If you’re old enough to know to who is in the picture above, you’re old enough to have experienced some good Miami Dolphins teams. Not necessarily Super Bowl Champs, but the Dolphins were legit contenders. Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel are assembling a group of pretenders. I’ll give them one bit of credit here, they haven’t yet restructured the contracts of QB Tua Tagovailoa or WR Tyreek Hill, so they have shown some restraint, at least so far. I’m going to go over every player we signed and understandably with little money to play with, we got players who don’t earn big contracts. Translation of that is we got players that if they were starters, they weren’t good ones, but in many cases, we got part time starters, and now in some cases, we might be relying on them to be more. I’m going to touch on the biggest head scratcher as far as I’m concerned.
QB Zach Wilson – 6’2 214 – 25 YO – 1YR/$6M
QB Tua Tagovailoa if he plays to win, and not just to get through a game, or the season, is going to get injured. Last season, Grier and McDaniel should have got fired for the most absurd way they handled the backup QB situation, considering we have a “Crystal Chandelier” for a QB. Grier and Mike McDaniel felt completely comfortable with 3rd year QB Skylar Thompson, who had 2 game starts under his belt in 2 seasons. Now granted, they see players in camp, and see the way they play and we don’t, but they had to realize that the 2023 season for Tua Tagovailoa was the fluke, the outlier, and that he was likely going to miss time with injuries. Here’s the thing, if they saw something in Zach Wilson that they liked, give him a 2 or 3 year deal so you can have an opportunity to develop whatever it is you think you saw, but a 1 year contract makes zero sense. If we were truly looking for a QB who can step in win, surely it’s not Zach Wilson who didn’t play a damn snap last season and was the THIRD STRING QB BEHIND JARRET STIDHAM!!! It’s not the money either here, because we paid Wilson $6M this season, but why??? If it was investment in a player we wanted to develop, then as I said, sign him to a 2 or 3 year contract, but if you really think he’s the best candidate to keep this team afloat when Tua gets hurt, YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS! QB’s Marcus Mariota, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, all would have been better choices, especially if it was just one season we were looking for.
OG James Daniels – 6’4 327 – 27 YO – 3YR/$24M
I really like James Daniels, nice solid starter. Potential problem though is he’s coming off of a major injury he incurred last season for the Steelers, September 30th. Granted, it’s been some time now, and we saw freak athlete Jaelan Phillips come back quickly from his achilles, but in the trenches, all you do is push off and use your legs, every single play, so will James Daniels be up to starting immediately and handle the majority of the snaps? Time will tell. Love the player, don’t like the circumstances for our particular situation, where we need him to be great now.
LB Tyrel Dodson – 6’0 237 – 26 YO – 2 YR/$8.25M
Dodson played very well for our Dolphins last season coming over mid season after being released by the Seattle Seahawks. He had 3 INT’s for us in 9 games, which is more than our entire secondary. He fits nicely inside next to Jordyn Brooks, and this is one signing I was quite pleased with. The money was good, and for a change, it wasn’t a one year contract. This is what I keep stressing to you folks though, this team is put together with spit and gum. So many one year contracts, just so we can pay WR Tyreek Hill, DB Jalen Ramsey, and QB Tua Tagovailoa. Hate to say it, but that core isn’t going to win you anything!
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 6’2 211 – 28 YO – 2 YR/$6.5M
Once again, I like the signing, and yes, I’m happy it’s a 2 year deal. We need a bigger bodied WR to balance out the the lack of size in our WR corps, (Hill 5’10 190), (Waddle 5’10 185), (Malik Washington 5’9 181), and (Tahj Washington 5’10 174). Of course TE Jonnu Smith played a lot like a WR, but you’d have to think Jonnu is going to get a lot more attention this season, so having another big will help. Westbrook-Ikhine averaged a heady 15.5 YPR last season on 32 catches for 497 yards and an impressive 9 TD’s. More than 1/4 of his receptions ended up in the end zone.
S Ifeatu Melifonwu – 6’3 210 – 26 YO – 1 YR/$3M
This one is likely a depth signing. Melifonwu started only 3 games last season, and 14 starts in his 4 year career with the Lions. He began as a CB, but shifted to safety in his second season. I suppose he could be depth at both spots, considering how tenuous both positions are for this team are right now. I would absolutely expect an early draft pick used on a safety, but hopefully not our first. Again, a 1 year contract on a team riddled with them. Nothing like needing 25-35 new people on your team every season.
OT Larry Borom – 6’5 333 – 26 YO – 1YR/$2.5M
Hopefully this is another depth signing. In 4 seasons with the Chicago Bears, Borom started 26, including just 4 last season. He doesn’t look like starting material, but every team needs depth players, and boy have we dipped into that pool on the O-line heavily the last few seasons. LT Terron Armstead’s return is still up in the air, and even if he comes back, I strongly hope LT Patrick Paul is the starting LT all season long and he plays like a competent starting NFL LT. Austin Jackson is hopefully the bookend for Paul, and Borom is just his backup.
S Ashtyn Davis – 6’1 202 – 28 YO – 1YR/$2.5M
Davis has been another part time starter in his 5 year career with the New York Jets. He somehow has 8 INT’s in 22 starts, so he’s around the football. I think he may given an opportunity to compete for a starting safety position, especially considering that the only other safeties on the roster are S Patrick McMorris who hasn’t started a game, and our other safety signing, Ifeatu Melifonwu. I wouldn’t be surprised if we draft 2 safeties in ’25. Guess what? Another 1 year signing. We have 11 picks in this draft, it seems like better hit on close to half of them if we ant to have a decent start for 2026.K.J. Britt
LB K.J. Britt – 6’0 235 – 25 YO – (Salary not yet published, probably $2M or less, 1 year deal)
K.J. Britt played 14 games and started 11 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s probably also a depth signing, and replaces Anthony Walker Jr. who played for us last season, and oddly enough will be suiting up for the Tampa Bay Bucs. As of this writing, his salary and contract length were not known.
