Dolphins Blurbs

[Finsup1981]

Waddles thoughts on our young CBs:

Dolphins cornerbacks 'look extremely good' in minicamp despite Jalen Ramsey's absence, Jaylen Waddle says

Ramsey has been sidelined while he and Dolphins work to find a trade

www.cbssports.com

According to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who squares off against that group each day on the practice field, the corners have risen to the occasion this offseason.

Kader Kohou is the only returning starter of the bunch with his nine starts with the Dolphins last season. The team also brought in Kendall Sheffield and Artie Burns this offseason, but they are both well removed from their most recent stints as full-time starters. Despite the inexperience, the corners left an impression on Waddle in minicamp.

"They look extremely good," Waddle said, via ESPN. "I'm not going to lie to y'all, they are making it really tough on the receivers. They're playing true to their technique. I think they're doing a good job of taking what they do in individual [drills] to when we go into team [drills]. We're going to need them to step up and be key for us. I'm happy that they are doing extremely good."




Cam Smith and Ethan Bonner enter their third year with the Dolphins this season, but neither brings starting experience to the mix. Isaiah Johnson joined the active roster after spending his rookie year on the practice squad. Fifth-rounder Jason Marshall Jr. rounds out the unit as a young newcomer. At least one of that bunch will likely have to step into a larger role in 2025 as the Dolphins backfill their depth chart.

"It's just a bunch of young guys who are hungry," Johnson said to ESPN. "We had some vets last year, we had some big names, and now just like the league is, there's some turnover and you got some guys who are just ready to come and work every day. I think there's no reason to question it because nothing's been shown and there's nothing to hate on right now. So everybody's here ready to work, ready to show and earn their stripes and ready to earn the fans' support."

 

[Finsup1981]

Travis Wingfields thoughts on the first 2 days of camp:

Day 1 of Dolphins minicamp in the books, some notes:The Tua-to-Waddle connection continues to provide fireworks. They're playing on the same clock. Ball is on him right out of breaks, and Waddle is running like people are chasing him.My favorite play was a 40-yard TD. Tua worked the front side with a little shoulder-roll/pump, pulling an underneath defender out of the window, then he layered it to Waddle who caught it in stride and showed the 4.2 speed.Last play of the day is 55-yard TD from Tua to Malik. Burns was in Malik's hip pocket but Tua could not have handed it off any better.

Day 2 of
@MiamiDolphins
minicamp is in the books. Willie Gay was my standout performer today. What was already a good day with tight coverage, effective rushes and run defense was capped with a pick six off Zach Wilson.

It was a good day for the linebackers in general. Jordyn Brooks stayed in phase with Tanner Conner on a coverage rep 30 yards down the field and brought his usual juice/anticipation to the run D. KJ Britt had a nice diagnosis-and-go TFL at one point.

Storm Duck had a PBU on a ball from Tua to Waddle - he's been around the ball all spring. So has Isaiah Johnson - he almost got another diving pick today. Iffy did snag a pick on a high throw from Tua. Ball was so off the mark I imagine it was a miscommunication with the WR.

Waddle continues to catch a million passes from Tua, and Achane continues to makes plays from all over the offensive formation. I thought the OL kind of got what they wanted early. Achane had a big run off the right side and Jaylen Wright might've had a long TD in live football - he got a good lane from Paul and Jonah (thought Jonah was excellent today) and hit a wicked cut back to find that lane.

BJ Adams had his daily physically dominant rep where he shuts the route down early. Artie Burns had a good play in coverage after a strong re-route.

Tyreek ran routes and caught passes with a helmet on throughout the practice. That's all I've got for here - for more, check out the Drive Time podcast posting later tonight.

 

[Finsup1981]

@djphinfan you might be right about Willie Gay gonna be hard to keep him off the field…I hope they have some sub packages with him in mind, let’s not let him rot on the bench and get him in for 15-20 plays a game or more

 

[Finsup1981]

David Drakes of NFL Weekly thoughts on our offseason, dunno about Borom being considered quality depth:

The Miami Dolphins
Now onto Part 13 of my 32 Part Special talking about one NFL Franchise each week and this week we are in The AFC East with The Miami Dolphins.

