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  • Ifeatu Melifonwu Returns to Miami in a Historic Preseason Matchup

    Ifeatu Melifonwu Returns to Miami in a Historic Preseason Matchup

    For the first time in over 20 years, the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins will play a preseason game—a big deal and a historic occasion that has everyone excited. The last time these two teams played before the regular season was in 1999 and Miami won 31-10. This game breaks up the monotony of summer practices and gives both teams a chance to evaluate their rosters before the new season.

    One of the many storylines for this game is Ifeatu Melifonwu’s return to the field against his former team. For Melifonwu, this game is more than just a preseason game—it’s a moment of reflection, redemption, and reinvention.

    Detroit’s Defensive Challenge

    The Miami Dolphins have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. They can stretch defenses vertically, and horizontally and that’s a tough task for any team—and the Detroit Lions’ young defense is no exception.

    This preseason game gives the Lions a chance to test their defensive cohesion and adaptability against some of the league’s best. Can the young Lions defenders rise to the occasion? Or will Miami’s high powered offense expose some weaknesses that need to be addressed before the regular season?

    The answers to those questions will not only shape Detroit’s defensive strategy going forward but also give them a good idea of how far they’ve come as a unit.

    Ifeatu Melifonwu: A Homecoming of Sorts

    Among the storylines surrounding this game, none is more interesting than Ifeatu Melifonwu’s. Once a Lions prospect, Melifonwu’s time in Detroit was flashes of brilliance interrupted by injuries that limited his impact. Despite his potential, his time in Detroit came to an end, and now he’s with the Dolphins.

    Now he’s facing his former team, and he’s at a crossroads. His versatility as a defensive back—able to play multiple positions—was once praised by Lions coach Dan Campbell, who saw him as a player with untapped potential. But injuries derailed those plans, and now fans are left wondering what could have been.

    This is more than just a chance for Melifonwu to show off his skills; it’s a chance to prove himself to his new team and maybe to himself. Stepping on the field against his former teammates, Melifonwu’s performance could be a turning point in his career—a statement he still belongs in the NFL.

    Looking Ahead

    Preseason games rarely define a team’s entire season, but they do offer valuable lessons and opportunities to grow. For the Detroit Lions, this is a chance to solidify team chemistry, evaluate young talent and identify areas to improve before it gets real.

    For Ifeatu Melifonwu this game means more. It’s a homecoming of sorts—a chance to look back, look around and look forward. Whether he’s covering Tyreek Hill or breaking up passes to Jaylen Waddle, Melifonwu will be under the microscope.

    As the Lions and Dolphins write the next chapter in their preseason history, this game is a reminder of the ever changing narratives that make the NFL so fun. From roster battles to personal redemption stories, every snap tells a story—and this one will be a good one.

  • Is Tyreek Hill Selfishness Hurting the Miami Dolphins?

    Is Tyreek Hill Selfishness Hurting the Miami Dolphins?

    The Miami Dolphins are under the gun going into 2025. Fans and pundits want more than just playoff appearances, they want deep runs, meaningful wins and an end to the longest playoff drought in the NFL. Since Mike McDaniel took over as head coach the Dolphins have made the playoffs twice and lost in the first round both times. Last year was even worse, they didn’t make the playoffs at all.

    They have a roster full of talent but can’t get it all to click when it matters. And while there are many reasons for their inconsistency one name keeps popping up: Tyreek Hill.

    Tyreek Hill’s Pursuit of 2,000 Yards

    Tyreek Hill is one of the most exciting players in the NFL. His speed, agility, and ability to change the game with one play makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But his personal goals might be trumping the team’s needs.

    Last year, he came close to 2,000 receiving yards – a feat only a handful of players have ever done. This offseason, he doubled down on that goal, saying 2,000 yards is his number one priority for 2025. While setting high goals is great, this singular focus raises concerns about how it will impact the team.

    Hill’s desire to break records puts a ton of pressure on the offense to feed him the ball all the time. Unfortunately, catering to Hill’s stats could come at the expense of balance in the offense – and ultimately the team.

    The Cost of Feeding Hill

    When teams focus too much on one player, it creates holes elsewhere. Opposing defenses have already figured out how to slow Hill down by doubling him or using zone coverage to limit his big play opportunities. If the Dolphins continue to force feed him the ball, they’ll become predictable, and predictable offenses don’t win championships.