RB Alexander Mattison – 5’11 220 – 26 YO – (Salary not yet published)
Nice signing, Mattison brings a little size to the RB room, and mostly a depth RB. Mattison has never eclipsed 500 yards in a season. He was behind RB Zamir White last season in Vegas, and before that, split time with as the lead back with Cam Akers in Minnesota in ’23, and as the backup to RB Dalvin Cook previous to that. With the departure of RB Raheem Mostert and also Jeff Wilson Jr., Mattison fits in nicely with Achane and Wright. I’d expect us to pick up a few RB’s after the draft as UDFA’s, and possibly draft one as well.
Besides the signings listed, the Dolphins re-signed a few players such as S/CB Elijah Campbell, OLB Quinton Bell, OT Jackson Carman and WR D’Wayne Eskridge. We also re-signed OL Liam Eichenberg, who was a big surprise, to me at least. Versatile, in that he plays nearly every position, but you just hope he doesn’t have to play any of them. I like his willingness to play through pain and his sacrifice of his body, but despite his numerous starts (52), you figured he couldn’t wait to play somewhere else. With the exception of Eskridge, no player re-signed was even $2M, so all minimal expenditures, and yes, you guessed it, one year deals. That’s the norm here, just find a bunch of players that fit into the salary cap, and take it from there. The draft is always important, but this draft for GM Chris Grier is really in the spotlight.
The draft is always important, but this draft for GM Chris Grier is really in the spotlight. This roster has some monstrous holes to fill. Are we going to rely on either of the safeties we signed, Melifonwu and Davis or do we need to find 2 starters there? We must find not just a starting LG, but a good one. We’ve been dealing with subpar OG play which at the very least gives some excuses to the Tua apologists. We need an OG to step in day one and provide better than average protection for QB Tua Tagovailoa, but also open up inside running lanes for RBs De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison. In addition, they have to knock back opposing defenses off their feet to allow this team to convert short yardage downs, especially 3rd and 4th down attempts, where this team has struggled miserably recently.
To continue with the importance of this draft, we almost certainly have to find a starting CB. Are we really going to trot CB Cam Smith or Storm Duck or Kader Kohou out there opposite Jalen Ramsey? I think not, and our secondary was abysmal last season with Kendall Fuller and his concussions, and the combo of Cam Smith, Kohou and Duck, along with safeties Jordan Poyer and the recently departed Jevon Holland. We need to improve the secondary significantly, Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou both had 2 INT’s, and that was it! We don’t know whether LT Terron Armstead is coming back, and in my opinion, even if he does, we need to have Patrick Paul starting games at LT as long as he’s healthy.Chiefs who has played in 40 games over 6 seasons but started zero, and Neil Farrel who was played in 19 games over 6 seasons and started zero. Not so sure Calais Campbell is coming back to save Chris Grier this season, so we must find a NT and a DE/DT that can start immediately. When I say this roster is empty, of course I’m exaggerating, but this article illustrates (hopefully) how desperate things are. Finding a better than average OG, at the least starting CB and possibly 2 safeties, and then more daunting, finding a starting nose tackle and DE/DT all in the draft, and then potentially after the draft after vets are cut and you pick up the scraps. That’s become the team “building” strategy for one Chris Grier, and I for one can’t stand it.
Last year we had 7 picks, and I’d say Chop Robinson looks like a potentially successful one. LT Patrick Paul less so, especially considering they’re still looking at bringing back Terron Armstead. If they knew Paul had the goods, that wouldn’t be the case. Jaylen Wright will probably get a lot more action this season, but he was scarcely used last season for whatever reason. WR Malik Washington looks like a potentially decent WR in the slot, and his proved his mettle as a return man. DE/OLB Mo Kamara and Patrick McMorris are question marks. In ’23, Ugh! Cam Smith still can’t find the field, Achane is great, Elijah Higgins and Ryan Hayes are gone. ’22 no better, although I believe we re-signed DE Cameron Goode, but he has played quite sparingly, and Channing Tindall, Skylar Thompson and WR Erik Ezukanma not good. We do have 10 picks, 7 of them in the top 155. While quantity is OK, I feel like this particular draft, if we’re going to be competitive this season needs quality over quantity. I feel like we have to find get a handful of quality starters. I don’t think we need to trade up, but I’m kind of against trading back. I’m 100% dead against using ANY future draft capital to get players for this season. They’ve shown restraint not touching Tua’s or Tyreeks’s contracts for restructures and I hope they continue to be responsible in this upcoming draft.
GO DOLPHINS!!!
Finsmob Unleashed 
piggy,
None of those guys are upper echelons guards anymore. They’re available for a reason.
But hey…let’s go cheap on OL some more. That’s worked so well so far.
Tevin Jenkins is only 27 and coming off rookie deal. He was the #25 ranked free agent at any position, 5th highest ranked OL and 3rd highest ranked OG. Projects to get 3yr 40 mill deal.
Question is, why has no one with cap space and needs on the OL signed him yet???
Read up on it. Injury issues. Can’t stay one the field. In his 4 NFL seasons he’s missed 10, 3, 5, and 3 games, going from rookie season to 2024.
He’s a beast when playing healthy. The kind of player Grier would sign. SMH
I’m not ranking them, I’m just telling you that’s who people are talking about
I think even if we signed one, all 3 of the potential guards (banks, Campbell and Membou) are targets at 13
BBM,
I’m familiar with him, but he’s still not a VERY good OG. He’s pretty average. The Bears’ OL was terrible so why do we want to bring in a second guy off their roster?
See above. He’s an Armstead who plays OG.
BBM,
Yep, a Grier guy for sure. Lol
I think this OL needs a lead dog. I was hoping Hunt was growing into that role but so much for that. We need a guy who sets a bar and a level of play and attitude that needs to be reached. These guys need to be lifted up and held to that level. I’m hoping a high end rookie can come in and start that process because we don’t have that player now. It’ll take awhile.
I agree
Ok, tried one more trade with Bears trying to get more and still only got #72 but also #148 instead of a 7th.
THEN, I got a trade offer from the Browns that made me think about the 2026 draft and that QB class.
I traded #13 for Browns #33, #94 and OG Zack Zinter who can come in and compete for LG. I liked him coming out of Michigan. I also got Browns 2026 1st and 4th round picks.
