Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Philips offered high praise to Chop Robinson, a second-year within his position group.
Jaelan Phillips Believes Dolphins Have ‘Future DPOY Candidate’ in Chop Robinson originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
While the Miami Dolphins are starting to appear thin in their secondary – especially after Jalen Ramsey's departure via a trade and Artie Burns' season-ending injury – their front seven is carrying plenty of depth into the regular season.
Led by Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr. (who has since departed the team and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) last year, the linebacker room, specifically, will see the return of two of its star players in 2025. Bradley Chubb missed all of 2024 after tearing his ACL in the final game of the previous regular season, while Jaelan Phillips will look to end his streak of suffering season-ending injuries in consecutive campaigns.
Phillips spoke to reporters on Friday and expressed his excitement for playing alongside Chubb, who he said has brought added accountability to the Dolphins' defense. But he also made it a point to extend praise to Chop Robinson, a second-year linebacker whom Phillips believes has massive potential.
"I just truly feel like Chop is going to be one of the best players in the league very soon. I think he already is supremely talented, but the more comfortable he gets, the more confident he gets in everything he's doing," Phillips said. "I think he's a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate."
The Dolphins used a first-round (No. 21) overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire the former All-Big Ten First Teamer from Penn State, and he proved himself worthy of warranting such a high selection in his debut season. Robinson appeared in all 17 regular-season games, making 26 tackles, defending four passes, and finishing second on the team with six sacks. Only Zach Sieler, with 10 sacks to his name, had more.
He was rewarded for his efforts by being named to the Pro Football Writers Association of America's All-Rookie Team. Robinson was the only Dolphin named to the squad last year and the first since Phillips. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and safety Jevon Holland made the team in 2021.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
