The Burning Questions That Remain After Miami Dolphins Minicamp
Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins wrapped up their offseason program, and while optimism surrounds the team, there is pressure for the talented squad to take the next step. On the heels of an 11-win season, they’re looking for a way to get past the Buffalo Bills and become the No. 1 team in the AFC East. Head coach Mike McDaniel has done a good job overall, and there’s new blood to supplement their core, but will that be enough to make a run?
With more than a month between the end of the offseason work and the start of training camp, the Dolphins have a few areas where questions remain. Let’s dive into what should be the four primary focuses for them in camp.
Will A Talented Front Seven Come Together Quickly Enough?
The Dolphins have more than enough talent in the front seven, especially when it comes to pass rushers. The problem is they have several new faces on the defensive line and their top pass rushers are coming back from serious injuries. Jaelen Phillips, who has 22 sacks in his first three seasons, is rehabbing his Achilles, which he tore back in November. Bradley Chubb, who racked up 11 sacks in 2023, is coming back from an ACL he suffered in Week 17.
Miami signed veteran Shaq Barrett and used the 21st pick overall on Chop Robinson. That means they can afford to be patient and allow Phillips and Chubb to ensure they’re 100 percent healthy before they go full speed. Having them back to close out the season is far more important than getting them on the field in Week 1.
Injuries shouldn’t be the major concern on the defensive line, but patience may need to be practiced. Miami saw Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis exit in free agency. Zach Sieler is the lone returning starter for their three-man front, but they have other capable options in Teair Tart, Jonathan Harris, Neville Gallimore, and Benito Jones. The Dolphins will need a committee approach which might need tweaking early on.
Has A Lead Running Back Emerged?
Tennessee standout Jaylen Wright falling to Miami in Round 4 felt completely unfair to the rest of the NFL. He’s an explosive back who ran for 1,013 yards in the SEC last year. He has the speed to take it the distance on any play and while his vision has been questioned, he landed with the perfect team in Miami. McDaniels’ run scheme (the same scheme Kyle Shanahan famously uses) has gotten the best out of every back. That’s why Raheem Mostert had his first-ever 1,000-yard campaign at the age of 31, while also leading with 18 touchdowns.
Mostert wound up being the lead back in 2023 but it appeared rookie De’Von Achane was going to be the star early on. He burst onto the scene with 203 yards in a Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos. He followed that up with two 100-yard outings before being injured. Achane still finished with 800 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie.
Heading into camp, the Dolphins again need to figure out who the lead back will be. All three will have their share of touches but the starter will be the one who sets the tone.
Mostert hasn’t been doing much this offseason, which makes sense due to his age and injury history. While he’s being preserved for the regular season, Achane has been showing well in camp. He’s handled the job well and showed signs of improvement. Achane’s strong camp can be the springboard to becoming the No. 1 back, but don’t be surprised to see a heavy dose of Mostert and Wright as well.
Can the Center Hold Around Aaron Brewer?
Connor Williams moved from guard to center after signing with Miami and was playing at a high level before a torn ACL derailed him in December. He’s taking his time to get healthy before signing anywhere, leaving the Dolphins to turn their attention to Aaron Brewer. Signed this offseason to a three-year, $21 million contract, Brewer is a vastly different player than Williams. First, he’s quite a bit smaller at 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, compared to Williams’ 6-foot-5, 312-pound frame.
As Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun Herald points out, Brewer was added due to his athleticism but might have a hard time facing oversized zero-tech defensive tackles. Due to his contract and a lack of other options, Miami needs to make this work. They also have to figure things out at guard with Robert Hunt leaving in the offseason.
Is There Enough Depth In the Secondary?
As long as Jalen Ramsey is in the secondary, they have a chance. Having said that, the depth is concerning at cornerback and safety. Kendall Fuller joined the mix this offseason, but they need Nik Needham, Kadar Kohou, or Cam Smith to step up this year.
It’s the same story at safety. While Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer are a strong starting duo, the reserves leave a lot to be desired. Elijah Mitchell might be the best option behind the starters but he’s primarily been a special teams ace to this point. Even after signing Marcus Maye last week, perhaps they still need to look to the open market or pay attention to the waiver wire as cuts are made. Right now, this group has to be the most concerning area on the roster.
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