/24

4 min read

Chop Robinson NFL Draft 2024: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Miami Dolphins Edge

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson
Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) reacts after sacking Massachusetts quarterback Taisun Phommachanh in the first half of a NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions won, 63-0.

The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the class' best players with scouting reports. Each report will include strengths, weaknesses and background information. 

Here's our report on Chop Robinson.

Chop Robinson'S 2024 NFL COMBINE RESULTS

  • Height: 6'2 7/8"
  • Weight: 254 lbs
  • 40-Time: 4.48
  • 10-Yard Split: 1.54
  • Vertical: 35"
  • Broad Jump: 10'8"
  • 3-Cone: DNP
  • Shuttle: 4.25

Chop Robinson 2024 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT

STRENGTHS:

  • Desirable frame and length as edge pass rusher with sudden explosive movement traits and flexibility to bend.
  • Explosive off the ball as a pass rusher. Loose and fluid with athleticism and twitch to generate speed and velocity.
  • Ankle flexion and motorcycle lean to bend the arc. He, then, flattens his rush path and closes with burst to the quarterback.
  • Showed excellent lateral quickness as an edge pass rusher. Challenged pass set technique of OT in first two or three steps.
  • Flashed speed-to-power element as pass rusher. Strong hands and leg drive to power through contact with offensive tackle.
  • Showed explosive inside counter off the initial high-side rush. Got inside offensive tackles with burst and an effective swim move.
  • Great feel for attacking half a man as pass rusher from outside and inside. Forced OL to turn to the sideline.
  • Showed explosive, sudden twitch and power as an inside pass rusher, driving back interior linemen into the pocket.
  • Run game snaps in which he physically beat TE with strength and hand usage featuring club-arm over move.
  • Lined up inside the tight end and worked through traffic to make plays in the run game. Has balance and body control.
  • Showed some refinement and nuance as a run defender, turning his body and getting skinny to prevent blocks.
  • Outstanding playing personality. Played explosive and fast and relentless. High energy and highly competitive.

WEAKNESSES:

  • Needs to become a better finisher when he gets into the pocket. Left too many sacks on the field.
  • Will need to add some thickness and weight to his frame as he matures physically and develops as a player.
  • 2023 – At this point, relies more on sudden, twitchy, athletic movement than a refined, subtle arsenal of moves.
  • Needs to develop a wider array of moves and counters to become a high-level pass rusher.
  • There will be questions re: ability to play with strength and power as a run defender and edge pass rusher.
  • Will lack of length be seen as an issue as teams project and transition him to the next level?

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Chop Robinson (44) rushes Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Jack Tuttle (14) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

NFL TRANSITION:

Robinson is one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, given his sudden, explosive athleticism off the edge could be the best in the class. Yet, his production (sacks) is below the level you would expect to see. Remember, Danielle Hunter had 4.5 sacks in his college career.

Robinson possesses elite athleticism with the kind of twitch you do not often see from edge pass rushers in college football. While his athleticism did not result in a high sack total, there were many examples where his explosive burst off the ball, speed and bend off the edge overwhelmed the offensive tackle.

Robinson is by no means a finished product and needs to learn the craft of working an OT and stringing together moves and counters. However, his lightning quickness off the ball, combined with his motorcycle lean, balance and body control to flatten his rush path and close with an extra gear to the quarterback, makes him the best in this draft class. He can make an immediate impact as an edge pass rusher in his first NFL season.

Is there a Micah Parsons comparison to be made given that no one knew Parsons was the level of pass rusher he would become with the Cowboys? A strong comparison and somewhat inexact, but the bottom line is Robinson is the most explosive edge pass rusher in the class.


OTHER NOTES:

Robinson began his college career at Maryland as a 4-star recruit and top 50 prospect nationally then transferred to Penn State after one season.

In 2022, there were third-down snaps when Robinson lined up inside at 3-technique and 4i and rushed the QB vs. guards. Robinson played significant snaps in a four-point stance, which he will not do in the NFL.

There were snaps in which Robinson dropped into coverage, playing predominantly underneath zone, but also some snaps he peeled as a man defender.


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