We will start with the Notable Free Agency Signings that were made by The Miami Dolphins and they were mainly on the Offensive Line in my opinion with them both going slightly younger and adding depth across The Offensive Line with them signing Guard James Daniels on a 3 year $24m Deal and also signing Tackle Larry Borom who will add some quality depth to that position.

In the 2025 Draft their two most Notale Draft Picks were in the first Two Rounds with them strenghtening both The Defensive Line and Offensive Line with these two picks. In the 1st Round they picked an Outstanding Defensive Tackle in my opinion in Kenneth Grant whom I believe is in with a shout of getting Defensive Rookie of the year in my opinion and with their 2nd Round Pick where they chose Offensive Guard Jonah Savaiinaea who will add strength to that Line and will immiediately will challenge for a starting position.

Now for my feelings on the Season ahead for The Miami Dolphins and they are firstly with all the murmurings coming out of Miami of discontentment especially from Players like Wide Reciever Tyreek Hill who has been voicing his discontentment with The Miami Dolphins the past couple of Seasons and the recent Trade Request from their Pro Bowl Cornerback Jalen Ramsey who seems emphatic in his need to be Traded away from The Miami Dolphins, it is my view that it may be another tough season for them with their supposed leaders on the team wanting to jump ship at the earliest opportunity so it is my View that no matter how good the Head Coach in Miami is or that I believe him to be without leaders on the team acting like Leaders should then I do not see how it will not be a tough Season for them although in my view they do have a decent roster and should be making the Playoffs.

The only reason they would in my view would be an excellent Head Coaching performance which in my opinion is not beyond their Head Coach Mike McDaniel who I rate very highly. But only time will tell if my summation on this is correct.

 

[danmarino7051]

David Drakes of NFL Weekly thoughts on our offseason, dunno about Borom being considered quality depth:

The Miami Dolphins
Now onto Part 13 of my 32 Part Special talking about one NFL Franchise each week and this week we are in The AFC East with The Miami Dolphins.

We will start with the Notable Free Agency Signings that were made by The Miami Dolphins and they were mainly on the Offensive Line in my opinion with them both going slightly younger and adding depth across The Offensive Line with them signing Guard James Daniels on a 3 year $24m Deal and also signing Tackle Larry Borom who will add some quality depth to that position.

In the 2025 Draft their two most Notale Draft Picks were in the first Two Rounds with them strenghtening both The Defensive Line and Offensive Line with these two picks. In the 1st Round they picked an Outstanding Defensive Tackle in my opinion in Kenneth Grant whom I believe is in with a shout of getting Defensive Rookie of the year in my opinion and with their 2nd Round Pick where they chose Offensive Guard Jonah Savaiinaea who will add strength to that Line and will immiediately will challenge for a starting position.

Now for my feelings on the Season ahead for The Miami Dolphins and they are firstly with all the murmurings coming out of Miami of discontentment especially from Players like Wide Reciever Tyreek Hill who has been voicing his discontentment with The Miami Dolphins the past couple of Seasons and the recent Trade Request from their Pro Bowl Cornerback Jalen Ramsey who seems emphatic in his need to be Traded away from The Miami Dolphins, it is my view that it may be another tough season for them with their supposed leaders on the team wanting to jump ship at the earliest opportunity so it is my View that no matter how good the Head Coach in Miami is or that I believe him to be without leaders on the team acting like Leaders should then I do not see how it will not be a tough Season for them although in my view they do have a decent roster and should be making the Playoffs.

The only reason they would in my view would be an excellent Head Coaching performance which in my opinion is not beyond their Head Coach Mike McDaniel who I rate very highly. But only time will tell if my summation on this is correct.

David Drakes writes like my azz drops turds in the toilet. Lol… I think I had 4 seizures while reading this.

 

[Finsup1981]

David Drakes writes like my azz drops turds in the toilet. Lol… I think I had 4 seizures while reading this.