Having two 1st round picks, especially a Browns pick will easily put us in range for one of the top 4 QB’s and have the ability to trade up for one.
Hill Trade and Browns Trade Down
PICK: 33 RND: 2 Tyleik Williams DT Ohio State
PICK: 48 RND: 2 Xavier Watts S Notre Dame
PICK: 72 RND: 3 Trey Amos CB Ole Miss
PICK: 94 RND: 3 Savion Williams WR TCU
PICK: 98 RND: 3 Darius Alexander DT Toledo
PICK: 116 RND: 4 Cam Skattebo RB Arizona State
PICK: 135 RND: 4 Logan Brown OT Kansas
PICK: 148 RND: 5 Jared Wilson C Georgia
PICK: 150 RND: 5 JJ Pegues DT Ole Miss
PICK: 155 RND: 5 Dorian Strong CB Virginia Tech
PICK: 224 RND: 7 CJ Dippre TE Alabama
PICK: 231 RND: 7 Jackson Hawes TE Georgia Tech
PICK: 253 RND: 7 Francisco Mauigoa LB Miami
Also, Browns OG Zack Zinter, 2026 1st and 2026 4th.
Center Jared Wilson has been an interest of late. Again, I don’t know much about OL play, but he is a bigger 6’3, 310, version of Aaron Brewer. His athletic scores at the combine were impressive. They say he is one of the best lateral movers in the draft. I am sure he can play OG as well.
piggy,
I gotcha. I was really just responding to the “VERY” part of the original comment. Safety is actually a need to, so if they really decided to go in that direction at 13 I’d understand. I just hope they start to build from the inside out. Getting a really good Safety can really help a defense, so they’d at least be addressing an area of need
True, but I think this draft is solid in the middle rounds at #98 or #116 at safety for a guy who could potentially start as a rookie.
The 2026 draft class for OL looks promising as well.
BBM,
I agree, but you could say that about virtually every position in this draft. Understanding the logic of something doesn’t mean I agree with it. Lol
lol
Krishna
says:
March 19, 2025 at 9:44 am
…I apologize, mf13ss, for being nasty and condescending to you.
————
No need to apologize, but thank you, Krishna. We ALL have our moments at times and I completely understand.
@NFL_DovKleiman
Wild: Tyreek Hill is already planning to have his 13TH CHILD, the second, with his new wife. Hill reportedly had 5 kids in this past year alone with 5 different women.
———-
Even Antonio Cromartie can’t contain ‘Reek. WOW.
Ridiculous
Here’s our future LG…
@Breaking911
shoot it
From
Boston Dynamics
Here’s our future LG…
https://x.com/disclosetv/status/1902414579000312081
The future is both incredible and scary at the same time.
Every team is looking for OL.Sometimes serviceable is what you look for as opposed to bad. 😂
M13, yes I did see the dolphins with the surfers. Very cool!
I also don’t know what Krishna was harping on last night.
You will never catch me surfing, man! Why? Sharks! However, if I know dolphins are in the area, I just might try it one day. Yes, that video was very cool!
I’ve seen dolphins many times. I’ve never swam with them but lots of experience seeing them.
I was boogie boarding back in the 90s on LBI and dolphins were chasing blues into the shore. I saw a very different triangle fin following them. The lifeguards ordered us out of the water not because of the big shark but because the dolphins cornered the blues in the surf. Great experience but I realized being 60-70 yards out is unpredictable. 😳
If I seen that ‘very different triangle fin’ as you described, there would need to be a cleanup on aisle MY BOOGIE BOARD. Damn… that’s scary to me!
*If I had seen
Hey, I really do appreciate many of you calling Krishna out for his (mis)behavior to me last night, but it’s water under the bridge to me. I didn’t take anything personally and I wasn’t upset in the least, truly.
We’ve all acted a fool here in the past, and I’m thankful that y’all have forgiven me for some of the foolishness I’ve posted here in the past.
We’re all humans (except for Pigster… he really is a flying Pig! JK/LOL), and we’re all prone to err. All is good in the hood!
Not really calling Krishna out, I just didn’t understand what he was getting at and he mentioned me too. 🤷🏻♂️
Yeah, I saw he mentioned you as well. Water under the bridge, man… water under the bridge.
Xavien Howard has worked out with both Cowboys and Bengals this offseason. Had good workouts but teams wanted him to sign an injury waiver, he wasn’t going to go for that and left both without a deal.
BTW, it wasn’t just his groin he was trying to play through, he was also dealing with Lisfranc issue in his foot. So he says.
Says he hasn’t talked to Grier or the Dolphins about coming back.
Interesting, and thanks for the info. I’d still consider him if my name is Grier, this late in the FA process… and if X is willing to come back. I really think he’d excel at Safety at this stage in his career. He’s a… BALLHAWK!!!
M13, my friend was 20 yards out further than me and I pointed it out to him which was maybe another 20-30 yards further out than him. I made a sign I’m heading back in, I know what that is. 😳
Worst time to be in the water is when the big fish are chasing dinner.
Yep
Dayum! Good looking out for your friend.
I just happened to notice taking it all in. He knew what I saw.
M, pier fishing on Pensacola Beach I have seen Dolphins swimming in groups by the end of the pier and sharks swimming yards from surfers at the same time. Mostly 4-5 foot blacktip or spinner sharks. We do have some bulls and tiger sharks that hang around the end of the pier. They stay toward the bottom in deeper water and you never really see them. The surfers hang where it is a little shallower on the outer edge of the first sandbar right where the bull sharks like to cruise. The bulls usually only cross over the outer bar at high tide or if there is a deeper trough cut though the outer bar.
Bulls can be super aggressive and they’re powerful.
Well then… that settles it! I’m not going to ever be a surfer! LOL
a can we stop bringing 8n old guys? This team should be getting younger. Weren’t we the oldest team starting the season last year? I thought I heard that somewhere here.
We most likely will get younger with 10 draft picks and UDFA signings. Teams go through phases. We still have a lot of players in their 20s.
OK. That was a bit of a CF. I meant: Can we stop bringing in old guys?