    Tua Tagovailoa isn’t known for his ability to read through multiple progressions quickly. He excels at quick passes and spreading the ball around. Forcing him to focus on getting the ball to Hill limits his strengths and the effectiveness of other weapons like Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith.

    An offense built around one player, no matter how good, is flawed. Football is a team sport and success requires everyone on the field to contribute. By focusing so much on Hill’s stats the Dolphins are alienating other key contributors and hurting their chances of winning meaningful games.

    What the Dolphins Need?

    To break their playoff curse and compete for a championship in 2025 they need to be balanced. Here’s what that looks like:

    • A Strong Running Game: A consistent running game keeps defenses honest and opens up passing lanes. The Dolphins need to commit to running the ball effectively, something they’ve struggled with lately.
    • Distributing Targets: Jaylen Waddle is a dynamic receiver who deserves more attention and tight end Jonnu Smith can be a mismatch nightmare if used properly. Spreading the ball around ensures no one player becomes a defensive focal point.
    • Adapting to Situations: Weather, strong opponents and game scripts demand flexibility. Relying too much on Hill makes it harder for the Dolphins to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

    By being more balanced the Dolphins can maximize their offense and give themselves a better chance to win in January.

    Hill’s Comments Spark Debate

    Hill has never been shy about his goals. His comments about chasing 3,000 yards (then scaling back to 2,000) show his confidence, but also raise questions about his priorities. Is he playing for the team or is he playing for his legacy?

    It’s understandable to admire his ambition but football history shows us individual accolades rarely translate to team success. Tom Brady won 7 Super Bowls not because he chased personal milestones but because he prioritized winning above all else.

    For the Dolphins to thrive Hill needs to change his mindset. Being part of a team doesn’t diminish his greatness—it enhances it.

    Final Thoughts: Team First Mentality

    Tyreek Hill is a once in a generation player and we can’t deny his value to the Dolphins. But his individual goals are threatening to derail the team’s overall goals. If the Dolphins want to break their playoff curse and compete for a championship they need to get away from the one man show offense around Hill.

    Football is a team sport and the Dolphins need to remember that. Balancing Hill’s brilliance with others will be the key to unlocking their full potential. Otherwise 2025 will be another year of disappointment for Miami fans.

  • Where Does Jalen Ramsey Stand with the Dolphins?

    Where Does Jalen Ramsey Stand with the Dolphins?

    Jalen Ramsey is still a Miami Dolphin as they enter the final phase of their offseason program. GM Chris Grier said they’ve explored trade options for Ramsey but it’s clear any move will happen after June 1 due to salary cap reasons.

    The Dolphins are just days away from that date, and while a trade seems inevitable, nothing is set in stone yet.

    Why Trading Ramsey Is Easier Said Than Done?

    Ramsey’s $21 million guaranteed for 2025 and his age (he turns 31 in October) make him a tough sell for teams looking to get him. Unless the Dolphins are willing to eat some of his salary, the market for Ramsey will be limited.

    Chris Grier didn’t rule out Ramsey being on the roster for 2025, but it’s hard to see that happening.

    Adding fuel to the fire, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s recent comments seemed to suggest he isn’t banking on having Ramsey back next season. Meanwhile, Ramsey himself has been unusually quiet on social media since posting an Instagram photo of a rotting orange next to a rotten one—a cryptic hint at his feelings about the situation.

    Who Could Want Him?

    Trading a 30-year-old cornerback with a hefty salary tag isn’t easy, especially when he’s considered high-maintenance and comes with off-field baggage. Still, there are teams that might see value in his talent:

    • Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay has expressed interest in bringing Ramsey back, though logistical hurdles remain.
    • Dallas Cowboys: Seen by some as a possible suitor, although local reporters have pushed back on that idea.
    • Washington Commanders: A young team looking to build fast — maybe a fit?
    • Carolina Panthers: New DC Ejiro Evero worked well with Ramsey in L.A., but Carolina might not be ready to contend yet.
    • Philadelphia Eagles: There’s history here, but with Vic Fangio gone and new draft picks taking shape, it seems unlikely.

    The bottom line? There’s interest, but not a ton of urgency. And any team acquiring Ramsey would need to know he actually wants to be there — otherwise, it could become a distraction.

    What’s the Realistic Value?