For a professional writer he’d pretty bad lol

 

[Finsup1981]

Article on most impactful rookies, interesting they chose Trader over Grant or Savaii, been hearing a lot of good things about him…our next 5th round defensive gem? Like the Pro Bowl potential comment, to get that in the 5th? We need another Reshad Jones

Miami Dolphins - Dantè Trader, Safety

The roster for the Miami Dolphins is in flux and with it, their contender window is quickly closing. In a division that has gotten better, they needed to replace their losses with solid pieces to stave off a drastic decline.
One of the best pickups in the draft class could be Maryland’s Dantè Trader. After losing former standout Jevon Holland in free agency, they needed to find a solid replacement. Trader posseses the size, speed and coverage skills to be a Pro Bowl caliber safety at the NFL level and should help steady Miami’s backend. He is easily the most naturally talented in the safety room and has a chance to step in early for this defense.

Buffalo Bills - Maxwell Hairston, Cornerback

The defensive secondary was once a strength of the Buffalo Bills, and over the last couple of seasons age and injury have crippled them. After last season’s playoff collapse that saw their depth exposed, Buffalo had no choice but to address the position group in the draft.
The front office decided to grab one of the most athletic players in the draft class to bolster their ranks. Maxwell Hairston is a blazer who can man up with receivers outside the numbers or in the slot. He will now pair with Christian Benford and give the Bills a solid number two who can play in any spot if needed. His ability could help Sean McDermott and Buffalo get over the hump and finally get that elusive Super Bowl berth.

New England Patriots - Kyle Williams, Wide Receiver

The modern iteration of the New England Patriots have lacked the top end talent at receiver others have enjoyed. Since Randy Moss, the Pats have had maybe two above average receivers pass through their franchise. That will change in 2025.
Not only did the team add Stefon Diggs, but they also drafted Washington State’s Kyle Williams. Williams is a speedy receiver with the route-running prowess of a 10-year NFL veteran. He will have the chance to learn from Diggs while also developing into a 1B option for Drake Maye. Diggs is on the downside of his career, so Williams could end up being the top target by season’s end.

New York Jets - Mason Taylor, Tight End

There is yet another new regime in the Big Apple as Aaron Glenn looks to turn the embattled franchise around. He team has been floating between bottom feeder and potential playoff contender for years, and now will look to make a leap in 2025.
Glenn is choosing to move forward with Justin Fields as his quarterback so building the arsenal around him is paramount. The one thing that has been a trend has been tight ends having early success in the league and the Jets have a good one in Mason Taylor. Taylor can play in the slot or as a traditional in-line tight end. He will help pull coverage from the boundaries to open up the one on one opportunities for Garrett Wilson while exposing mismatches in the middle of the field. He could easily be this season’s Sam LaPorta and put the Jets in position to be a sleeper in 2025.

 

[Finsup1981]

Article on 3 players to avoid in your fantasy league, our boy made number 1 on the list:

Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Tyreke Hill’s ADP currently is 34.4 per PFF and being selected as the WR21 overall. Hill’s downfall came last season, finishing with 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Compared to his previous two seasons in Miami, Hill was not the same dangerous threat at wide receiver as in the past.

The quarterback position took a hit after Tua Tagovailoa missed four games with a concussion. Another factor is that Hill is now 31 and in a dynasty league that is considered over the Hill (no pun intended). His speed is slowing down, and Hill had wrist issues last season. Wear and tear, plus the passage of time, will always catch even the fastest wide receivers in the NFL. The time would be now to move on from Hill, although that will be difficult, as many league managers are trying to aim for youth.

 

[Finsup1981]

Some more context on how we used Achane and Jonnu last year:

Stat One: Top-5 Teams in Target % to Running Backs in 2024

1. New Orleans 28%
2. Pittsburgh 24%
3. Miami 23%
4. Tampa Bay 21%
5. Denver 21%

Miami’s percentage is more of a product of De’Von Achane being an elite pass catcher and athlete in space. Head Coach Mike McDaniel can get creative with his speed guys out of the backfield, and motions him into the slot more than most RBs. This role is what gives him a chance to be the best RB producer in the game in 2025.

