How did the Front Office really do?

[Finswatch]

OL-
James Daniels and Jonah Savanaiiea should upgrade the guard spots big time. Depth and the swing tackle need to be improved, I think we missed adding some depth in this draft namely players like Miles Frazier and Cameron Williams

Who is left who can help: G's Will Hernandez, Brandon Scherff and Dalton Risner, think adding one of them would be some nice insurance in case there are any delays in development of the rook or injury concerns. Is there a guy who could serve as a swing tackle? Maybe Jedrick Wills who played well his first two years but it's been downhill ever since, including a litany of injuries. Maybe a change of scenery helps?

Grade: B, downgraded for signing or re-signing 3 players who shouldn't be on any NFL roster and for only taking one OL in this draft.

DL-
We were down to Seiler and 3 guys who could be working for Amazon before the draft. Strangely let D'shawn Hand, who seemed like a really go fit here, leave for LA for not a lot of money.

We drafted 3 nose tackles, the first, Kenneth Grant, we hope will prove to be a 3 down player. Looks like Biggers and Phillips are strictly nose tackles but I liked the strategy to draft three DTs but it would be nice to add a guy with more experience and pass rush ability.

Who is left: How about the other Jordan Phillips, the one we drafted out of Oklahoma not that long ago? He was a good player here and in Buffalo and AZ. Not the easiest guy to get along with but who cares, I think he still has a lot left. He didn't leave Miami under McD in a huff, he wasn't fond of Gase. Hopefully he didn't burn any bridges here that would preclude him coming back.

Grade: B+ because Kenneth Grant will be a force on the D-line and think the Day 3 picks will at least be good rotational players

Secondary-
What a mess. Ramsey, Fuller, Holland and the shell of Jordan Poyer all out the door, or soon will be. We needed to get at least a couple of players out of the draft last week and I don't think we did. If someone asked me would you rather have Jason Marshall and Dante Trader or BJ Adams and John Saunders Jr., I think I'd opt for the two guys we got after the draft. I think Trader can play, he looks faster than his alleged 4.65 time. Not so sure about Marshall unless we can coach more than a few bad habits out of him.

I can't ever remember have such an inexperienced and talent thin group in the back four. Did we get a starter out of this draft and UDFA class? I don't think so. Would hate to see us throw in late round rookies or UDFAs because they are the best of the options. Wasn't really impressed with Ashtyn Davis who was a second rounder who never grabbed the starting spot for the NYJ. He's a nickel safety and the other guy we signed, Iffy, has the perfect nickname. Iffy that he'll be available to play, iffy that he'll be here in 2026.

Artie Burns was about the most Grier thing Grier did this offseason outside of re-signing the turnstiles we played last year at RG and RT.

By punting on the middle of this draft we gave up on players like Jaylen Reed and Quincy Riley, guys given the lack of DB talent on this roster, had a chance to play a lot, if not start.

Who's left: We could gamble on a greybeard like Stephon Gilmore who can still play a bit and provides leadership but the guy I really like, esp on a multiple year deal is Julian Blackmon who is young and is a proven safety. I'd be good with Justin Simmons too but he might want to go out with a real contender.

Grade: D, this is the weakest unit on the team in a league that still is a passing league and in a conference that has some great QBs and passing offenses. If you have 3 weak units going into the draft and offseason one of them is going to get hosed and for us it appears to be our secondary.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Yeah, the middle round strategy by Grier seemed odd. Agree, there were a few offensive linemen I liked in the range Miami traded out of. That 3rd rounder next year could really help, though. We'll have to wait and see.

If there's an add, I think it will be a corner. Gilmore, as you mentioned, or Douglas, who had an off year with Buffalo, seem most likely Newsome, from Cleveland, is a trade rumor out there.

Currently, I think Miami's secondary on paper is 32 out of 32 teams. That said, it's hard to know what the Dolphins really have with so much uncertainty.

 

[Kebo]

This team is a long way from great. Offensive line and secondary are the biggest weaknesses. Need our draft picks this year to hit and then hit again next year.

Patriots and Jets have new coaches. I fear they are both going to work out well for them. Patriots had one of the best drafts of any team this year. Jets got better on the OL with Membou and better at TE with Mason Taylor.

I could see us struggling to reach 500 this year.