    Back in 2023, the Dolphins gave up a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to acquire Ramsey from the Rams. That trade looked good at the time — especially considering Los Angeles got two first-round picks from Jacksonville for him.

    But now, with Ramsey older, more expensive, and coming off a reported “disgruntled” label, his trade value has dropped significantly. The Dolphins would likely be lucky to get back something close to what they gave up — not what the Rams received.

    His contract doesn’t help either. He’s owed $24.2 million in 2025, almost all of it guaranteed. That makes it hard for teams to absorb unless Miami is willing to take on part of the salary — something Grier hasn’t ruled out.

    What Happens After June 1?

    This is the big question. Once we hit June 1, the Dolphins will have more cap flexibility, and the pressure to make a move increases. Expect the rumor mill to heat up again — and for fans to brace themselves for more drama.

    There’s still a slim chance Ramsey ends up staying — Grier didn’t completely shut that door — but given everything that’s happened, it feels increasingly unlikely.

    Either way, this saga won’t drag on forever. Whether it ends with a trade, a release (unlikely due to guarantees), or a reluctant reunion, we’ll know more soon.

  • De’Von Achane Predicts Big Things for Dolphins in 2025

    De’Von Achane Predicts Big Things for Dolphins in 2025

    Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is entering 2025 with big expectations. He told South Florida media recently he’s ready to take his game to the next level – and he’s not holding back on his predictions.

    A Bold Prediction for 2025

    When asked about his goals for the season, Achane didn’t mince words.

    “This year probably – every year I want to get better – so as far as my numbers-wise, as far as in the rush game, I always want to try to hit 1,000 yards and then 500 yards (receiving),” Achane said. He later added that his ultimate goal is even higher: 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

    Achane looked back on last season and said that while he had success, there’s still room for improvement. “I had a lot of receptions, and me watching film, I felt like I left a lot of plays on the table,” he said. “Going back and watching the year and the cut-ups, I feel like I left a lot of yards out there.”

    That desire to maximize his potential has Achane feeling confident going into 2025.

    Building on Last Season’s Success

    Achane’s 2024 was pretty good. The former Texas A&M product rushed for 907 yards on 203 carries , 6 touchdowns. He was a dual threat, with 78 catches for 592 yards and 6 touchdowns.

    But his yards-per-carry average dropped significantly from his rookie season. In 2023, Achane averaged 7.8 yards per carry , but that number fell to 4.5 in 2024.

    Despite that drop, Achane said he’s healthy and that’s the key to his growth.“Just being healthy was the main thing,” Achane said. “That’s why I was in the training room even on my off days when I wasn’t hurt. Seventeen games is a long time. I learned that from my rookie year, so in my second year I wanted to make sure I was 100% for every game. And that’s the same for this year.”

    Taking the Lead Role

    Now that Raheem Mostert is in Las Vegas, Achane is the man in the spotlight as Miami’s top running back. Last year, he played 62 percent of snaps, and that number is going to go up big time in 2025.

    “We don’t have Raheem no more, so it’s me and Alec [Ingold] now,” Achane said. “And just me being more vocal this year because I wasn’t a big talkative person last year. But I feel like as the years go by, you grow and get more comfortable.”

    Achane knows what comes with being the lead dog. He plans to mentor new teammates and share the lessons he’s learned since he got into the league.

    “I’m going to tell them the same thing everybody told me when I got in—trying to help them out,” he said.

    New Energy in Miami

    Achane thinks the Dolphins are on the cusp of something special. After missing the playoffs by a hair last year, the team is looking to prove the haters wrong.

    “I just feel like we all hear it as a team,” Achane said. “We go out there and practice every day, and we’re going to show when the season comes everybody who was saying those little remarks, to just make sure they keep the same energy.”

    He said the team chemistry and work ethic are way different than last year.

    “I feel like as a team we’re building that energy, and we’re here every day. We’re not missing days. You can see this year’s team is way different from last year’s team.”

  • How Tyreek Plans to Torch the Colts Defense This Week

    How Tyreek Plans to Torch the Colts Defense This Week

    Tyreek Hill is known for his blazing speed, electrifying plays, and now, his sense of humor. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has been at the center of a social media storm this week after the Indianapolis Colts’ controversial schedule release video poked fun at him. But instead of taking offense, Hill turned the moment into an opportunity to showcase his personality—and set the stage for what could be a statement game against the Colts.

