The Miami Dolphins are actively scouting and evaluating draft prospects at the 2025 combine, looking to replicate their success from the previous year with defensive lineman Chop Robinson, who was a standout in workouts and interviews. Robinson, who ran a 4.48 40-yard dash during the 2024 combine, showcased remarkable athleticism with the highest vertical jump and NextGen Stats score among edge defenders. His performance solidified his selection as the 21st overall pick in the 2024 draft, where he finished his rookie season with six sacks, garnering attention for the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the importance of human elements in the draft process, highlighting the need to understand a player beyond just their stats, which aligns with Robinson's ambitious nature. He is seen as a player with high potential, eager to refine his skills for long-term success in the league. The Dolphins are hopeful that the 2025 combine will unveil more talent to bolster their roster.

Chop Robinson, the Miami Dolphins' first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, has quickly made a name for himself in the league. Just days after being selected to the Professional Football Writers Association's All-Rookie team, he has now been recognized as one of the five finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His impressive rookie season included six sacks and 14 quarterback hits, placing him second on the Dolphins' defense behind team MVP Zach Sieler.

Notably, Robinson's performance improved significantly as the season progressed, recording multiple sacks in key games against strong opponents, such as the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. His notable achievements have drawn attention and praise, solidifying his status as a rising star in the NFL. The winner of the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year will be revealed during the NFL Honors on February 6, ahead of the Super Bowl.

In related news, the Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year categories feature several former Dolphins coaches, highlighting the organization’s influence on the league. Dan Campbell and Dan Quinn are among the prominent figures recognized for their coaching excellence this season, showcasing the Miami Dolphins' lasting impact on their coaching staff.

The Miami Dolphins have made notable strides in recent drafts, with their first-round selection in 2024, Chop Robinson, being named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. As they prepare for the 2025 draft, speculation is rife regarding whether they will opt for another defensive player. Current mock drafts, including one from Sports Illustrated, suggest that safety Malaki Starks from Georgia could be their target, addressing significant needs in the defensive backfield, particularly with Jevon Holland potentially entering free agency.

The Dolphins' draft history shows a precedent for selecting safeties; they previously took Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2018, who has since become an All-Pro. Alongside Starks, the upcoming draft presents an opportunity to bolster their defense further, especially with several key position players potentially leaving the team.

The Miami Dolphins have made significant changes to their coaching staff following the 2024 season, with defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver pursuing a head coaching position with the New Orleans Saints. Weaver's assistant, Ryan Crow, is also in the spotlight as the New England Patriots seek to interview him for their defensive coordinator role after hiring Mike Vrabel as their head coach.

Crow, who just completed his first season as outside linebackers coach for the Dolphins, previously worked with Vrabel during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. Despite facing challenges with injury-plagued star pass rushers, Crow played a key role in the development of rookie Chop Robinson, helping him emerge as a crucial player in Miami's pass rush. Meanwhile, the Dolphins face additional vacancies on their coaching staff following the dismissals of special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach Wes Welker.

The Los Angeles Rams made a significant move in the 2024 draft by selecting Jared Verse from Florida State with the 19th pick. His immediate impact on the defensive line has been remarkable, contributing to the Rams' playoff run. So far in the regular season, Verse has recorded 4.5 sacks, 36 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles, positioning him as a strong contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award.

However, he faces stiff competition, particularly from Quinyon Mitchell of the Philadelphia Eagles, who had been a frontrunner until a late-season loss diminished his prospects. While Mitchell's performance has been notable, the Rams' success in the postseason provides Verse with a platform to showcase his talents further. Another challenger in the DROY race is Miami's Chop Robinson, who has outperformed Verse in sacks but trails in overall pressure metrics.