Chop Robinson is entering his sophomore season in the NFL with a clear focus: stick to what works. As the Miami Dolphins’ first-round pick in 2024, Robinson made a significant impact in the latter half of his rookie season, and his progression is crucial to fortifying the Dolphins’ defense.

Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Robinson shared, “For me it’s just doing the same things I was doing last year that led up to my success last year, but just being more keyed in on it and understanding, watching film, understanding what I’m watching, get more keys I can pick up on from the tackle or just the offense.” He prefers to keep his goals close to his chest, letting his performance on the field do the talking.

Last season, Robinson started with a more modest impact, putting up just 11 quarterback pressures in the first eight games. However, he hit his stride in the latter half, racking up 45 pressures from Week 9 onward.

Robinson’s breakout moment came during a crucial Week 12 victory over the New England Patriots, where he recorded 10 pressures and tallied all six of his sacks for the season in that same stretch. By moving further outside the tackles, Robinson unleashed his speed and explosiveness, proving too much for offensive linemen to handle.

Despite the accolades from last year’s turnaround, Robinson is firmly focused on the present. “I enjoyed it a little bit, but it’s Year 2, so whatever happened in the past, that doesn’t really matter anymore,” he stated.

The upcoming season promises to be intriguing, not just for Robinson’s development, but also for the reintegration of some key players on the Dolphins’ defensive line. Bradley Chubb, who spent last season mentoring Robinson from the sidelines due to a knee injury, is now back in action.

“It’s kind of like the same thing he was doing when he was off the field with me last year, just tuning into the things that he was able to do,” Robinson remarked about Chubb. Now, they have the chance to work in tandem, honing their craft together.

Another critical piece, Jaelan Phillips, is returning from a torn ACL suffered in Week 4 of last season. A healthy Phillips, alongside Chubb and an evolving Robinson, could transform Miami’s pass rush into a formidable force.

Robinson is evidently excited about the prospects: “Just imagining the three of us on the field at the same time… it’s kind of hard for tackles to keep up. If we’re all on the field at the same time, it can kind of mess up the offense’s mind because they wouldn’t know what to do.”

Adding to this mix is rookie Kenneth Grant, drafted 13th overall to bolster the interior defensive line. While Robinson and Grant were once college rivals, Robinson now plays the role of mentor, guiding the newcomer through the pressures of being a first-round pick. “I’ve been in that position last year, being a first-round pick,” Robinson shared, highlighting the importance of staying grounded and focused on the playbook.

The Dolphins’ defense will lean heavily on its pass rush this season, primarily due to an unproven cornerback unit. Generating pressure without reliance on the blitz will be crucial in supporting the secondary.

Robinson, aware of the expectations, remains steadfast in his preparation. “For me, I’m going to just keep the same thing that’s been keeping me going,” he said confidently.

There’s no need for change when the formula has proven effective — at least until it’s time to adapt further.