    The Controversy That Sparked It All

    The Colts released their 2025 schedule announcement with a Minecraft-themed video that included a jab at Hill. In the clip, a cartoon version of Hill was shown swimming (a nod to dolphins) before being detained by the Coast Guard—a clear reference to his off-field incident prior to the 2024 season.

    While some viewed the video as insensitive, the Colts quickly deleted it and issued an apology to both Microsoft (for copyright issues) and Hill himself. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Colts even reached out to Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to express regret.

    But here’s where things took a hilarious turn: Hill didn’t seem bothered at all. In fact, he defended the Colts on X (formerly Twitter), saying the joke was funny and they should’ve left it up.

    “Should’ve left it up @Colts, this was funny 🤷🏾‍♂️,” Hill tweeted, showing his ability to laugh at himself.

    He then followed up with a clever jab of his own, posting a screenshot mocking the Colts’ lackluster win total last season.

    Hill Takes the High Ground—and the Last Laugh

    What I love about Hill’s response is he didn’t get angry or let it get to him. He leaned into it and proved why he’s one of the most fun personalities in the NFL.

    This diffused any tension and gave fans something to get behind. Now we all get to watch on Sunday with the Dolphins and Colts—especially since Hill’s probably gonna show Indy why messing with him might just come back to bite them on the field.

    Chargers Join the Fun with Their Own Jab

    It wasn’t just the Colts taking shots at the Dolphins this week. The Los Angeles Chargers got in on the action, too, with their Minecraft-inspired schedule release video.

    The Chargers packed their video with Easter eggs referencing the Dolphins:

    • A yacht named “Dan Marina” (a nod to Dan Marino).
    • Dolphins players meeting with Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, whom Hill recently said was one of his top 5 QBs—conveniently leaving out Tua Tagovailoa.
    • Hill is running late to a meeting, referencing coach Mike McDaniel’s comments about fining players for being late last season.
    • A re-creation of McDaniel’s Sunday Night Football interview, where he ran off the field mid-interview.

    Even though these were all in good fun, it adds extra juice to the upcoming games between the Dolphins and their AFC rivals.

    Hill’s Blueprint for Dominating the Colts

    If there’s one thing we know about Tyreek Hill, it’s that he loves being under pressure—and sometimes a little controversy fuels his fire. With the Colts’ secondary struggling to keep up with elite receivers, he’s got all the ammo he needs to go off this week.

    1. Speed Kills

    Hill’s speed is a nightmare for the Colts. I know, I know, I said that already. But it’s true. Whether it’s deep routes down the sideline or quick slants that allow him to hit full speed, the Colts need to bring their A-game to slow him down.

    2. Tua Chemistry

    Hill left Tua Tagovailoa off his top 5 QB list. But their chemistry is still real. Expect Tua to look for Hill early and often, especially on plays designed to get the ball out of his hands and stretch the Colts’ secondary.

    3. Revenge Factor

    Hill laughed off the Colts’ video. But don’t be surprised if he uses it as motivation. Players like Hill love proving people wrong—and making headlines while doing so.

    Why This Matters?

    Beyond the jokes and jabs, this Week 1 game matters. For the Dolphins, it’s a chance to start the season 1-0 and shut up the haters who think they can’t compete in the AFC East. For the Colts, it’s an opportunity to be a contender—but stopping Tyreek Hill won’t be easy.

  • Miami Dolphins 2025 Regular Season Schedule Leaked: Full Details Inside

    Miami Dolphins 2025 Regular Season Schedule Leaked: Full Details Inside

    The NFL world was buzzing on Wednesday afternoon after the 2025 Miami Dolphins schedule leaked ahead of the official release. While the league will make the full schedule public at 8 pm, multiple reports surfaced by mid-afternoon and fans got an early look at what’s in store for the Dolphins this season.

    The leaked schedule looks like a tough but fun year for Miami with prime time games and big rivalries. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dolphins 2025 season.

    Opening Day Showdown: Colts on the Road

    The Dolphins will open the 2025 season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts on September 7. This is the second straight year Miami will face the Colts early in the season, though last year didn’t go their way— a 16-10 loss in Week 7.

    Despite that loss, the Dolphins have been good on opening day recently, winning their last four. Last year they beat another AFC South team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Week 1. Can they keep the streak alive against the Colts?