 

[The Goat]

Thoughts on this, not necessarily in order of importance:

1) Ramsey isn't out the door. Miami and he are mutually seeking a trade. There are 24 million reasons Jalen Ramsey should show up to camp if an acceptable trade isn't reached.

2) I 100% agree on the OL FA bit.

3) I mentioned the other Jordan Phillips previously, but entirely for name entertainment purposes. Just no. There are other DT vets out there. Former Dolphin John Jenkins comes to mind.

 

[mwestberry]

OL-
James Daniels and Jonah Savanaiiea should upgrade the guard spots big time. Depth and the swing tackle need to be improved, I think we missed adding some depth in this draft namely players like Miles Frazier and Cameron Williams

Who is left who can help: G's Will Hernandez, Brandon Scherff and Dalton Risner, think adding one of them would be some nice insurance in case there are any delays in development of the rook or injury concerns. Is there a guy who could serve as a swing tackle? Maybe Jedrick Wills who played well his first two years but it's been downhill ever since, including a litany of injuries. Maybe a change of scenery helps?

Grade: B, downgraded for signing or re-signing 3 players who shouldn't be on any NFL roster and for only taking one OL in this draft.

DL-
We were down to Seiler and 3 guys who could be working for Amazon before the draft. Strangely let D'shawn Hand, who seemed like a really go fit here, leave for LA for not a lot of money.

We drafted 3 nose tackles, the first, Kenneth Grant, we hope will prove to be a 3 down player. Looks like Biggers and Phillips are strictly nose tackles but I liked the strategy to draft three DTs but it would be nice to add a guy with more experience and pass rush ability.

Who is left: How about the other Jordan Phillips, the one we drafted out of Oklahoma not that long ago? He was a good player here and in Buffalo and AZ. Not the easiest guy to get along with but who cares, I think he still has a lot left. He didn't leave Miami under McD in a huff, he wasn't fond of Gase. Hopefully he didn't burn any bridges here that would preclude him coming back.

Grade: B+ because Kenneth Grant will be a force on the D-line and think the Day 3 picks will at least be good rotational players

Secondary-
What a mess. Ramsey, Fuller, Holland and the shell of Jordan Poyer all out the door, or soon will be. We needed to get at least a couple of players out of the draft last week and I don't think we did. If someone asked me would you rather have Jason Marshall and Dante Trader or BJ Adams and John Saunders Jr., I think I'd opt for the two guys we got after the draft. I think Trader can play, he looks faster than his alleged 4.65 time. Not so sure about Marshall unless we can coach more than a few bad habits out of him.

I can't ever remember have such an inexperienced and talent thin group in the back four. Did we get a starter out of this draft and UDFA class? I don't think so. Would hate to see us throw in late round rookies or UDFAs because they are the best of the options. Wasn't really impressed with Ashtyn Davis who was a second rounder who never grabbed the starting spot for the NYJ. He's a nickel safety and the other guy we signed, Iffy, has the perfect nickname. Iffy that he'll be available to play, iffy that he'll be here in 2026.

Artie Burns was about the most Grier thing Grier did this offseason outside of re-signing the turnstiles we played last year at RG and RT.

By punting on the middle of this draft we gave up on players like Jaylen Reed and Quincy Riley, guys given the lack of DB talent on this roster, had a chance to play a lot, if not start.

Who's left: We could gamble on a greybeard like Stephon Gilmore who can still play a bit and provides leadership but the guy I really like, esp on a multiple year deal is Julian Blackmon who is young and is a proven safety. I'd be good with Justin Simmons too but he might want to go out with a real contender.

Grade: D, this is the weakest unit on the team in a league that still is a passing league and in a conference that has some great QBs and passing offenses. If you have 3 weak units going into the draft and offseason one of them is going to get hosed and for us it appears to be our secondary.

Damn ... I need a hug after that.

Your post paints a dismal picture. I can see your points.

However, and most importantly, the team hasn't even been on the field together.
On paper, it looks like the team got bigger. From the consensus, it sounds/reads like the team got more physical.

With the return of Phillips (I expect Chubb to be released) and the growth of Chop, the additions to the DL make the team deeper ... stronger.

The question for the team will lie with the offense.
On paper, the OL looks healthier and stronger.

The addition of @Qb, TE, and two free agent OL makes the team healthier and deeper.
Drafting a mean-spirited G and a powerful "no-nonsense RB is a start to changing the temperament of the offense.

