ESPN makes their pick for which Miami Dolphins player is the biggest X-factor of the 2026 season.

Nov 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Take one look at the Miami Dolphins’ depth chart. It won’t take you very long to find a potential X-factor. Miami has loads of youth and plenty of mystery.

But which one talent marks the biggest potential swing? Ignore quarterback Malik Willis, who is the obvious answer. You could tab about half a dozen players as the next most pivotal swing. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak has put his flag in the ground for one such player.

ESPN tabs Miami Dolphins pass rusher Chop Robinson as the team’s X-factor in 2026

Jul 31, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44).

“Robinson is a speed rusher who needs to win with a wicked first step, and those players can run hot and cold. His get-off remained roughly the same (0.76 seconds in 2024 to 0.81 seconds in 2025). But his quick pressure rate fell from 7.4% to 4.4%.

Robinson was never a starter behind Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, and when thrust into more early-down work, he struggled because of his lack of size. He has bulked up and had a strong camp and preseason showing. New defensive coach Jeff Hafley gives him a second opportunity to build on his hot start — this time, with the size and disposition of a three-down player. Should Robinson have the season-long impact that he has teased in flashes, the Dolphins’ young and unproven defense will have at least one cornerstone to build on moving forward.”

— ESPN’s Benjamin Solak

Solak’s callout is one that makes a lot of sense because it is true on multiple fronts (pun not intended). In the short-term, Robinson’s ability to heat up opposing quarterbacks with consistency in 2026 would be a major boost to what is otherwise a concerning pass rush unit. Should Robinson find edges easier to win this season, it can help cover up for an inexperienced secondary and help the team potential overachieve versus their perceived expectations.

But the other side of this coin is that long-term outlook. Miami’s established building blocks on defense are currently LB Jordyn Brooks and DT Zach Sieler. Early draft picks Chris Johnson (CB) and Jacob Rodriguez (LB) are hopeful pillars. Sprinkle in the second-year defensive tackle room has plenty of promise but isn’t proven. Miami getting a long-term answer on the edge would make the looming build a little less intimidating.

That all combines to make Robinson a pretty good choice.

Miami Dolphins News

ESPN tabs Miami Dolphins pass rusher Chop Robinson as the team’s X-factor in 2026

Jon-Eric Sullivan offers an update on one of the rookies the Miami Dolphins need most

ESPN makes their pick out for the ultimate X-factor for the Miami Dolphins in 2026

Discussion