I was lobster diving one time and I got mugged by two 6′ nurse sharks who wanted my bag of lobsters. They were ALMOST comical because their mouths are on the bottom and they have to arch their backs to put their mouth forward. I say “almost” because even though they were nurse sharks and not typically aggressive toward people, they are still 6′ long perfectly engineered critters that weigh twice what I do.
I had to cut the springy band that held my lobster bag with my calf mounted knife because I was wearing thick neoprene gloves to protect my hands from the spiny lobsters and I couldn’t get the clasp undone with them on.
My heart was beating a little faster than normal when I finally got back to the boat.
Sharks a very powerful pound for pound. Nurse sharks are bottom feeders but food is their survival. They’re also much better in the water than humans. 😂
Randy, we have 53 players on our roster 29 and younger and many of them in their earlier 20s. We only have 3 players in their 30s.
Projected OL is solid to me. Also a bit unknown.
LT Armstead/Paul
LG ?
C Brewer
RG Daniels
RT Jackson/Paul
We all seem to agree we will address OL in the draft.
if the LG is Kelvin Banks, we will be one of the best OLs in the league
this is assuming Campbell and Membou are off the board – I think highly of them too, I just think Banks is more likely
Jeremy Fowler
Source: Free-agent linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is signing with the #Dolphins on a one-year deal.
He’s solid with a lot of experience. We’re not drafting an off ball LB early. We are setting up to target DL and OL. A special player we didn’t expect to be available will be the only monkey wrench. That’s not a bad position to be in either.
he’s gay!
I might have missed it?
—————————————–
Miami Dolphins
Hometown kid
We have signed CB Artie Burns. Welcome back to Miami, Artie!
oink
Wyoming85
says:
March 19, 2025 at 5:35 pm (Edit)
Jeremy Fowler
Source: Free-agent linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is signing with the #Dolphins on a one-year deal.
Reply
_______________________________________________
So Piggy, are you saying he’s an on ball LB?
matches up well with most tight ends
🤣
25.
Nick EmmanworiS South Carolina
48.
Kenneth GrantDT Michigan
58.
Tate RatledgeOG Georgia
98.
Ashton GillotteEDGE Louisville
116.
Terrance FergusonTE Oregon
135.
Jackson SlaterOG Sacramento State
150.
Jeffrey BassaLB Oregon
155.
Howard Cross IIIDT Notre Dame
224.
Kobe KingLB Penn State
231.
Tyrion Ingram-DawkinsDT Georgia
253.
Cody SimonLB Ohio State
2026 HOU 2nd
2026 WAS 4th
When you guys are trading down, are you waiting to see how the top 12 unfolds or making those deals early?
you don’t have to wait
but I usually do
the way these simulators work, when it’s your turn to pick you also get a prompt about trade offers
and you can decide to reject them
you can also initate your own trade and make
I don’t propose trades- I wait until I’m picking to see what is offered
I’ve been avoiding trading down in the 1st lately bc I don’t think it’s very realistic
and bc I’ve become a fan of some of the players expected to be there at 13
yeah, if it’s a decent package i take it. Also, if Warren is there I like to take him. I think 99%of the time he’s on the board and I don’t take him, Indy does at 14
13.
Tyler WarrenTE Penn State
48.
Kenneth GrantDT Michigan
98.
Lathan RansomS Ohio State
116.
Jack SawyerEDGE Ohio State
135.
Jordan HancockCB Ohio State
150.
Jamaree CaldwellDT Oregon
155.
Malachi MooreS Alabama
224.
Kurtis RourkeQB Indiana
231.
Willie LampkinOG North Carolina
253.
Gerad Christian-LichtenhanOT Oregon Sta
you got a bunch of LBs Brian….lol
I actually think Cody Simon has a chance to be the best of that group
I wouldn’t mind taking him
he’s adds a pass rush presence inside
yeah, I figured mostly STs contributors, and maybe you hit on one!
ohio state has a lot of good defensive players coming out
and you grabbed about 70% of them too…lol
haha! I HATE Ohio State!
in all serious the Willie Gay singing might be a real good one
He is coming off a bad year with the saints
but when he was with KC he was a big contributor
there are so many mocks lately with the jests or the colts taking Tyler Warren
I hate the idea of the colts taking him bc it means we passed on him
but I really hate the idea of the jets taking him
maybe if we are luck the colts trade up in front of the jests and break their hearts!
I think Warren is going top 10. I don’t trade up for him, but take him if he’s there at #13.
If we get back some players back and add some new talent I think we can be in the mix.
Piggy, Brooks, Dodson, Britt and Gay. Weaver is making his mark. We already have 4-5 edge and 4 ILB.
But no DL
No DL, no CB, no real starting S. Need a starting OG, and then a backup who can play immediately if necessary as well
Add in besides Chop, are either of Phillips and Chubb going to be good to go this season, and for how long?
Mike, I have same question about new RG Daniels. Will he be ready for the season?
Mel Kiper has the Dolphins taking OT/OG Will Campbell at #13 which would be very nice. Though, he has 2 RB’s going in the top 10, Jeanty to Raiders and Hampton to Cowboys. Haven’t seen that in a long time.
He also has Tyler Warren going to the Jets at #7 and QB Dart going to the Saints.
Those 4 picks are what pushed Campbell down to us.
Dodson’s contract hit the Books. Only a 2.5 mill cap hit this year and no dead money to void years.
Westbrook’s contract hit the books. Only a 1.6 mill cap hit this year but signing bonus was pushed out over 3 void years at 400K each year.
Eskridge’s contract hit the books. Only 1.1 mill cap hit and it doesn’t look like any of it is guaranteed.
Of all the players resigned or signed, only Westbook has dead money pushed down the road for now.
There are still 7 players whose contracts have not hit the books yet; LB Britt, LB Gay, TE Brown, CB Burns, OG Eichenberg, RB Mattison and P Stonehouse.
Spotrac shows we have 7.7 in cap space to sign those 7 players. That should be enough as they will be deducting 960K from their cap hit for those knocked out of the top 51.
I expect a restructure or 2 to happen soon.
Miami Dolphins
We have re-signed DT Benito Jones.