Stat Three: Top-5 Tight Ends in Yardage % in 2024
Yardage % is the percentage of a teams total yards by the TE:

1. Trey McBride 30.8%
2. Brock Bowers 29.2%
3. George Kittle 27.8 %
4. Dallas Goedert 22.7%
5. Jonnu Smith 21.9%

Love this stat. Dallas Goedert and Jonnu Smith are names even I didn’t expect in this one.

Jonnu Smith is such an interesting study for 2025. Did he run hot on touchdowns at the end of last season? Yes. Did the Dolphins offense just randomly change in the middle of the season? Also true. However the reasoning behind his usage isn’t something that is going to go away this upcoming season. Miami’s OL play is still bad, and their QB needs to protect himself by getting the ball out. Smith will continue to be a winner as long as that is the case. He possesses speed and YAC ability that you don’t see at the TE position.

 

[Finsup1981]

Another detailed Dolphins offseason review:

Miami Dolphins
2024-25 Season: 8-9 (2nd in AFC East)
The Dolphins entered the 2024 season on a high note, coming off an explosive year as a team and hoping to lead the newly depleted AFC East (Bills post Diggs, Patriots post Bill, and the Jets), but unfortunately things didn’t go according to plan. The offense sputtered to start the year, with Tua suffering another concussion in a 31-10 week 2 loss to the Bills. He would miss the next 4 games, with the teams only win over that span being to the Patriots. Tua would return week 8, and the Dolphins would go 5-4 through week 16, before a lingering hip issue would cause him to be benched for the last 2 games, leading to the Dolphins finishing off the season 8-9 with Tyler Huntley starting those last 2 games and going 1-1. From such an intriguing and explosive team in 2023 to a disappointment in 2024, the Dolphins missed the playoffs and entered the offseason with more questions than answers. The offensive duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle worked so well in 2023, but without Tua to orchestrate, Tyreek expressed his frustrations and desire to possibly play elsewhere in 2025 (though I don’t see that as particularly likely).

The Offseason
Entering the offseason, the Dolphins had more questions than answers. Coming off a somewhat disappointing year, with uncertainties about Tua’s long term health and Tyreek’s desire to stay in Miami, it seemed as though the Dolphins would face an uphill battle. Ultimately, the Dolphins free agency period was somewhat underwhelming, starting out by releasing their aging starting RB Raheem Mostert, as well as DB Kendall Fuller and TE Durham Smythe. Their signings included QB Zach Wilson, OG James Daniels and OT Larry Borom, improving the depth across the O line and at QB (Tua’s health questions made backup QB a higher priority than it would be on most teams). They also added former Lions DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, WR Nick Westbook-Ikhine, S Ashtyn Davis, and LB Tyrel Dodson. Melifonwu, Davis, and Dodson will serve as depth on the defense, while Westbrook-Ikhine may step in as a WR3 for the team. His time in Tennessee was marred by mediocre QB play, but he brought in 9 TDs this past season, proving him effective as a red zone target.

The Draft
In this section, I’ll go selection by selection breaking down what each player adds to the team as well as what the thought process behind the pick may have been. The Dolphins made 8 selections in the Draft this year.

Round 1, Pick 13 - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The 2nd Michigan DT taken in the draft, Grant is a monster of a man at 6’4 331, and will be an instant starter on the interior of the D Line. The Dolphins ranked middle of the pack in pass rush and run stop win rate, and this pick aims to get the unit back to where they were in 2022 before Christian Wilkins left. Grant was seen as a bit of a reach at 13, but if he can take some pressure off Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips, the entire unit should improve.

Round 2, Pick 37 - Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
The Dolphins OL was one of the weaker units on the team, and Savaiinaea is a versatile attempt to fix it. He’ll play guard in the league, but at Arizona he played both Guard and Tackle, so if the Dolphins get desperate he may be an option at tackle. Savaiinaea is currently projected to start for the team at Right Guard, across from free agent acquisition James Daniels at LG. These additions and new starters will aim to open holes for Devon Achane and company in the run game as well as keeping Tua upright, as the team ranked near the bottom of the league in pass and run block win rate.

