Chop Robinson, an edge rusher with the Dolphins, has been selected as an AP Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

Another day, another recognition.

Miami Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson was named a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookies of the Year, the franchise announced Thursday. Robinson was the only AFC player to make the final cut; other rookies include Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell as well as Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske. This comes just just two days after Robinson was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team. The 2024 first-round pick had been somewhat of a revelation at the outside linebacker position, ranking second among all rookies in sacks (six) and quarterback hits (14).

Robinson, however, wasn’t even expected to receive as much playing time as he did. Injuries to Jaelan Phillips, who tore his ACL just three games into the regular season, and Bradley Chubb, who had been in rehab for a severe knee injury since Dec. 2023, led to Robinson’s increased reps. With Robinson’s time coming sooner than expected, the Dolphins took an all-in approach towards his development. That means not just Calais Campbell, Chubb and Phillips’ assistance in the Penn State product’s game but also the likes of Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead.

“You do this and I’m doing that,” Armstead said when asked about his post-practice reps with Robinson. “It could help a little, it could help a lot, maybe not at all. But it doesn’t hurt.” That sort of mentorship, especially from a two-time Pro Bowler, was borderline invaluable for Robinson. “He’s a big brother or should I say uncle for how old he is,” Robinson said Dec. 9, calling Armstead “mentor.” “I learned a lot from him. He just came, talked to me after Friday practices or we just sit and chill and just talk about my pass rushing and stuff like that and what he sees and what could help me out. And just getting information from a guy who’s been here for a long time is just a blessing.”

The sacks didn’t come easy — he didn’t record his first until Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills — yet his work ethic in the interim was just a testament to his unique ability to take instruction, something that has endeared him to teammates and coaches alike. “Just seeing Chop, just the games he’s had and the game he had today is incredible,” defensive tackle Zach Sieler said Nov. 24 after Robinson’s 1.5 sack game against the New England Patriots. “I have all the respect to him. He’s just a testament to just putting his head down and working and just listening from older guys and taking their teachings.”

In addition to the sacks and quarterback hits, Robinson had 26 tackles (16 solo), eight tackles for loss and four passes defensed. His six sacks also tied Marco Coleman’s 1992 record for fifth-most among rookies in Dolphins history Award winners will be announced at 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans during the NFL Honors presentation.