Expectations for Chop Robinson, Dolphins' Top Rookies in Preseason
The Miami Dolphins made a point to add speed all across their roster in the 2024 NFL draft.
Those abilities will be on display throughout preseason as Chop Robinson, Jaylen Wright and Mohamed Kamara receive plenty of reps.
Robinson and Kamara could not have asked for a better situation to walk into, at least at the start, because they will be relied on in the first few weeks of the regular season while Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb work back to full strength.
Wright has the potential to become the Dolphins' breakout star of preseason because Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane likely will not see the field much, if at all.
Chop Robinson
The Dolphins have to toe the fine line of giving Chop Robinson his first preseason reps while also protecting a projected defensive starter.
The first-round pick out of Penn State has the potential to be a major contributor in Week 1 while Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb on the mend.
Phillips and Chubb began training camp on the PUP list and neither player is expected to be at 100 percent until a few weeks into the regular season at the earliest.
The free-agent addition of Emmanuel Ogbah provided some more competition for Robinson off the edge, but if he impresses in preseason, he could vault over Ogbah on the depth chart.
Miami's preseason goal should be to have Robinson as ready for Week 1 as possible. That may come with a good amount of preseason snaps, or he may prove he's good enough to start without a bulk of on-field time.
Jaylen Wright
Jaylen Wright should be Miami's No. 1 running back in preseason.
The Dolphins have no need to send Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane out on the field for more than one drive in each of the three preseason games against the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wright, a speedster out of Tennessee, will have his opportunities to get acclimated to the NFL and to impress the Dolphins staff.
Wright's preseason goal should be to make the No. 3 running back spot on the depth chart his and show that Jeff Wilson Jr. is not needed.
If he impresses enough, the Dolphins could conjure up one or two plays for him at the start of the season and use him in a similar role to Achane to exploit their speed advantage.
Mohamed Kamara
Mohamed Kamara will likely have more chances to showcase his talents than Robinson on the defensive line.
In theory, the fifth-round selection has more to prove than the first-round pick in preseason.
Kamara could be as valuable to the Dolphins, though, in the first few weeks of the season if he proves that he can steam past opposing offensive lines.
The Dolphins are going to need healthy pass-rushers to step into the void created by Phillips and Chubb's respective injury issues.
The best-case scenario for Kamara is that he is the breakout defensive star of preseason and Miami can rely on him not just in the early weeks, but for the entire season as a valuable reserve behind its two stars.