This is far from a complete picture, but it's shaping up in the right direction, in my opinion.
I believe, until proven otherwise, there's hope with this group.

 

[newpilot82]

They have fixed some things, and haven’t done anything dumb like trading picks for expensive vets, restructuring bad contracts, or overpaid for free agents.

The lines are much improved with youth, and they committed to improve those areas. 2025, by all accounts, isn’t the year, but the fixed some future stuff.

I don’t have much faith and trust in Grier, but IMO this offseason is an upward trend

 

[dolfan91]

Damn ... I need a hug after that.

Your post paints a dismal picture. I can see your points.

However, and most importantly, the team hasn't even been on the field together.
On paper, it looks like the team got bigger. From the consensus, it sounds/reads like the team got more physical.

With the return of Phillips (I expect Chubb to be released) and the growth of Chop, the additions to the DL make the team deeper ... stronger.

The question for the team will lie with the offense.
On paper, the OL looks healthier and stronger.

The addition of @Qb, TE, and two free agent OL makes the team healthier and deeper.
Drafting a mean-spirited G and a powerful "no-nonsense RB is a start to changing the temperament of the offense.

This is far from a complete picture, but it's shaping up in the right direction, in my opinion.
I believe, until proven otherwise, there's hope with this group.

I think the F/O punted. For what and who, is impossible to know at this moment. Those missing 3rd and 4th round picks for the moment, look like lost opportunities.

 

[MARINO1384]

Highly unlikely they sign anyone especially most of the stop gaps you’ve mentioned. They are doing a soft reset and that means getting useless contracts off the books and not wasting money. Miami will likely need most of their remaining cap to trade Ramsey. Hopefully they take the whole hit this year instead of trying to spread it out which will set us up nicely next year.

Don’t expect anyone over vet minimum maybe Ramsey trade comes with a player. Oline maybe Wynn resigning, would love Trystan colon. Both vet minimum players that won’t hurt salary cap. Corner is picked bone dry nothing but retirement home guys and damaged goods, roll with what you got. Cam smith time to sink or swim.

 

[Ray R]

Damn ... I need a hug after that.

Your post paints a dismal picture. I can see your points.

However, and most importantly, the team hasn't even been on the field together.
On paper, it looks like the team got bigger. From the consensus, it sounds/reads like the team got more physical.

With the return of Phillips (I expect Chubb to be released) and the growth of Chop, the additions to the DL make the team deeper ... stronger.

The question for the team will lie with the offense.
On paper, the OL looks healthier and stronger.

The addition of @Qb, TE, and two free agent OL makes the team healthier and deeper.
Drafting a mean-spirited G and a powerful "no-nonsense RB is a start to changing the temperament of the offense.

This is far from a complete picture, but it's shaping up in the right direction, in my opinion.
I believe, until proven otherwise, there's hope with this group.

I agree!

 

[The Goat]

Damn ... I need a hug after that.

Your post paints a dismal picture. I can see your points.

However, and most importantly, the team hasn't even been on the field together.
On paper, it looks like the team got bigger. From the consensus, it sounds/reads like the team got more physical.

With the return of Phillips (I expect Chubb to be released) and the growth of Chop, the additions to the DL make the team deeper ... stronger.

The question for the team will lie with the offense.
On paper, the OL looks healthier and stronger.

The addition of @Qb, TE, and two free agent OL makes the team healthier and deeper.
Drafting a mean-spirited G and a powerful "no-nonsense RB is a start to changing the temperament of the offense.

This is far from a complete picture, but it's shaping up in the right direction, in my opinion.
I believe, until proven otherwise, there's hope with this group.

Why on Earth would Miami release Bradley Chubb? It would literally cost the team nearly $24mm MORE over the next two seasons to cut him rather than keep him in 2025.

 

[dolfan91]

To answer the question, on how the Dolphins F/O did this offseason?

I've got mixed emotions on a mixed bag of moves.

James Dainels was a solid move and they got him on a cheaper deal then expected. If he's 100% healthy he's a huge upgrade.

The F/A WR Miami signed, seems like a sure upgrade over anyone playing in 3rd WR role, Miami's thrown out there, since McDaniel got here.

The 2 safeties the Dolphins signed during F/A, are both intriguing and worrisome. Davis appears to be a sub package player with a knack for making Int's. He also appears to be pretty good in coverage. The kid from Detroit, is another injury prone swing at a potential starter with good coverage skills. I'm not high on the prospects these two additions bring. Mainly due to the injury history questions.

