Dolphins' Star Named as One of NFL's Most Important Second-Year Defenders in 2025

Robinson was the No. 21 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and flashed in his first season with the Dolphins. The former Penn State Nittany Lion had six sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits in his rookie season, and picked up the slack left by the injured Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb.

Despite his relative inexperience, Robinson was the linchpin of the Dolphins’ pass-rush in 2024, and now, heading into 2025, big things are expected of him. 

Per Benjamin Solak of ESPN, in his article “The 20 most important second-year NFL defenders in 2025,” Robinson is a star on the rise in 2025 and is expected to take another leap in his second year in the league.

“Robinson delivered. He ended the season with a 17.2% pressure rate, which was fifth among all edge rushers. The four names above him were Micah Parsons, Danielle Hunter, Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett. You couldn't ask for better company.” Solak writes.

The Dolphins' defense is a curious case in 2025. The front seven has the potential to be one of the better units in the league, especially if Phillips can return to form following two successive season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2024. However, the secondary is one of the weakest units in the league thanks to a litany of injuries, as well as trading away star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Because of that, the onus is on Robinson to be the guy in Year 2. Even if his playing style isn’t set in stone.

“Robinson's playing style was not conducive to high sack totals -- he was sprinting at the outside shoulder of the quarterback, breaking pocket integrity more than he was clearing the opposing tackle for sack opportunities,” Solak adds. “He had only six sacks on the season and must develop stronger inside rush moves to round out his profile and get more drive-ending plays. That was always going to be the case early, though -- he was a high-pressure, low-sack guy in college.”

The overall consensus around Robinson is nothing but optimism. He might never be a consistent double-digit sack monster, but his ability to generate pressures and do the gritty work for others to clear up is duly noted and admired, especially by Solak.

“But holy smokes, a 17.2% pressure rate as a rookie on 325 pass-rush reps is star-in-the-making stuff. Want another great list of names? The following rookies have had a pressure rate above 15% on at least 250 pass-rush snaps since 2016: Parsons, Josh Hines-Allen, Nick Bosa, Will Anderson Jr., Jared Verse, Brian Burns and Robinson. We're cooking with hot, hot grease.” Solak finishes with.

The Dolphins are in a tough spot in 2025, and this could be the last chance saloon for the coaching staff and front office. Robinson’s play and how he impacts the defense could be a barometer for their success in 2025 and beyond.