Round 5, Pick 143 - Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
More depth on the interior of the D line, Phillips will likely back up the Dolphins first round selection Kenneth Grant. Depending on the team’s opinion on a rotation, Phillips may see snaps across the line. The Dolphins run a 3-4, and although Phillips is a bit big for a 3-4 DE, that may be the best place for him to create opportunities for himself.

Round 5, Pick 150 - Jason Marshall Jr, CB, Florida
The Dolphins DB room is rather vacant outside of Jalen Ramsey, so adding young competition to the room will always be a good idea. Marshall was ranked at 112 on the consensus big board, making this selection a good value at a position of need, but he’s not without flaws. He’s got good size and is a smooth mover, but he’s a weaker tackler and could improve his catching abilities.

Round 5, Pick 155 - Dante Trader Jr, S, Maryland
Adding more depth to their DB room, Trader has good potential and could end up seeing the field at either safety position or in the nickel, but will likely be fighting for his reps. Trader ended up being number 243 on the consensus big board, making this pick a decent reach, but I won’t fault the Dolphins for increasing the size of their DB room.

Round 6, Pick 179 - Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
Gordon was a projected top RB in college football heading into the 2024 season, but an underwhelming season led to his slip to the 6th round. He’s a nice change of pace back with De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright’s speed, his power and size will be utilized, especially without Raheem Mostert. While I don’t expect to see him encroaching on Achane’s snaps at all, he could easily see the field in bigger packages and short yardage situations. Where Achane struggled this past season, running through contact and between the tackles, Gordon can excel.

Round 7, Pick 231 - Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Ewers was a guy everyone in the CFB sphere seemed to be so high on, but I never saw the talent. He was someone who showed promise early but never quite developed into a high end starter, but the traits are still there. Miami is a perfect landing spot for him, and a guy like Ewers is exactly what the Dolphins need. With Tua’s injury history and questions surrounding him every year, the Dolphins needed a backup QB with a little bit more upside than Skylar Thompson. Drafting Ewers ensures that if Tua goes down over the next 4 seasons, there’s at least an intriguing backup that will see the field and give the Dolphins a chance.

Round 7, Pick 253 - Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech
Biggers is, well, big. At 6’5” 321, he’s much more of a nose tackle than a 3-4 DE, but with Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips already selected in this class, I don’t exactly see the purpose in this pick. Injury insurance for Grant and Phillips, maybe, and in the 7th round it’s hard to pick apart any selection, but this just leaves me with more questions than answers.

The Dolphins entered this draft with the trenches in mind, while also building up the secondary quite a bit. The lack of picks between rounds 2 and 5 made for an interesting draft strategy, but it may have worked out. This isn’t to say there aren’t still holes on the roster, the offensive line still has some question marks and the WR room is a bit shallow, but for the most part the Dolphins did well. Depth is important and Miami seemed to approach day 3 with that mindset, so while you may not see these picks play in week 1, expect to hear the names more and more as the season progresses.

Outlook
While I’d love to give Dolphins fans some hope, I don’t think I can do that. While injuries can be blamed for some of the issues last year, I believe work still needs to be done to improve the offensive line and protect Tua, and the WR room needs more juice to recreate the impact the room had in 2023. While the team could have a bounce back year, I believe they’ll be on the outside looking in at the playoffs, with a long shot at a wildcard slot.

 

[Finsup1981]

Ewers listed on offseason losers cause turned down the NIL money… 1 year 8 million is crazy, his entire 4 year contract with the Fins is half of that. Cooper Flagg made 28 million???

