Kelly: What’s left to be addressed with this 2025 Dolphins rebuild? | Opinion
Will Calais Campbell retire or pick a legitimate title contender to finish out his accomplished NFL career?
Are the Miami Dolphins seriously about having Cam Smith and Storm Duck compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Jalen Ramsey?
Is newcomer James Daniels and retained starting guard Liam Eichenberg Miami’s final answer at offensive guard?
How good can a 3-4 defense work without a proven nose tackle?
Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis have shown promise as NFL players, but are they ready to become starting NFL safeties in 2025?
And will Tyrel Dodson and Jordyn Brooks pair well together as Miami’s two starting inside linebackers?
These are the pressing questions the moves Miami’s first week of free agency have created, and it outlines the areas of concern general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel should have about the 2025 team heading into the second round of free agency, and April’s NFL draft.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s left to be done, and some of Miami’s options.
Areas of concern
NOSE TACKLE
▪ Analysis: Miami hasn’t re-signed Benito Jones, who was decent in the 485 snaps he played in his 15 starts last season. Neil Farrell is the only nose tackle under contract so far. Miami carried three nose tackles into training camp because of how important this spot is to the operation of a 3-4 defense, so expect a couple of 330-pounders to be signed to minimum level deals, if not be drafted.
▪ Free agent options: Nose tackles are one of the hardest positions to find in the NFL because there usually aren’t too many humans walking around earth weighing north of 330 pounds who possess cat-like quickness and can take on two blockers. If Jones signs elsewhere Miami should get panicked. John Jenkins calls Miami home, but he’s 36 years old, and everyone the Dolphins have signed has been under 30 so far this offseason. The return of Raekwon Davis, who was cut by Indianapolis earlier this month, might work, but he needs to pass a physical. Jonathan Hankins and Armon Watts would be solid fits as well.
▪ Draft outlook: Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, Ohio State’s Tyeik Williams, Kentucky’s Deone Walker are viewed as top 50 selections in the 2025 NFL draft. Teams that need nose tackles usually select them early. Maryland’s Jordan Phillips, Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell, Ole Miss’ J.J. Pegues, Florida’s Cam’Ron Jackson, Indiana’s C.J. West, UCLA’s Jay Toia and Georgia Tech’s Zeke Biggers are all third day targets who will likely need developmental time.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
▪ Analysis: The Dolphins are working to re-sign Campbell, who was a top defender last season despite his advanced age (38). But sources say Miami has competition from a couple of contenders (particularly Baltimore Ravens), and the 17-year veteran is taking his time to make a decision about his NFL future, much like last offseason. If Campbell returns it won’t be for the $3 million he earned last season after achieving two contract incentives (playing time and five sacks, which lifted his $2 million base salary). Chop Robinson is the only proven, healthy edge player on the roster because Jaelan Phillips (knee) and Bradley Chubb (knee) are still recovering from serious knee injuries, and Emmanuel Ogbah, Tyus Bowser and Cam Brown are all free agents.
▪ Free agent options: The shelves are pretty empty when it comes to three technique ends, with Za’Darius Smith, Clelin Ferrell, Taven Bryant and Marlon Tuipulotu are the best of what’s available right now. But maybe more veterans get released before, or after the draft.
▪ Draft outlook: The Dolphins will likely be in position to select Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, Georgia’s Mykel Williams, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and maybe even Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham (projected as a top-10 talent) in the first round. But defensive ends, edge rushers and 3-technique defensive linemen go fast and early every draft. However, there will be a handful of defensive linemen and edge players worth exploring, and investing in during day two and three of the draft. But most will likely need developmental time.
CORNERBACK
▪ Analysis: Whoever lines up opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey will be viewed as a target, and that’s a role Kader Kohou, who was offered a restricted free agent tender worth $3.3 million, Cam Smith, and Storm Duck haven’t proven they are capable of handling just yet. The Dolphins need to add a veteran cornerback who has been there and done that and can handle performing with a target on their back.
▪ Free agent options: Former Dolphins starter Xavien Howard intends to play in 2025 after taking a season off to address personal matters. Asante Samuel Jr. is a South Florida product who would benefit from a fresh start. But can this 25-year-old fit this diverse Dolphins defense? Tre’Davious White, James Bradberry, Rasul Douglas and Stephon Gilmore have accomplished resumes. But they all come with some kind of baggage, as does Jeff Okudah. At this point it’s clear the Dolphins will either go with a rookie, or an inexpensive cornerback signed late.