As for the draft. Well I was ecstatic over Both Grant and Savaiinaea. Then complete disappointment, after Grier punted on both his 3rd and 4th round picks, in a draft littered with great depth. Phillips is a kid who's, only 20 yrs old, but does possess great upside and ability. Kind of player, who I think outperforms his draft position. Marshall and Trader are both kids who completely took the fan base by surprise. Neither was a standout college player at their respective positions. Marshall feels like a universal reach, while Trader appears to have some workable traits, especially his aggressiveness. I actually believe he'll turn into one of the best Special Teams players in the league. But what else can he bring? Biggers who tested very well, looks to bring some size and girth to the Dline. Miami appears to be intent on giving Biggers some serious playing time. Especially considering he's only the 5th Dlineman on the team. The lack of experienced bodies is extremely concerning. Savaiinaea and Ollie Gordon are my personal favorites in this draft class. Both bring a unique skillset to the offense. Savaiinaea is a nimble footed and aggressive player. With huge upside, once he gets stronger and improves in the running game. But for right now his ability to move is where I think Miami and McDaniel takes true advantage. As for Ollie Gordon, I can't say enough about this kid. McDaniel has put together, quite the stable of RB's. Each with their own unique skillset.

UDFA appears to have found several players who had draftable grades. This group, potentially represents Miami's best group of UDFA, in quite some time.

Conyers seems like a huge upgrade over Conners.

Saunders appears to be a more athletic Rashad Jones. The kid really brings the goods and have no idea why he wasn't drafted.

Armstrong and Wease are two kids that'll challenge for a roster spot. The 5th/6th WR is up for grabs, one of these kids potentially wins out.

Oladapo is a dynamo. Plays 100%, 1000% of the times. I'm not sleeping on this kid.

Finally Robinson is the epitome of aggression. Plays with his hair on fire and could be a serious contender for the nickel role, in time.

The fear I have is in the depth of offensive and defensive lines. There's absolutely no experience behind Sieler. And if Miami has to rely on Carmen and Eichenberg, their in big trouble. And to make things worse, the secondary is made up of no names and might be Miami's Achilles heal this year. Not much starting experience past Kohou. It could be a looooong season ahead.

 

[Danny]

Damn ... I need a hug after that.

Your post paints a dismal picture. I can see your points.

However, and most importantly, the team hasn't even been on the field together.
On paper, it looks like the team got bigger. From the consensus, it sounds/reads like the team got more physical.

With the return of Phillips (I expect Chubb to be released) and the growth of Chop, the additions to the DL make the team deeper ... stronger.

The question for the team will lie with the offense.
On paper, the OL looks healthier and stronger.

The addition of @Qb, TE, and two free agent OL makes the team healthier and deeper.
Drafting a mean-spirited G and a powerful "no-nonsense RB is a start to changing the temperament of the offense.

This is far from a complete picture, but it's shaping up in the right direction, in my opinion.
I believe, until proven otherwise, there's hope with this group.

why do you expect Chubb to be released?

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

To answer the question, on how the Dolphins F/O did this offseason?

I've got mixed emotions on a mixed bag of moves.

James Dainels was a solid move and they got him on a cheaper deal then expected. If he's 100% healthy he's a huge upgrade.

The F/A WR Miami signed, seems like sure upgrade over anyone playing in 3rd WR role, Miami's thrown out there, since McDaniel got here.

The 2 safeties the Dolphins signed during F/A, are both intriguing and worrisome. Davis appears to be a sub package player with a knack for making Int's. He also appears to be pretty good in coverage. The kid from Detroit, is another injury prone swing at a potential starter with good coverage skills. I'm not high on the prospects these two additions bring. Mainly due to the injury history questions.