    Prime-Time Spotlight: Dolphins Shine Early and Late

    One of the most exciting aspects of the leaked schedule is Miami’s prime-time slate. The Dolphins are set to appear in five prime-time games, showcasing their growing status as one of the NFL’s must-watch teams.

    Week 3: Thursday Night Football Against Buffalo

    The Dolphins’ first prime-time game comes in Week 3 when they travel to face the Buffalo Bills. This marks the second straight season these AFC East rivals will meet on Thursday Night Football. Last year’s early-season matchup was a hard-fought battle, and fans can expect more fireworks this time around.

    Week 4: Monday Night Football vs. Jets

    Just days later, Miami will host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football in Week 4. This back-to-back prime-time stretch is sure to test the Dolphins’ endurance, but it also gives them a chance to make a statement early in the season.

    Week 9: Another TNF Clash with Baltimore

    In Week 9, the Dolphins will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Hard Rock Stadium for another Thursday Night Football showdown. Lamar Jackson vs. Tua Tagovailoa is always a marquee matchup, and this game could have significant playoff implications.

    Week 15: Monday Night Football at Pittsburgh

    Miami’s second Monday Night Football appearance comes in Week 15 when they travel to take on the Steelers. Pittsburgh has historically been a tough place to play, so this will be a true test of Miami’s resilience late in the season.

    Week 16: Sunday Night Football vs. Cincinnati

    To cap off their prime-time schedule, the Dolphins will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. Joe Burrow vs. Tua Tagovailoa is a rematch of the 2020 draft’s top quarterback trio, and this game could carry major playoff seeding implications.

    International Adventure: Dolphins Head to Madrid

    One of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 season is Miami’s international game. In Week 11, the Dolphins will face the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain. This marks the franchise’s first-ever regular-season game outside the United States, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience for players and fans alike.

    Key Matchups and Playoff Rematches

    The Dolphins’ schedule includes six teams that made the playoffs in 2024: Buffalo, Los Angeles (Chargers), Washington, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore. Interestingly, Miami will only face two of these teams—Buffalo and the Chargers—before Week 8. This gives them a chance to build momentum early before the schedule toughens later in the year.

    Rivalries Renewed: Chargers and Bengals

    Tua Tagovailoa’s rivalry with Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow will take center stage in 2025. The Dolphins will host the Chargers in Week 6, rekindling the matchup between the top two quarterbacks from the 2020 draft. Miami will also face the Bengals in Week 16, adding another layer of drama to the season.

    Tagovailoa holds a 2-1 career record against the Chargers and a 1-1 mark against the Bengals. These games will be crucial for Miami as they look to solidify their standing in the AFC.

    Bye Week Timing

    The Dolphins get their bye in Week 12 after a tough stretch of games against the Bills, Jets and Steelers. This timing should give them a chance to rest up for the final push.

    Closing Stretch: A Tough Road Ahead

    The last month of the season will be big for the Dolphins. They’ve got the Bengals, Bucs and Patriots in their last three games, two of which are at home. How they do in this stretch will determine if they make the playoffs or not again.

  • Miami Dolphins Assign Texas QB Quinn Ewers His Rookie Jersey Number

    Miami Dolphins Assign Texas QB Quinn Ewers His Rookie Jersey Number

    The Miami Dolphins have given rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers his jersey number as he begins his NFL journey. After wearing No. 3 in high school and college, Ewers will wear No. 14 with the Dolphins. The reason for the number is unknown, but it’s speculated it’s because Ewers was the 14th quarterback taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.

    New Chapter No. 14

    Quinn Ewers’ transition to the NFL comes with a fresh start and a new number. No. 3 was synonymous with his great performances at Texas, but linebacker K.J. Britt already had that number with the Dolphins. So Ewers will wear No. 14—a nod to his draft position as the 14th quarterback off the board.

    Thursday Ewers signed a 4 year rookie deal worth between $4.31 million and $4.33 million and is now in rookie minicamp, which runs from Friday to Sunday, as he gets acclimated to the pros.

    From College Star to Underdog Mentality

    Ewers’ journey to the NFL hasn’t been easy. Despite leading the Texas Longhorns to two consecutive College Football Playoff national semifinals and playing three seasons as a starter, he fell to the 231st pick in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

    His slide had everyone confused, even his own camp, including his agent. According to his NFL Draft profile, Ewers is labeled as a “good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.” For now he’ll start his career as the 3rd quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson on the depth chart.

