The Miami Dolphins’ 2025 rookies report to camp Tuesday, and several have prime opportunities to make an immediate impact. With multiple positions lacking depth, the Dolphins’ incoming draft class could collectively see plenty of action come Week 1.
Leading the way is first-round defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, who is expected to slot in as a starter alongside veteran captain Zach Sieler. Miami invested heavily in Grant, selecting him with the No. 13 overall pick in April.
The Dolphins continuing their theme of fortifying the defensive trenches on Day 3 of the draft when they picked two more defensive linemen: Maryland’s Jordan Phillips and Georgia Tech’s Zeek Biggers. Miami’s interior defensive line lacks experience, making the early play of these additions crucial. Both Phillips and Biggers could carve out roles for themselves, while Grant will carry the spotlight as a potential franchise-caliber tackle.
On the offensive side, the Dolphins traded up in the second round to select Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea. While he remains unsigned, Miami would be wise to finalize his rookie deal quickly given the thin depth on the offensive line. If a deal gets done soon — ideally before preseason games — Savaiinaea could help bolster a Dolphins interior that lacked a formidable presence last season.
The Dolphins also used the draft to address needs in the secondary, selecting Florida cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. and Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. Both rookies could compete for significant snap counts as the season approaches. Miami’s cornerback room is among the NFL’s most unproven, especially after a blockbuster trade that sent Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, that deal also strengthened the safety unit with the return of Minkah Fitzpatrick, who came back to South Florida in the same trade that shipped tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers.
Beyond Fitzpatrick, safety depth remains a concern. Free-agent additions Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu are looking to earn more playing time than they saw with their previous teams, but Trader is a name to watch in camp.
Rounding out Miami’s draft class were two skill-position players: Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon III and Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. Gordon joins a backfield that already features De’Von Achane’s pass-catching prowess and second-year runner Jaylen Wright, who is poised for an increased workload following Raheem Mostert’s departure to Las Vegas. Ewers, a developmental seventh-round pick, will ideally push free-agent addition Zach Wilson for the backup job behind Tua Tagovailoa.
Outside the draft, Miami brought in a robust class of 15 undrafted free agents. Defensive names to watch include UCF cornerback BJ Adams and Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante. Adams, a tall boundary corner, could challenge previous undrafted signees like Storm Duck, Isaiah Johnson, and Ethan Bonner. Asante, an undersized but speedy linebacker, will likely need to earn his spot via special teams.
On offense, the Dolphins signed four undrafted wide receivers and three offensive linemen. Former Arkansas receiver Andrew Armstrong stands 6’4 and led the SEC in receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,140) in 2024,. Missouri’s Theo Wease Jr. offers a different skill set as a reliable chain-mover and willing blocker, while speedsters Monaray Baldwin (Baylor) and AJ Henning (Northwestern) could factor into the return game competition.
On the offensive line, Michigan’s Josh Priebe could push for an interior role, while Western Michigan’s Tedi Kushi may contend for swing tackle duties. Kushi’s college teammate Addison West brings center experience, adding to the competition among Miami’s reserve linemen.
The 2025 offseason was all about getting younger and establishing a new culture in South Florida. The Dolphins certainly succeeded in injecting youth into the roster, but whether this new blood can help reset the franchise’s mindset in 2025 and beyond remains to be seen.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins rookies report to training camp Tuesday