As for the draft. Well I was ecstatic over Both Grant and Savaiinaea. Then complete disappointment, after Grier punted on both his 3rd and 4th round picks, in a draft littered with great depth. Phillips is a kid who's, only 20 yrs old, but does possess great upside and ability. Kind of player, who I think outperforms his draft position. Marshall and Trader are both kids who completely took the fan base by surprise. Neither was a standout college player at their respective positions. Marshall feels like a universal reach, while Trader appears to have some workable traits, especially his aggressiveness. I actually believe he'll turn into one of the best Special Teams players in the league. But what else can he bring? Biggers who tested very well, looks to bring some size and girth to the Dline. Miami appears to be intent on giving Biggers some serious playing time. Especially considering he's only the 5th Dlineman on the team. The lack of experienced bodies is extremely concerning. Savaiinaea and Ollie Gordon are my personal favorites in this draft class. Both bring a unique skillset to the offense. Savaiinaea is a nimble footed and aggressive player. With huge upside, once he gets stronger and improves in the running game. But for right now his ability to move is where I think Miami and McDaniel takes true advantage. As for Ollie Gordon, I can't say enough about this kid. McDaniel has put together, quite the stable of RB's. Each with their own unique skillset.

UDFA appears to have found several players who had draftable grades. This group, potentially represents Miami's best group of UDFA, in quite some time.

Conyers seems like a huge upgrade over Conners.

Saunders appears to be a more athletic Rashad Jones. The kid really brings the goods and have no idea why he wasn't drafted.

Armstrong and Wease are two kids that'll challenge for a roster spot. The 5th/6th WR is up for grabs, one of these kids potentially wins out.

Oladapo is a dynamo. Plays 100%, 1000% of the times. I'm not sleeping on this kid.

Finally Robinson is the epitome of aggression. Plays with his hair on fire and could be a serious contender for the nickel role, in time.

The fear I have is in the depth of offensive and defensive lines. There's absolutely no experience behind Sieler. And if Miami has to rely on Carmen and Eichenberg, their in big trouble. And to make things worse, the secondary is made up of no names and might be Miami's Achilles heal this year. Not much starting experience past Kohou. It could be a looooong season ahead.

Great writeup. I agree that we'll see growing pains.

I think Grier will still sign a veteran corner (Gilmore, Douglas) and possibly a defensive lineman.

 

[Finswatch]

Yeah, the middle round strategy by Grier seemed odd. Agree, there were a few offensive linemen I liked in the range Miami traded out of. That 3rd rounder next year could really help, though. We'll have to wait and see.

If there's an add, I think it will be a corner. Gilmore, as you mentioned, or Douglas, who had an off year with Buffalo, seem most likely Newsome, from Cleveland, is a trade rumor out there.

Currently, I think Miami's secondary on paper is 32 out of 32 teams. That said, it's hard to know what the Dolphins really have with so much uncertainty.

Douglas wouldn't be terrible. I'd rather have a slower guy with ability like him than a younger player who doesn't know what's going on

This team is a long way from great. Offensive line and secondary are the biggest weaknesses. Need our draft picks this year to hit and then hit again next year.

Patriots and Jets have new coaches. I fear they are both going to work out well for them. Patriots had one of the best drafts of any team this year. Jets got better on the OL with Membou and better at TE with Mason Taylor.

I could see us struggling to reach 500 this year.

Pats and Jets got new GMs too, which I think helped them both.

 

[Finswatch]

Damn ... I need a hug after that.

Your post paints a dismal picture. I can see your points.

However, and most importantly, the team hasn't even been on the field together.
On paper, it looks like the team got bigger. From the consensus, it sounds/reads like the team got more physical.

With the return of Phillips (I expect Chubb to be released) and the growth of Chop, the additions to the DL make the team deeper ... stronger.

The question for the team will lie with the offense.
On paper, the OL looks healthier and stronger.

The addition of @Qb, TE, and two free agent OL makes the team healthier and deeper.
Drafting a mean-spirited G and a powerful "no-nonsense RB is a start to changing the temperament of the offense.

This is far from a complete picture, but it's shaping up in the right direction, in my opinion.
I believe, until proven otherwise, there's hope with this group.

I guess we all kinda knew it was going to be a dismal offseason,
And honestly even with cap space and 10 picks that were used well, it would be tough to fix all 3 key areas we've mentioned. Grier had some bad luck with Ramsey and Armstead but I think he's always lacked the vision, talent evaluating skills and creativity to put together solid rosters. There's always a hole and it's because he doesn't draft well enough. the 2020 and 2021 drafts could have set us up for a decade had he drafted more competently. Not to be even more pessimistic but if Grier couldn't put together a solid nucleus with the 20 and 21 drafts with all those first and second day picks he had how is he going to rebuild the roster with this draft and next year's? I'd submit to you that he hasn't gotten off to a great (re)start with his results from this draft.