The Dolphins need an influx of talent on their roster coming off a disappointing season, so plenty of spots should be up for grabs this summer.
Quarterback (3)
Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers (R)
Mike McDaniel targeted former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson to be the backup for Tua Tagovailoa, and Quinn Ewers—who fell to the seventh round but could have easily been drafted on Day 2—can crack the roster if he shows as well as we expect him to in the preseason.
Running back (5)
De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II (R), Alexander Mattison, Alec Ingold
Miami keeping just three running backs (plus Alec Ingold at fullback) is possible with Ollie Gordon II and Alexander Mattison both trying to crack the roster, but four runners have been kept in recent years. So, with De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright providing the speed, Gordon and Mattison are power backs to complement a team that wants to be more physical in 2025.
Wide receiver (5)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Erik Ezukanma
An eventual trade of Tyreek Hill wouldn’t be surprising at all, but depth still appears to be an issue for the Dolphins at wide receiver. Behind Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the safe bets are Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, while Erik Ezukanma will compete with Dee Eskridge, undrafted rookie Theo Wease Jr., and others for one or two additional roster spots.
Tight end (3)
Jonnu Smith, Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill
The emergence of Jonnu Smith in the second half of last season led to the tight end position finally being a consistent factor in Mike McDaniel’s offense—and Pharaoh Brown was brought in this offseason to do a lot of the dirty work as a blocker. Julian Hill (48% offensive snaps played last season) will have a decreased role behind Brown, but he’s still expected to make the team.
Offensive tackle (4)
Patrick Paul, Austin Jackson, Larry Borom, Kion Smith
Miami made a big investment in Patrick Paul with a second-round pick in 2024, and it could be argued he’s one of the most important players in the entire league entering this season; if he struggles, the Dolphins could be doomed by a below-average offensive line. Two of Larry Borom, Kion Smith, and Braeden Daniels should fill in behind Paul and right tackle Austin Jackson.
Interior offensive line (6)
James Daniels, Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea (R), Liam Eichenberg, Andrew Meyer, Jackson Carman
This offseason, Miami not only spent a second-round pick on another offensive lineman—but also traded up into the top 40 for projected right guard Jonah Savaiinaea. They also signed James Daniels in free agency and return Aaron Brewer at center, so Patrick Paul and Savaiinaea will be counted on as linchpins. Jackson Carman is the question mark in terms of making the roster, and it’ll probably come down to whether the Dolphins keep nine or 10 offensive linemen.
Interior defensive line (6)
Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant (R), Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips (R), Matt Dickerson, Neil Farrell
The selection of Kenneth Grant—who we thought was a top-10 prospect—at No. 13 overall speaks to Miami knowing they need to be bigger, stronger, and tougher to compete. Grant should draw plenty of double teams to free up Zach Sieler, and the headlining competition for the Dolphins this summer could be between Matt Dickerson, Neil Farrell, and seventh-round rookie Zeek Biggers for two spots (and perhaps just one).
Outside linebacker (5)
Jaelan Phillips, Chop Robinson, Bradley Chubb, Mohamed Kamara, Quinton Bell
Jaelan Phillips is working to be cleared for Week 1 after tearing his ACL last October, but a delayed debut is certainly possible to open up another roster spot. If he’s good to go, Phillips should be one of five edge defenders with Mohamed Kamara and Quinton Bell being clear favorites behind the impressive top three.
Inside linebacker (4)
Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., K.J. Britt
The starting duo of Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson should be solidified for Miami, so watch the depth/numbers here with veteran signings Willie Gay Jr. and K.J. Britt trying to hold off Channing Tindall (who might benefit from a change of scenery) and undrafted rookie Eugene Asante,
Cornerback (5)
Cam Smith, Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, Jason Marshall Jr. (R), Artie Burns
Jalen Ramsey being traded is a foregone conclusion with both sides agreeing he’s played his last snap with the team, and we can count on the Dolphins signing someone such as Rasul Douglas or Asante Samuel Jr. before Week 1. For now, 2023 second-rounder Cam Smith is the top outside cornerback and has the talent to be an impact player if focused, but Miami is looking for anyone to step up on the perimeter with Kader Kohou established in the slot.
Safety (4)
Ashtyn Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dante Trader Jr. (R), Elijah Campbell
The Dolphins are counting on Ashtyn Davis (signed from the Jets) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (signed from the Lions) to be their starting safety duo in 2025, but they’ll be in a tough spot if one or two guys don’t emerge at cornerback to make things easier on them versus high-flying offenses on the schedule. Maybe we’ll see fifth-round rookie Dante Trader Jr. become the rare Day 3 star on a roster that could use some draft hits.
Special teams (3)
Jason Sanders, Ryan Stonehouse, Blake Ferguson
Jason Sanders and Blake Ferguson are in no danger of losing their roster spots at kicker and long snapper, respectively, but former Second-team All-Pro Ryan Stonehouse—signed after three years in Tennessee—is the clear favorite to win the punting job over Jake Bailey.