    In a recent interview with ESPN, Ewers talked about his mindset after the draft:

    “It’s definitely a lot of motivation that comes with it, especially just being the last [quarterback] drafted,” Ewers said. “I still have high expectations for myself but just from the outside looking in this is the first time in my life to not have that much expectation. There’s definitely motivation and fuel. A lot of it.”

    Opportunities Ahead

    Ewers may start as a backup, but opportunities will arise with Tua’s injury history and Zach’s inconsistencies. If called upon, Ewers has shown he can rise to the occasion. His experience leading Texas to back to back playoff appearances proves he has the poise and skillset to step into the spotlight if needed.

    For now, Ewers is focused on learning the playbook, building chemistry with his teammates, and proving doubters wrong.

    What’s Next for Ewers?

    As Ewers gets settled in with the Dolphins all eyes will be on how he develops under the coaching staff. Rookie minicamp is the first step in what could be a long and big NFL career.

    Fans will be eager to see if Ewers can turn his underdog mentality into success on the field. Whether he becomes a starter or solidifies himself as a backup, one thing is for sure: No. 14 will mean a lot for the rookie quarterback.

  • Miami Dolphins UDFA Class Crowned Best in the AFC

    Miami Dolphins UDFA Class Crowned Best in the AFC

    The Miami Dolphins 2025 NFL draft class got panned by the experts but their undrafted free agent (UDFA) class is making some noise. Thor Nystrom of Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Life just released his annual UDFA class rankings and the Dolphins are #1 in the AFC. In fact they are #5 in the NFL behind only the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.

    Rookie minicamp is this weekend (Friday to Sunday) and these players will get their first chance to show off their skills and impress the decision makers. With so much hype around this group, let’s get into some of the key storylines surrounding the Dolphins UDFA class.

    Wide Receiver Depth: A Battle for Roster Spots

    One of the most interesting things about Miami’s UDFA class is the number of wide receivers. The team signed five undrafted pass-catchers: Andrew Armstrong (Arkansas), Sam Brown Jr. (Miami), Theo Wease Jr. (Missouri), Monaray Baldwin (Baylor), and A.J. Henning (Northwestern).

    Assuming Tyreek Hill is on the team for Week 1, the top three receiver spots seem set. Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will be the top three, but the depth chart beyond that is wide open.

    Malik Washington and Tahj Washington, both Day 3 picks from last year, haven’t cemented their roles and Erik Ezukanma, a 4th round pick in 2022, has yet to make an impact. So the UDFAs have a chance to step up.

    Nystrom highlighted Theo Wease Jr. and Andrew Armstrong as having “the starter kit of an NFL possession receiver.” Both have natural size and can make contested catches, traits that are different from most of Miami’s current receiving corps, except for Westbrook-Ikhine.

    With the lack of depth at the position, it wouldn’t be surprising if one or more of these UDFAs make the final roster. Armstrong and Wease’s unique skill sets could give them an edge in the competition.

    Continuing the Cornerback Pipeline

    The Dolphins have a history of developing undrafted cornerbacks. Guys like Kader Kohou and Nik Needham became reliable contributors over multiple seasons, and last year Storm Duck made the final roster and played 472 total snaps and started 3 games.

    This year, B.J. Adams stands out as the next in line. A 4 year contributor at Central Florida, Adams visited Miami during the pre-draft process and impressed the team with his man-coverage skills, size, and length. He lacks elite speed and struggles with technique near the line of scrimmage but his upside is huge.

    With Jalen Ramsey’s future uncertain and Miami not drafting a cornerback until the 5th round, Adams could find himself in the mix for playing time sooner than expected. Many analysts thought Adams should’ve been drafted so it wouldn’t be shocking to see him climb the depth chart and contribute in 2025.

    An Instant Impact Tight End?

    Another from Miami’s UDFA class is tight end Jalin Conyers, who Nystrom thinks could see playing time as a rookie.

    “I think Conyers will see some snaps as a rookie,” Nystrom wrote. “The Dolphins were thin at tight end behind Jonnu Smith and Conyers has long arms and a deceivingly large catch radius has interesting developmental traits.”

    Conyers was our top UDFA earlier this offseason, so it’s no surprise to see analysts high on him. Behind Jonnu Smith, the Dolphins have no depth at the position. Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown are in-line tight ends, leaving Tanner Conner as Conyers’ main competition for the backup role.

