In local news, in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins chose linebacker Chop Robinson with the 21st pick.
With the 21st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins chose Chop Robinson, a linebacker from Penn State, on Thursday evening.
General manager Chris Grier utilized his first opening-round pick since 2021 to strengthen a defense that experienced a significant loss of talent this spring. Robinson is expected to immediately address a need for the new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver with his agility and athleticism.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 254 pounds, Robinson amassed 60 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks, and forced three fumbles over three college seasons.
The Dolphins have been proactive in addressing their defensive losses since the start of free agency. Players like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, safety Brandon Jones, and others left for free agent deals, while veterans Xavien Howard and Jerome Baker were released.
Robinson is likely to see playing time right away, especially considering that the Dolphins may begin the season without key edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, who are recovering from significant injuries.
The Dolphins will have additional picks on Friday and Saturday. They possess a second-round pick on Friday and four more picks on Saturday, totaling six picks over the three-day draft.
Here’s a breakdown of their selections over the next few days:
– On day two, the Dolphins hold the 55th overall pick in the second round.
– Additionally, they have another pick in the fifth round, number 158.
– In the sixth round, they possess two picks, numbers 184 and 198.
– Finally, they hold the 241st pick in the seventh round to wrap up their selections.
Regarding the NFL draft format and its total rounds and picks, the draft order is determined by teams’ records, with the highest draft picks going to the teams with the worst records. The order can change due to trades. This year’s first overall pick belongs to the Chicago Bears, while the Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, pick last.
The draft consists of seven rounds, with over 250 picks involving the 32 teams. In later rounds, teams have less time to make their selections.
The Dolphins Training Facility serves as the team’s headquarters during the draft weekend. The first NFL draft took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia on February 8, 1936, with ninety names listed on a blackboard for teams to choose from.
Over the years, the draft venue has changed locations, moving from New York City to accommodate cities not typically hosting Super Bowls. This year’s draft is held in Detroit, Michigan, with next year’s set to take place in Green Bay, the home of the Packers.
The NFL invites some of the top college football players to attend the draft, where they walk the red carpet dressed to impress before awaiting their fate in the green room. Each team has a table set up at the draft venue, known as selection square, where team representatives stay in constant communication with executives at their headquarters.
Regarding the selection process, Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier, head coach Mike McDaniel, owner Stephen Ross, and staff will be present at the Dolphins Training Facility. When a team decides on a pick, the player’s name is communicated from the draft room to the draft site. The team representative then writes the selection on a draft card and submits it to an NFL staff member known as a runner, who notifies that the selection has been made.
Upon receiving the card, the runner radios the selection to an NFL player personnel representative, who inputs the player’s name into a database that informs all clubs of the pick. The runner also delivers the card to the head table for review and recording of the pick. The pick is then announced by the NFL commissioner.
The Miami Dolphins have a history of legendary draft picks, including Dan Marino in 1983, selected as the 27th overall pick, and Tua Tagovailoa in 2020, chosen 5th overall. Other notable picks include Bob Griese in 1967, Larry Csonka in 1968, Jason Taylor in 1997, and Zach Thomas in 1996, all of whom are Dolphins Hall of Famers.
Thank you for joining our NFL Draft 101 class. We hope this information enhances your understanding of the draft and prepares you for this significant event.