YEAH!!! A DT!!
and there it is
Dolphins restructure Austin Jackson’s contract for cap space
The team converted $9.71 million of Jackson’s 2025 salary to a signing bonus, lowering Jackson’s cap hit from $13.83 million to $5.79 million. The move, however, does add $1.9 million to his 2026 cap hit, raising it to $15.8 million from $13.8 million.
The not mortgaging the future has ended. Jackson is only under contract through 2026. Only 3.8 mill of the 9.7 mill hits in 2025 and 2026. Jackson already has 3.6 mill in dead money spread over void years in 2027 and 2028. They just added another 5.9 mill (roughly) in dead money over those void years.
My guess is they added a 3rd void year in 2029 to spread it out further.
someone should void Chris Grier
Post of the year!!!
Danielle Hunter, Texans agree to one-year extension through 2026; DE will make $55.1M over next two seasons
For those who are into PFF Benito Jones had a 47.6 run defense grade and he had a 51.3 overall grade ranking out as 142nd of 219 defensive tackles.
CBS 3-Round Mock Draft is a DREAM for Some Dolphins Fans
Round 1, Pick #13: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Round 2, Pick #48: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Round 3, Pick #98: Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
———
I would not be mad at the 1st two picks. Not Pierce though. There should be better OL available at #98. Besides, we have more needs at DL, CB and Safety to go this route.
I don’t think we need to take OL in the 2nd and 3rd if we take it in the first
I actually have no problem restructuring Austin Jackson’s contract. he should be a bookend for the next few years at RT with Patrick Paul at LT. Tua or Hill on the other hand are UNTOUCHABLE!
I’m at work, didn’t read the post. I thought we added years to his contract
I was talking about the position groups we’ve addressed. Didn’t say everything is complete.
I see most, if not all, of the signings so far as pretty neutral. They don’t really improve our overall talent level. Sometimes you’re just plugging holes with FA. We probably didn’t have the money to do much more. This draft needs to be used wisely. It’s unfortunate that it’s a fairly average draft overall, but it does have some depth at spots of need for us. Thankfully we have about 8 areas of need. That always helps. I don’t think any of our signings fills a need satisfyingly.
I’m so relieved to see we signed Benito Jones
I think we will draft so one to develop as our next NT – but slotting him into that spot in 2025 is great
I might be crazy but I think this is one of our most important signings
would be nice to sign Calais Campbell and Ogbah too
I tend to think we are not making a play on a 2nd OG if we haven’t already
I’m kind of settling into picking one at 13 – Banks will be a great pick if he’s the pick
I’d be shocked if we drafted a CB or S at #13
How dare you show the slightest bit of optimism 🤪
You can usually find serviceable NTs in the mid rounds. Not dominant stat guys but big guys who can play the run and occasionally disrupt the passing game. They’re usually rotational players.
Jones has been a “developmental” guy for us the entire time here. He never developed. Full backs were blocking him to the ground.
You sure about that?
Jones was on the Miami practice squad 2020-21, played in a few games. Then signed with the Lions and was on their active 53 roster 2022-23. Then Dolphins 53 in 2024.
I get what you are saying though.
Mike E.
says:
March 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm
I’d be shocked if we drafted a CB or S at #13
————
I think I’d be shocked if we drafted a Safety at R1P13, but not shocked if we drafted a CB at R1P13. If Will Johnson is there for us, I could very easily see us selecting him.
Don’t get me wrong, I very much wanted to address CB via FA so that we could scratch CB of our needs list for the Draft.
The way I see it right now, we’ve got too many needs to fill all the holes… barring a slight trade down from R1P13 in order to garner an additional day 2 pick.
If we’re forced to go with Cam Smith or Storm Duck in a ‘trial by fire’ opposite Jalen Ramsey, I fear this season is going to be… regrettable.
I’ll discuss it in my article, but don’t you think this team just absolutely has to get the best O-line we can get this season? If they don’t take the best OG, and wait to address that even in RD 2 when either Membou or Campbell, and the 2nd RD or 3rd RD OG sucks, they’re all cooked!
You never know. Plenty of 1st round corners don’t pan out.
Willie Gay is the type of LB we wanted Channing Tindall to become.
But, Tindall just refuses to come out of the closet.
It appears that Tindall doesn’t process plays well. The athletic ability is there but he’s really just a STs player and attack LB but that might not be enough this year to make the team.
that’s what the knock on him coming out of college, Tim. That is why his playing time decreased on those Georgia teams. That typically doesn’t get better in the NFL where players and bigger, and faster and the schemes are more complex
Agreed Brian on Tindall. I was hoping we hit on a diamond in the rough.
If we turn our 10 picks into say 8, maybe trading up in the mid rounds for specific prospects, I see these positions being drafted; DL 2, OL 2, TE 1, CB 1, S 1, BPA at any position.
Mike E.
says:
March 20, 2025 at 3:31 pm
I’ll discuss it in my article, but don’t you think this team just absolutely has to get the best O-line we can get this season? If they don’t take the best OG, and wait to address that even in RD 2 when either Membou or Campbell, and the 2nd RD or 3rd RD OG sucks, they’re all cooked!
———–
CB is a premium position in the NFL, especially now with Goodell’s rule changes. I absolutely agree with ya that we MUST fix the O-Line, but if we don’t have a legit CB opposite Ramsey, our season will be very short-lived.
I’d be willing to go with Wyatt Milum in the 2nd or even Charles Grant in the 3rd to further solidify our O-Line… but after the top-15 in the1st round, you’re rolling the dice on CBs… which generally take 3 to 4 years to develop. Look no further than Noah Iggy and Cam Smith.
Will Johnson has ‘IT’ as an early 1st round CB. He’s a plug-n-play starter opposite Ramsey. Noah Iggy was a wasted pick in the late 1st round as Grier was trying to get cute in potential, rather than floor playability.
Of course, every Draft class is different. In this Draft class? It’s WEAK on day 1 starters. Will Johnson for the win. I do NOT want to do it anymore than anyone else, but Grier has painted us into a corner, as usual.
Jahdae Barron is another option for us at CB, but IMO, he’s not nearly as pro-ready as Will Johnson. I think Barron is a boom-or-bust prospect who wowed the Combine crowd with his speed.