Quinn Ewers, former Texas Longhorns QB drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft

The reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes are losing their QB Will Howard. While Howard led them to a national title, he left much to be desired—including in their regular season loss to Michigan, where he went 19-for-33 with 1 TD pass and 2 INTs at home in a rivalry game. They were willing to pay up big for Ewers, reportedly in the ballpark of roughly $8 million.
Now, what’s your legacy worth? Ewers didn’t want to leave Texas for Ohio State again (as he did when he left Southlake Carroll for OSU straight out of high school), but $8 million would have been a lot better than the 4-year, $4.33 million deal that Ewers signed with the Dolphins.
This year, QB Carson Beck is getting in the $3 million to $4 million range from Miami, as is QB Bryce Underwood from Michigan, and so is QB Darian Mensah at Duke. That’s close to double what Cam Ward made at Miami and in the ballpark of what Caleb Williams made at USC with brands and NIL money the year prior. The #1 pick in the draft, Cam Ward, is making roughly $12 million this season; Dak Prescott laughed all the way to the bank with the highest individual-year contract value in the NFL last year—around $61 million.

Back to Plank for a second. If incoming freshman QB Jackson Hamilton turns out to be a stud, could Plank pay him? What if I told you that Maryland’s offensive coordinator is Pep Hamilton—Jackson’s dad—who also happens to be a former NFL offensive coordinator for multiple teams? Paying Jackson $30 million keeps the offense intact and an elite player on your roster (and away from competitors). It could happen.

However, news released last week via The 92nd Street Y stated that Cooper Flagg made $28 million this year at Duke, which is just slightly above 50% of Steph Curry’s $55.76 million NBA max yearly contract value this past season. The NIL market is booming—even if you don’t hear loudly about it. For the right donor, in the right situation, to the right school, at the right time, it may not be long until we see even more enormous individual player NIL deals. Especially with money able to flow from donors, through the school, to players—so that donors can get the maximum goodwill (and tax-deductibility) for their gift—it may not be long until we see more $20 million or $30 million deals. Especially with the public offers already being made to fringe draft-worthy prospects like Ewers and Lee.

 

[Finsup1981]

Early 2026 mock, have us picking 18th so slight improvement but we’d be the last team to not make the playoffs if we pick at 18:

18. Miami Dolphins (9-8): Carnell Tate, Ohio State, WR, 6021, 191, 4.48, Jr
Tate gives Miami’s already potent passing attack a power boost. A former five-star recruit, Tate can do a bit of everything: savvy route-running, strong hands and a willingness to block on the edge. At 6’3”, he brings a physical presence to what has been an undersized Miami receiving corps, and will give Tua another reliable weapon.

 

[Finsup1981]

Article about each teams player they can’t lose to injury or they will collapse…completely disagree with this, the only answer can be Tua. When Reek was out vs the Jets we downed them 30-0, when Tiad out we lost to the Titans and Colts of the league.

4. Miami Dolphins — Tyreek Hill
Miami’s offense is built around speed, and Tyreek Hill is the engine. His presence warps defenses and creates space for Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle. Without Hill, Miami becomes a lot easier to defend. Tua’s efficiency plummets when his first read isn't open, and Hill often is. Losing Hill would neutralize Mike McDaniel’s offensive creativity and limit explosive plays.

 

[Finsup1981]

Offensive line rankings…lmao no way we are dead last, not with out starters in. If Eich and Borom are in at the same time then I’d have to agree…from Bryce Fisher writes for a few sites

32. Miami Dolphins
Projected starters: Patrick Paul, James Daniels, Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, Austin Jackson
This once mighty unit has lost all of their good talent, and Armstead retiring without a replacement was the last straw. Savaiinaea is a rookie playing an unfamiliar position, and the rest of the team ranges from mediocre to terrible. I expect it to be a very long season for Tua, if even manages to survive with this squad in front of him.

 

[Finsup1981]

Round table discussion on Substack, Fins related couple:


Biggest value in free agency?

Dylan: James Daniels, Miami Dolphins (3 years, $24M)

While I think it’s counterintuitive to have signed another player who is injury prone, I think the value in this contract is undeniable. James Daniels is a really good player when healthy – he’s proven he’s a steady starter before, and $8M a year is an incredible value for starting guard play in today’s league. Low-risk, high-reward signing for Miami here.

Which coach has the warmest seat right now?

Steve: Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

My real answer to this is Brian Daboll, but I’m going outside the box to pick Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. This will be his 4th year now in Miami, and could be his last if they don’t see results.