▪ Draft outlook: Michigan’s Will Johnson is one of the most technically sound defenders in the 2025 NFL draft, and is viewed as a top 15 talent in this draft class. He’ll be seriously considered if he’s still on the board at 13. Texas’ Jahdae Barron has the skill set to play three spots in a secondary, which makes him a top 50 prospect. And East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr. has the traits needed to become a shutdown cornerback. But his competition level is a little suspect. This class is deep, so it’s possible Miami could find a hidden gem like Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas on the draft’s second day.
OFFENSIVE GUARD
▪ Analysis: If the regular season were to begin this Sunday Daniels and Eichenberg would likely be Miami’s starting left and right guard. And there isn’t a single backup available if Larry Borom can’t play offensive guard (he’s spent most of his career as an offensive tackle). In an ideal world, Eichenberg is the backup at all three interior spots and Miami finds a starting guard with more upside. Isaiah Wynn remains unsigned, but he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NFL career. He would serve as a good insurance plan if re-signed, but it seems as if Miami’s only signing players under 30 at this point. Keep in mind Terron Armstead hasn’t decided if he will play next season or not, so don’t be surprised if an offensive tackle is added.
▪ Free agent options: Mekhi Becton (Eagles) is rehabbing a knee injury he sustained in the postseason. Brandon Scherff (Jaguars) is flirting with retirement, and Dalton Risner (Vikings) supposedly has bad history with Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry from their time together with the Broncos. Teven Jenkins (Bears) has upside, but has battled durability issues. That’s why he’s likely still available.
▪ Draft outlook: If Miami holds onto the 13th pick the Dolphins will likely be in position to select one of this draft’s top five offensive linemen, but only a couple — Missouri’s Armand Membou, Alabama’s Tyler Booker, North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel, Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. — fit the team’s immediate guard needs. If Miami selects someone else with the team’s first-round pick expect an offensive lineman to be targeted in Day 2 since this draft’s top heavy in ready-to-start offensive linemen.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
▪ Analysis: Brooks and Dodson played well starting together. Their coverage range could allow them to be interchangeable in their roles. But neither has shined against the run throughout their careers, and that’s the area Miami needed to improve on. The Dolphins would benefit from adding an inside linebacker who can sniff out the run and plug holes.
▪ Free agent options: The Jets released C.J. Mosley, but there are concerns about his neck, and whether the 32-year-old would pass a physical. Miami had a high grade on Isaiah Simmons coming out of the draft, and might benefit from his coverage skills. Former Dolphins starter Jerome Baker is searching for work after splitting last season in Seattle and Tennessee. But he’s battling injuries the past two seasons. Devin White has talent, but needs yet another fresh start.
▪ Draft outlook: There are a handful of linebackers — Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, Georgia’s Jalon Walker, UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger and Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman — who might challenge a veteran for a starting role as a rookie. The rest need some developmental time, but players such as Georgia’s Smael Mondon Jr., Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr. and Oklahoma State’s Nick Martin — have upside but likely need some grooming, which means they are Day 3 targets.
SAFETY
▪ Analysis: Davis, Melifonwu, Elijah Campbell and Patrick McMorris, Miami’s 2024 sixth-round pick, might produce a competitive camp battle. But this unit lacks a veteran presence such as Marcus Williams, Justin Simmons or Quandre Diggs, who can teach the group the finer points of the game and film study. Miami could also go young at safety, drafting one early and putting him in the same position they did Jevon Holland, who was four-year starter.
▪ Free agent options: Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has history with Williams, who was cut by the Ravens this month. Simmons, a former Pro Bowler, is likely cherry picking his next team, pursuing a title. Diggs and Rayshawn Jenkins can probably still contribute at the level of an NFL starter. However, the Jordan Poyer experience likely convinced Miami to target younger players, especially in the secondary.
▪ Draft outlook: Georgia’s Malaki Starks and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori will likely be taken in the first round, but it’s unlikely they are chosen where Miami’s selecting (13th). Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr., Texas’ Andrew Mukaba and Ohio State’s Lathan Ransom all have the skill set needed to become NFL starters in time, and are deserving of an early Day 3 selection, if not better.