That’s not to say I dislike Jahdae Barron… I think he’s a really sticky CB with tons of potential who may need some time to develop. But if we’re still ‘all-in’ to win a Super Bowl, Will Johnson is your guy from day 1.
What’s more (as BBM pointed out earlier), we just adjusted Austin Jackson’s contract to give us more relief under the cap. We can still sign a LEGIT vet FA LG such as Brandon Scherff.
And even if we were to sign Scherff (or another like Hernandez or Eisner), that would NOT preclude us from drafting a Guard before the end of day 2 of the Draft.
However, that would make so that we do not HAVE to take a Guard @ R1P13.
*Risner
M – CB is definitely a premium position, but the whole world seems to believe that unless Tua is well protected, and we can’t pick up short yardage on 3rd and 4th down, than this offense can’t work as advertised. This team can win with a less than stellar CB opposite Ramsey, but if this offense can’t be elite, this team is done
Here’s how I see it, my guy. Tua’s still going to get the ball out in 2.x seconds, and it worked just fine in ’22 and ’23. The REAL problem? We couldn’t run the ball last season due to inadequate run-blocking (looking at YOU, Liam Eich and Robert Jones!!!).
Being we couldn’t run the ball, opposing Defenses were able to keep 2 Safeties deep on us.
I’m of the opinion that if we can make our running game great again, Tua will be able to make ‘Reek and Da’ Penguin great again.
That being stated, I’m not sure we necessarily NEED to take a Guard @ R1P13. But I will say… if Kelvin Banks is there for us @ R1P13, the case can be made that he’s the safest, wisest bet for us.
I just don’t know what we’re going to do opposite Ramsey if we go Guard @ R1P13.
Imagine going against the Bengals, they having Chase and Higgins… and our Safeties are nothing to write home about, so as to give our CB2 any kind of help.
Our season will be very short-lived.
I suppose it’s ultimately up to DC Anthony Weaver. If he feels either or both Cam Smith or Storm Duck are up to the task of being our CB2 this season, then perhaps we needn’t address CB so early in the Draft.
One other option for us at CB? If you have faith in Asante Samuel Jr, he could be a very good signing.
Samuel at least has 47 games started in his young career. Duck and Smith combined? 3 (three).
It was pretty easy to see what Tindall was and the issues that he had. I talked about them several times. These kind of draft picks are the ones Grier makes that just seem stupid to me. It’s a valuable draft pick. You don’t take a guy like Tindall there. You can’t build a solid base and team with those sorts of picks most of the time.
^
M13,
You need to look at the other side of it too. Maybe our running game wasn’t working because our passing game never backed anybody off the LOS or really threatened defenses. Going against a 2 high safety scheme doesn’t mean the defense just opens up like the flood gates! Lol
Nah, I disagree, Brother. Our O-Line run-blocking last season between the Tackles was absolutely horrific.
Like I’ve said repeatedly: it’s not as though Mostert and Achane forgot how to run.
Oh yeah, something that keeps slipping my mind to ask y’all…
Now that Wes Welker is gone, do ya think EZ-E is on thinner ice? Remember, Welker personally endorsed EZ-E being they both came from Texas Tech.
I don’t think EZ is a prominent player in the plans anymore. He’s not consistent or durable. He’s another guy I was hoping would pan out.
M – OK, that’s fine. If we draft an OG RD 2 when a really good one was available, and either the O-line isn’t good enough, or Tua is still chucking it in 2 seconds or less, and we can’t win big games, I don’t ever want to hear how great Tua is. I want zero excuses for him, I want the best o-line in the AFC
What if James Daniels isn’t ready to go because of his achilles or even worse, he’s just inadequate? I want two OG’s, one in RD1, and another one later in the draft
M13,
I haven’t done a film deep dive on what happened to our running game, but it’s almost always a number of things that contribute to success or failure.
Mostert fell off the table. He was not the same back last year. Achane is not the guy I want running between the tackles a lot. Wright should’ve been used more.
But, you’re right in that the running game always starts up front. Good OLs make average RBs look better. We had too many backups playing and the OL was not getting it done.
My 2 cents…I truly believe we need to invest high draft capital on both O and D Lines….we need a starter on both sides of the ball…I don’t know how do that; dreaming right?! Lol…
Then, 2 more starters from the draft….probably more D help but OL in again later
I still think about the Eagles D dominance over a team going for a 3-peat. It was awesome!
Our 3rd or 4th and short was abysmal last year…that needs to be fixed.
keys to success..lol
The Eagles GM believes in the trenches…you build a pipeline. We need to start that process…lol
I’ve been keeping it to myself, knowing it doesn’t need to be public data or anything like that… my sister-in-law just passed away moments ago from stage-4 cancer, aged 35 years old.
She leaves behind a little and wonderful 8 year-old son who truly adores me. Her husband is POS who has massive drug problems. I pray this is a wake-up call for him to get his life correct… to be the father his son needs right now.
I’m sorry… she was just such a really nice, kind, and generous soul. I shall miss her. 😥
Sorry to hear that brother! Prayers!!
Damn, that’s awful M – Best to you and the family
First, my condolences, mf13ss.
So this is your POS brother, I think?! Dude, unless he gets help now, that kid will need you.
Condolences Sir
Sorry to hear about that M13
It’s nice to root for a winner. GO PANTHERS! Current first place in the East (tied), reigning champions. Perfect timing too, just when I have completely lost all faith in the Dolphins.
I can’t wait until they finally fire Grier. I literally hate him for ruining my fanaticism
Anyway the Panthers need to come away with a win and two points tonight to keep the lead with only 14 games left to go.
It’s not all doom. Hey, we are tied for 1st place in the AFC and AFCE right now. 🙂
I’m not sure if I am going to watch any games this year either. My Sundays were so nice last year after week 4 when I gave up on the team.
I work every Sunday so I miss most or part games anyway. Also, it is harder to stream free anymore.
Tim, you know I am a trade down guy. Only because we seem to have too many major holes to fill each year. I used to not be that way in doing mock drafts.
I would not be against trading up for 1 or 2 players (not using future picks) and coming away with the 8 players you want.
