Dolphins’ Grier explains decisions on Beckham, offensive line, more. And QB signed
Perhaps the biggest question facing this incarnation of the Dolphins is whether they’re strong and sturdy enough in the interior of both lines, whether they have adequately replaced Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis on defense and Robert Hunt and Connor Williams on offense.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made clear Wednesday that he believes that they are good enough in both areas. Asked if he has made efforts to trade for a top guard or nose tackle, Grier suggested that there was no need, while expressing a willingness to listen on anything presented to him.
Grier said that he and Mike McDaniel were joking Wednesday about reporters seeming more concerned with the offensive line than the Dolphins are, going back to last season.
Grier cited reporters suggesting “that the offensive line is not good enough” but noted that the Dolphins had a “pretty good offense the last two years. Those guys have worked their tails off. We feel confident in them. [Offensive line coach Butch Barry and offensive coordinator Frank Smith] have done a great job. We are confident in the offensive line. We always kind of chuckle” about the media having doubts.
But that offensive line not only lost top starters in Williams and Hunt, but they also will begin the season without guard Isaiah Wynn and possible center Aaron Brewer. And Jack Driscoll, the only veteran guard added in the offseason, was released Wednesday to make room for former Green Bay receiver Grant DuBose.
Brewer’s status for the opener is in question because of a hand injury. Wynn will begin the season the reserve/physically unable to perform list after last October’s quadriceps injury.
Asked if Wynn will play this season, Grier said: “Yeah, that’s the plan. He’s worked his tail off. That’s the plan, but we’ll see.”
Defensively, the Dolphins replaced Wilkins with Calais Campbell, a decorated pro. But of the players signed to replace Davis, one of them (Teair Tart) was cut and another (Benito Jones) is injured.
Grier indicated he’s not concerned about nose tackle, noting that Brandon Pili “has done a nice job improving every day. De’Shawn Hand, we’ve been really happy with. And Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell have been outstanding additions. We feel good about the group... We’re not afraid to add something if the opportunity arises.”
Grier spoke highly of defensive tackle Naquan Jones, who was signed to Miami’s practice squad. Jones, who’s 313 pounds, has played in 36 games and started eight during the past four seasons for Tennessee and Arizona and has 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
So is this team a Super Bowl contender?
“Last year... our roster was one of the best in football and we fell short,” Grier said. “We feel very good about our roster and where we are. Health, luck are a part of it. Team chemistry. It’s a close-knit team. We feel if we’re healthy, we have a chance to compete. I think we have the players to win. We feel confident in what we’re doing. Mike and the staff have done a great job... We feel.. we can compete with any team in the league.”
In looking back at last season, Grier noted that against “Philadelphia, we had dropped touchdown pass, borderline pass interference. Kansas City in Germany, couple miscues at the end where we didn’t function the way we should.”
Grier addressed other issues:
▪ Tim Boyle will be the Dolphins’ practice squad quarterback. He struggled in two starts for the Jets last season (including one against the Dolphins) and has a dismal 55.2 career passer rating, with four touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He’s 0-5 as a starter.
Grier said McDaniel likes Boyle, and he has played in a similar scheme, adding that he’s a “good locker room guy and smart.” Because Boyle is on the practice squad, he cannot be used in a game even if Tua Tagovailoa and Skylar Thompson are both injured that day unless the Dolphins elevated Boyle before the game. Each practice squad player can be elevated three times each season.
Grier isn’t concerned with Mike White joining the Bills’ practice squad, in advance of the Dolphins-Bills game in Week 2. “I’m sure Buffalo is not losing too much sleep about [safety] Jordan Poyer being here. It happens.”
▪ He said he knew when the team signed receiver Odell Beckham Jr. that he might begin the season sidelined and said it was the Dolphins’ decision to place him on the reserve/PUP list, sidelining him at least four games.
“We put him down,” Grier said. “He did not want to go down. He is very close [to playing]. For us, it was the long play. We didn’t want him to rush back and something happens and it sets us back. Mike and I, talking to trainers, what’s best for us long-term to help us win games is put him down a little while.”
Receiver Erik Ezukanma, who was released Tuesday, joined the Dolphins practice squad.
▪ On new receiver Grant DuBose, who was claimed off waivers from the Packers: “He’s got size, tough, really good route runner. Good hands. [Like] how physical he is in his play. In Green Bay, they’re all very high on him.”
▪ On Tagovailoa’s recent contract extension, Grier said the goal was to “find a place where both sides feel really good and it doesn’t affect us from adding players in the future. It was a long process but well worth it and we’re excited for Tua.”
▪ On Campbell: “It’s amazing what he does, how physical and strong and tough he is. Adding him will pay big dividends.”
▪ On cornerbacks Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner, who made the 53-man roster: “The thing we love about Bonner is he’s a smart player, very competitive. A number of teams tried to trade for him in the offseason and last year. He has taken advantage of opportunities... .Storm has been a pleasant surprise. He’s worked his tail off and he’s earned it. Very excited for him and his future.”
▪ On undrafted rookie center Andrew Meyer, who also made the team: “He looks like a truck driver. He’s got personality, he’s tough, he’s smart, he loves ball, he’s a grinder. Every day, he just got better and better. We see there’s a lot of potential in his future. He still has a lot of work to do to improve. He’s a player we didn’t want to lose.”
▪ On Chop Robinson and the rookie class: “The group has done a great job. Very mature group. Chop has come in from Day 1 and been a sponge. [Bradley] Chubb spends time with him. He’s got the talent.... Patrick Paul has done a great job for us, learning a whole new technique how to block. Jaylen Wright has done a good job running the ball.”
This story was originally published August 28, 2024 at 2:25 PM.
