Dolphins Stock Report: Defensive line sets early tone of camp
The Miami Dolphins defensive front has a ton of newcomers, and returnees on it, and so far their performance has made them seem as if its the most forceful unit on the team.
They helped the Dolphins defense deliver a productive against against Miami’s offense in the second day of training camp.
Here’s a breakdown of what else happened in Day 2 of training camp.
Top Performers
▪ Pass rusher Bradley Chubb: Chubb looked like an impact player in the final 11-on-11 series when he pushed Patrick Paul back into Tua Tagovailoa’s pocket, and flushed out Miami’s quarterback. Earlier in the practice he drew a holding call, and helped Miami’s defensive line be stout against the run. It’s clear that the eight-year veteran has overcome the knee injury he has been rehabbing for 18 months.
▪ Pass rusher Quinton Bell: Bell, a former college receiver who is fifth season being converted into a pass rusher, was one of the top camp standouts last year during training camp. He was practicing so well he held a starting role for most of the preseason. Bell is seemingly hoping he doesn’t become a forgotten man, bringing a tremendous amount of energy to every snap. He sniffed out and stopped quite a few runs Thursday, and drew a holding call.
▪ Tight end Tanner Conner: Conner, who had a fumble Wednesday, came back strong Thursday by extending his arms on the sideline for a 20-yard reception from Tagovailoa. He later caught a 25-yarder from Zach Wilson. With Darren Waller on the physically unable to perform list while he gets himself in football shape, it’s on Conner, who is being auditioned as a starter. He typically shined when the team’s working without pads. We’ll see if he continues to make plays when the pads come on next week.
STOCK UP
▪ Benito Jones plays the most overlooked position in football, manning the nose tackle spot in Miami’s 3-4 front. However, he typically handles the toughest task on defense since he’s responsible for holding his ground against two blockers. An effective nose tackle (think Vince Wilfork or Tim Bowens) takes on two and doesn’t get moved, keeping his linebackers clean. Jones has had two solid days of training camp, and he was rewarded with the orange jersey from his Day 1 performance. With the exception of two De’Von Achane runs, the Dolphins defensive line choked out the offense’s ground game. If Jones continues to practice like this he will likely cement himself into a defensive front that features Kenneth Grant and Zach Sieler.
STOCK DOWN
▪ Tyreek Hill is the best practice performer I’ve ever covered in my lifetime, so it’s surprising to see the 10-year veteran have a quiet first day (not sure he pulled down a reception), and then follow that up with a two-catch performance on Thursday. Hill’s clearly being limited each day because there’s no reason for him to be run into the ground, but at this point it’s difficult to gain a good evaluation of Miami’s young cornerbacks because Hill hasn’t looked like an All-Pro.
Injury updates
▪ Bayron Matos: A second-year offensive tackle from the Dominican Republic who is part of the International Player Pathway program, remains at the Ryder Trauma center because of a head and shoulder injury he suffered in Wednesday’s practice, which led to him being airlifted to the hospital. Matos remains in stable condition and has movement of all his lower extremities.
▪ James Daniels, who is expected to be one of Miami’s starting guards was pulled an hour into practice, continues to be eased into the full practice. On Wednesday he only participated in one 11-on-11 period. On Thursday he handled two in his road back from an Achilles injury he suffered in September.
▪ Center Aaron Brewer did not work for a second straight day because of an undisclosed injury. Brewer was spotted with a compression sleeve on his right leg.
What they said
“A lot of people are talking about me saying I couldn’t stop the run. But there’s a lot of plays out there with me setting the edge. I don’t listen to that,” Dolphins second-year edge rusher Chop Robinson said about his run game shortcomings as a rookie. “Time will tell when you see me out there in the preseason.”
This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 12:34 PM.