I just hate it because it is Grier driving that bus.
BBMTradypants
BBM followed in Rock footsteps.
I do have to admit that the 2023 Madden Dolphins roster was the best roster I ever played with on Madden. I was able to dominate the AI and most any on-line players I went up against. Too pad for the injuries to the fagile (that’s Italian) players that occurred in real life.
Speaking of filling the LG position with a vet, I saw an article that said the Saints may be shopping former 1st round pick (#19 overall) OT Trevor Penning. Saints had him at RT then moved him to LT in 2024, which was his 3rd NFL season but first season starting all 17 games. He has been just average as an OT for them.
The article said the dolphins could possibly get him for pick #98 or #116 and plug the 6’7 325 Penning in at LG.
I know nothing about Penning other than remembering his name so I don’t know if he could play OG.
Dolphins would be trading away their 3rd or early 4th for Penning for 1 season as this is the final season on his contract. He would only come at a cost of 2.6 million.
Get a higher pick back by trading Hill to like GB for #54 and a 2026 2nd or 3rd.
Julian Hill ?
I’m all for that!
Tyreek
Who will it be? Who, Who? Who will be? This year’s LC3? (sung in falsetto)
Frajeel!
lmao
TWO first round picks for a #2 WR
Threw away a 3rd round pick to move up and take Eichenburg
Threw away a 3rd round pick this year to take Jaylen Write last year for 250 yds at 3.7 per
two sins in one pick….
Drafted Eichenburg in the 2nd round…..
according to Barry Jackson we haven’t given any of the new signings any guaranteed money
maybe be never heard of that
If you don’t really like your team why do you care? As fans we have nothing to do with it. Yet we have bloggers who somehow think other bloggers have something to do with it? How?
I can’t wait for game one when we’re down 7-0 and people start saying the season is over. 🤪
I think it’s some kind of weird sports superstition
people are trying to beat the disappointment before it begins
Okay if that’s the case, again why are we interested?
I saw some one post on Twitter that the Dolphins plan at LG is Liam Eichenberg….which would be a nightmare
but I went with it and did this draft focusing on Defense and did a bunch of trades
that would be a slam dunk if it was possible
it’s not….lol
I don’t think anyone was throwing in the towel in the first quarter last year but this team and its management keep making really stupid mistakes. If GA knew Tindal had issues, and Randy knew Tindal had issues, then why didn’t our FO know this? They did, and just ‘took the risk’. The draft is a crap shoot, but the early rounds aren’t nearly as much of one. That’s why teams like the Ravens always draft well. They pick solid players over and over and over.
I don’t know why some on this site think football is like quantum physics. You don’t have to be a GM or coach to know basic ideas or have prudent decision-making skills. An appeal to authority is still a fallacy. It starts at the trenches is a very old football saying. If you look at Philly, they won because of this old saying and hiring a top tier DC. No matter how good Barkley is, paying huge money for any other RB is a waste of money. Drafting a kicker before the 7th is a waste as is a 1st round RB. There’s lots of old football wisdom that still applies today, and our FO rarely understands this. Grier loves injured players, and they stay injured for him too. That’s not how you build a team. I don’t have to be a GM to know these things.
Anyone can say anything and if they’re right they get props. If they’re wrong it goes by the way side.
Do you really think every other team is perfect in everything they do? It’s always about special talent.
Bri – by slam dunk, do you mean LG Eich and Tua getting slammed and dunk for the season? lol
Do you want us to fail?
I’m going to say what I think we need to do in the draft to improve the team. Add a starting caliber OL and interior DL, depth and upside at TE, competition on the DL and OL, secondary competition and various positions on our board.
Before we know it we have a 53 man roster ready to compete. We already have some very good talent to build on.
Let’s say Armstead retires and Campbell does or signs somewhere else, what does are current projected lineups look like?
DT Sieler
NT Jones
DT ?
ED Chop
ED Chubb/Phillips
LB Brooks
LB Dodson
CB Ramsey
CB ?
SS McMorris
FS Davis
LT Paul
LG ?
C Brewer
RG Daniels
RT Jackson
TE Smith
WR Hill
WR Waddle
WR NWI
QB Tua
RB Achane
That doesn’t include all depth but who we can lineup to compete. Yes we need some good draft picks, who doesn’t?
Tim,
Yikes! Is that it!? Jesus, and you’re usually the guy who lifts my dark spirits up! Those starting lineups look to be able to get you about 9 wins.
Randy, we’re going to score points. You’re also not taking into account any new player through FA or the draft. It’s just let’s say everything sucks and nobody can make a play. 😂
The goal still is to out score our opponent. We can be that on offense if we don’t suffer too many injuries. I believe in Anthony Weaver as a DC. He can patchwork guys to step up when you lose major players. Maybe we get some good fortune this year. 🙂
What if Chop becomes a real problem for opposing offenses, we have to block him. His quickness and power is impressive. He’s now a 2nd year player. I’m not going to put him on LTs level, but he is similar to Derrick Thomas.
Mike E.
says:
March 20, 2025 at 10:14 pm
Bri – by slam dunk, do you mean LG Eich and Tua getting slammed and dunk for the season? lol
i’m not really convinced at taken an offensive lineman at 13. Besides hunt in Jackson, this front office hasn’t had much success finding offensive lineman in the draft. And I’m not convinced Jackson is that good, once we lost hunt, his play declined dramatically. I still think we can find a guard in the second round or later and potentially June 1. I would hate to pass up on a player like Warren and Johnson have them become all pros only because we were trying to force the pic on an offensive lineman at 13.
Dolphins’ early rumblings of a looming rebuild are impossible to ignore
There is plenty to start thinking about with this team.
By
Brian Miller|12 minutes ago:
When the Miami Dolphins began a rebuild in 2019, it went further south quicker than anyone expected. Now, they may be heading for another one.
Miami has a problem and must understand that frivolous spending and egos got in the way of actually making this team better. Instead of building change, the Dolphins built more of the same. They lack culture, discipline, and even fundamental abilities like tackling consistently.