    Conner, another UDFA, has been on the roster since 2022, but Conyers’ skill set might give him the edge in this battle. It’s ironic that Conner may now have to fend off another UDFA to keep his job.

    Special Teams Additions: Unsung Heroes

    For most UDFAs, proving themselves on special teams is key to making the final roster. This year, linebacker Eugene Asante from Auburn looks like a player who could carve out a niche in this area.

    Asante brings high effort and physicality to the table, having logged over 700 special teams snaps in college. He’s buried on the depth chart behind players like Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, K.J. Britt, and Willie Gay Jr., but he could still make an impact on special teams.

    Channing Tindall has the special teams role, but Asante’s experience and hustle could allow him to challenge for a roster spot.

    Another addition is former Alabama long snapper Kneeland Hibbett. With Blake Ferguson released on Thursday Hibbett is now the only long snapper on the team. His reliability and accuracy could keep him on the roster heading into the regular season.

  • Miami Dolphins Rookie Jersey Numbers Announced

    Miami Dolphins Rookie Jersey Numbers Announced

    The Miami Dolphins have released the jersey numbers for their new players as rookie minicamp gets underway. With new faces looking to make an impact, these numbers mean more than just numbers – they represent legacies, aspirations and connections to the team’s rich history. Let’s get into the rookie number assignments and the stories behind them.

    Rookie Jersey Numbers Breakdown

    Here’s what each rookie will wear in 2025:

    • Quinn Ewers (14): The quarterback gets the number last worn by Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2020. Can Ewers bring the same grit and leadership to Miami?
    • Dante Trader Jr. (29): This number has the legacy of Sam Madison, an All-Pro cornerback who played 9 seasons with the Dolphins and was on the staff recently.
    • Ollie Gordon II (31) : Raheem Mostert wore this number before he left for the Raiders, but Gordon wore zero at Oklahoma State. He’s ready to make his own way.
    • Jason Marshall Jr. (33): A new chapter for this defensive back.
    • Jonah Savaiinaea (72): Taking over a number left vacant by Terron Armstead’s retirement, Savaiinaea has big shoes to fill on the O-line.
    • Kenneth Grant (90): Instead of taking James Daniels’ 78, Grant chose 90 and will carve his own path while paying respect to the vets.
    • Zeek Biggers (93): A nod to Ndamukong Suh, this number brings back memories of dominance on the D-line. Can Biggers live up to the hype?
    • Jordan Phillips (94): Following Christian Wilkins and Randy Starks, Phillips gets the number synonymous with excellence at defensive tackle.

    Legacy Connections Behind the Numbers

    Several rookies are suiting up in numbers that carry big weight in the Dolphins organization.

    Jordan Phillips and No. 94

    Phillips’ 94 isn’t a random number—it’s tied to two legendary defensive tackles: Christian Wilkins and Randy Starks. Both were fan favorites known for their toughness and skill. Now it’s Phillips’ turn to live up to the standard set by those who came before him.

    Jonah Savaiinaea and No. 72

    Savaiinaea’s 72 honors Terron Armstead, the veteran left tackle who defined Miami’s offensive line. While Savaiinaea won’t be playing tackle, he’s expected to contribute big at guard—a position critical to protecting the quarterback.

    Ollie Gordon II and No. 31

    Gordon could’ve gone for his college number, zero, currently held by Zach Wilson. Instead, he chose 31, previously worn by Raheem Mostert. During his post-draft press conference, Gordon said:

    “I’m a team guy, so if my guy wants to put that zero on, that’s my teammate now, I’m going to respect him,” Gordon said. “He’s a big dawg, and I know my boundaries. I’m going to be cool; I’m going to respect it. I just have to find something else I look good in.”

    Kenneth Grant and No. 90

    Grant made headlines early when he said he wouldn’t take James Daniels’ 78 out of respect for the veteran guard. Instead, he chose 90—a bold move to make his own mark.

    What’s Next for These Rookies?

    As minicamp begins, all eyes are on these rookies to see how they adjust to the NFL. From Quinn Ewers becoming the face of the franchise quarterback to Jordan Phillips anchoring the defensive line, each player brings their own skills and challenges.

    Numbers may seem like small stuff, but they often reflect a player’s mindset and the expectations on them. These rookies aren’t just wearing numbers—they’re carrying legacies.