Over the last three seasons, Chris Grier has thrown tons of money at receivers and injured linebackers. His attempt to fix the line came with wasted draft picks like Liam Eichenberg while letting top talent like Robert Jones walk. He invested in Austin Jackson and Terron Armstead despite injury histories.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald pointed out that the Dolphins have not guaranteed any money on new free-agent contracts for 2026.
“Barry Jackson@flasportsbuzz
·The Dolphins have given no guaranteed money in 2026 to a single player signed in free agency
Barry Jackson@flasportsbuzz
NEW: Dolphins have restructured Austin Jackson contract to create needed cap space (NO pay cut),”
So, what might be going on with the Dolphins beyond the 2025 season?
For starters, they will be in a better position to move on from players like Bradley Chubb and Tyreek Hill. They have avoided restructuring Tua Tagovailoa’s contract despite the need for 2024 cash flow. That in and of itself is a huge development that clearly speaks to his future with the franchise.
If what Jackson says is true, the Dolphins may be gearing up to break the roster up as we know it and rebuild it once again.
Chris Grier could be getting ready for another rebuild of the Dolphins roster
The thought of Grier having a hand in rebuilding the team is nauseating. He has not done well since taking over the GM job in 2016, and his big rebuild failed. The Dolphins hired a highly respected executive a couple of weeks ago when Champ Kelly joined the team.
Kelly is considered a good evaluator of talent and has narrowly missed landing several general manager jobs he has interviewed for. There was speculation at season’s end that Grier may be looking to step down and take on a different role with the team. Kelly could be in line to take over.
If the Dolphins are planning for a new beginning, it will be interesting to see which direction someone else might go or how much influence Grier would have if he takes on a new role. One thing is certain: Grier has been particularly stingy with money and moves so far this offseason.
It could be a big indication that they are preparing for major changes after the 2025 season, a season which, by the way, was penciled in as the best chance for this team to make a move on the postseason.
__________
I think someone is in CG’s ear this year. This blog has certainly noticed a change in CG’s behavior/history, so far. Maybe Kelly is making/will make a difference….I sure hope so…lol
And/or depending on 2025 results, we may have a new GM and HC already on the team for 2026, namely Champ Kelly and Anthony Weaver….hmmmm
I like the Detroit Lions’ request for a playoff rule change to give the higher seeded teams based on record, the first 4 home games (v divisional winner).
Me too! If your division sucks, why should you benefit any further than just being the best of the worst? It should go by record
Starting Eichenberg at LG is pure speculation. I don’t see it.
The Flying Pig says: March 20, 2025 at 7:50 pm
according to Barry Jackson we haven’t given any of the new signings any guaranteed money
maybe be never heard of that
———–
Barry is WAY wrong.
Zach Wilson signed a 1 year, $6,000,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $4,750,000 signing bonus, $6,000,000 100% guaranteed
James Daniels signed a 3 year, $24,000,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $6,000,000 signing bonus, $10,735,000 guaranteed
Ifeatu Melifonwu signed a 1 year, $3,010,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $1,280,000 signing bonus, $2,450,000 guaranteed
Ashtyn Davis signed a 1 year, $2,500,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $1,230,000 signing bonus, $1,230,000 guaranteed
Larry Borom signed a 1 year, $2,500,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $1,330,000 signing bonus, $2,500,000 100% guaranteed
Nick Westbrook signed a 2 year, $5,990,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $2,000,000 signing bonus, $3,200,000 guaranteed
That’s not including the players we resigned.
I think the contract on James Daniels was a good one, kind of high reward low risk with only 10.7 mill guaranteed. Only 7.2 mill of that was guaranteed at signing. The other 3.5 mill becomes guaranteed if he is still on the roster 3rd day of the new league year in 2026.
G Teven Jenkins is signing with Cleveland, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.
CB Rock Ya-Sin has agreed to terms with Detroit, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported.
G Nate Herbig has signed with Washington.
WR Stefon Diggs is visiting with the Patriots.
Champ Kelly‘s continuous rise through the front office ranks of the NFL was put on hold last year when he took a slight step back with the Raiders after serving as their interim general manager in 2023. After parting ways with Las Vegas last month, Kelly has agreed to join the Dolphins as a senior personnel executive in 2025
Did someone here write this. LOL
Dolphins Roster Significantly Lacking | Yardbarker
I would not be mad at this 5 round mock draft. Though, again, I do not like the OT Pierce selection. I’d rather them take OT Logan Brown, OG Luke Kandra or several others who are more promising than him at #116.
Miami Dolphins 5-round post-free agency frenzy 2025 NFL mock draft, per PFN simulator | Yardbarker
Tim,
Derrick Thomas? Really? Wow. Step away from the hookah!
Wishful thinking. I do see him getting better though. He has the skills and good players to learn from.
Yes because of his quickness which is elite. It’s a comparison, I didn’t say he’ll have the same career. But I think he’s going to be very good.
33. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
48. Benjamin Morrison CB Notre Dame
67. Darius Alexander DT Toledo
94. Elijah Arroyo TE Miami (FL)
98. Savion Williams WR TCU
116. Logan Brown OT Kansas
135. Malachi Moore S Alabama
150. Miles Frazier OG LSU
155. JJ Pegues DT Ole Miss
192. Jamon Dumas-Johnson LB Kentucky
224. Trevor Etienne RB Georgia
231. Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane
253. C.J. Dippre TE Alabama
2026 CLE 2nd
2026 CLE 3rd
NEW BLOG UP!!!!
apparently it’s not, yet
It’s up
that’s not what Barry said, based on the quite above he said:
Barry Jackson@flasportsbuzz
·The Dolphins have given no guaranteed money in 2026 to a single player signed in free agency
BBM,
I think Chop had a nice rookie season. It wasn’t great, but I have no complaints. He struggled against the run, but I expected that. I thought he got better against the run as the season went on. Really I think his whole game got better…which is good to see. Second year is big because teams will adjust to him. If he can start developing some moves off his speed, I think he can take another step. He also needs to just keep plugging away against the run too….gotta get better there.
Watching players develop is one of my favorite things about following the team. No rookie is a complete player. I’m in no rush to say what is in year one. Good start. Keep improving. Chop showed he’s a worker, so I’m expecting him to continue that ethic.