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Tag: Mike McDaniel

  • Dolphins Fans Will Love Who Miami Met with at the 2025 NFL Combine

    Dolphins Fans Will Love Who Miami Met with at the 2025 NFL Combine

    The NFL Combine is more than just 40-yard dashes and bench press reps. Behind the scenes it’s a whirlwind of meetings, strategy sessions and player evaluations that sets the stage for the upcoming draft.

    For the Miami Dolphins this year’s Combine was an opportunity to meet one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory: Former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.

    Tyler Warren’s “Fun Meeting” with the Dolphins

    On Thursday Tyler Warren confirmed he met with the Miami Dolphins at the Combine. He said it was a “fun meeting”. Warren also praised head coach Mike McDaniel calling him a “smart offensive mind”.

    Warren is widely regarded as the top tight end in this years draft class—and it’s not even close. The only question is whether he’ll go in the first round or not. His athleticism, blocking ability and top end receiving skills make him a rare talent that can impact any offense right away.

    Why Tyler Warren would be a Game-Changer for the Dolphins?

    Warren isn’t just a pass catcher; he’s a complete tight end. He can block in the run game, create mismatches in coverage and make highlight reel catches look routine. Paring him with veteran tight end Jonnu Smith would give the Dolphins a dynamic duo that could take their offense to new heights.

    Impact Over Need

    The Dolphins have bigger needs along the offensive line, defensive line and at safety but Warren is the kind of talent you can’t pass up. Drafting for need often leads to missed opportunities on players who can change the direction of a franchise. Warren is one of those players.

    As one Dolphins fan said: “If you’re asking me to choose between Warren and an offensive lineman, I’m taking Warren every time.”

    Dolphins’ Interest in Warren

    The Dolphins need offensive line, defensive line, and safety but Warren’s talent is too good to pass up. Meeting him at the Combine makes them serious and fans should be excited.

    Warren is a top-10 pick and the Dolphins may have to trade up to get him. But he could be worth it.

    FAQs About Tyler Warren and the Dolphins

    Who is Tyler Warren?

    Tyler Warren is a Penn State tight end and the top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. Athletic, versatile and has elite hands. First round pick.

    Why do the Miami Dolphins need Tyler Warren?

    They already have Jonnu Smith but adding Warren would be a game changer on offense. He can block, run routes and make big plays in the passing game. Big boost to the offense.

    Will Tyler Warren fall to the Dolphins in the draft?

    Warren is a top-10 pick so the Dolphins (picking 13th) may have to trade up to get him. But his skill set might be worth it.

    What did Warren say about the Miami Dolphins?

    Warren said the meeting was “fun” and praised coach Mike McDaniel as a “smart offensive mind”. Clearly he made an impression on both sides.

  • ‘It Was Surreal’: How the Dolphins Wowed a Top Offensive Line Prospect

    ‘It Was Surreal’: How the Dolphins Wowed a Top Offensive Line Prospect

    North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel met with the Miami Dolphins at the NFL Combine and it wasn’t just another formal interview. For Zabel, it was a surreal moment. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel left a lasting impression with his personality and passion for football—something that’s become synonymous with McDaniel since he took over in Miami.

    Zabel’s Take on McDaniel

    It’s no secret Mike McDaniel is one of the most fun personalities in the NFL. Draft prospects rave about their meetings with him and Zabel was no exception.

    “Yeah, he’s a happy-go-lucky type guy, loved being able to finally meet him, shake his hand and have a meeting with him. So that was kind of a surreal moment for me.”

    Beyond McDaniel’s personality, Zabel was impressed with the Dolphins’ approach during their meeting.

    “The big thing about that meeting was just the passion. They have super high football IQ and that kind of program or team and throughout this process has been super cool to see every single team and what makes their ball club click.”

    Clearly the Dolphins made an impression on Zabel—and based on his comments it seems the feeling is mutual.

    Why Grey Zabel Could Be a Game-Changer for the Dolphins

    One of the things that sets Grey Zabel apart from other OL prospects is his versatility. He’s not just one position; Zabel can play anywhere along the line. This is something all NFL teams value but could be especially beneficial for the Dolphins who are always looking for players who can play multiple roles.

    Asked where he projects at the next level Zabel said:

    “Offensive line.”

    Pressed further on which position would suit him best in the NFL he said:

    “Offensive line.”

    Even when jokingly asked about playing tight end due to his good hands—or throwing passes because of his baseball background as a former pitcher—Zabel leaned into the humor while reinforcing his commitment to the trenches.

    Senior Bowl Performance Boosts Stock

    Zabel’s stock skyrocketed after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl where he showed his athleticism, technique and football IQ. ESPN has him as the 38th overall prospect, right in the range of the Dolphins’ first two picks (13th and 48th overall). Rankings are always fluid and can change but Zabel’s talent and versatility makes him a strong first or second round prospect.

    The Dolphins already saw him up close at the Senior Bowl where assistant OL coach Lemuel Jeanpierre worked with him. Now after meeting with him at the combine it’s clear Miami is considering him.

  • How Should the Dolphins Approach Their Backup Quarterback Search?

    How Should the Dolphins Approach Their Backup Quarterback Search?

    The Miami Dolphins invested bigtime in Tua Tagovailoa last offseason, signing him to a 4 year $200 million extension. But as the franchise is now in it’s 25th straight season without a playoff win, finding a reliable backup quarterback has become a emergency.

    When Tua Goes Down, So Does the Offense?

    Tua Tagovailoa has only played a full 17 game season once in his 5 year career. When he’s been out, the Dolphins offense has collapsed. Last season, Skylar Thompson and Snoop Huntley started 6 games and the Dolphins scored 15 or less in 4 of those games. With big time players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the roster, this is unacceptable.

    The Dolphins have made the playoffs only 3 times in the last 15 years and 2 of those were with backup quarterbacks. This is a pattern: the Dolphins have never had a reliable 2nd string quarterback and it’s cost them big time in key moments.

    What Coach Mike McDaniel Is Saying?

    At the NFL Combine, coach Mike McDaniel addressed the backup QB situation. He said both free agency and the draft are options to improve the Quarter Back room.

    “I prioritize people that can pass,” McDaniel said. “All things are on the table—young, old. There’s some guys we’re interested in in free agency and some in the draft.”

    McDaniel acknowledged it’s urgent. “We need to upgrade the backup quarterback.” While drafting a developmental guy on 2 or 3 might be part of the plan, it’s hard to imagine relying on a rookie this year.

    Free Agency vs. Draft: Which Way Should the Dolphins Go?

    Why Free Agency Makes Sense?

    The Dolphins don’t need a backup who can throw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns every game—those QBs aren’t available. But they do need someone who can keep the offense going when Tagovailoa is out. Enter the free agent market where experienced options like Marcus Mariota, Taylor Heinicke, Jameis Winston, Carson Wentz and Zach Wilson will be available.

    None of those guys are perfect but they have experience and familiarity with NFL systems. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently linked former Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota to Miami. Mariota’s mobility and game management could be a good fit in McDaniel’s offense.

    Why the Draft Isn’t Enough?

    Drafting a QB on Day 2 or 3 will give you long term depth but rookies come with growing pains. With holes all over the roster, investing in a raw prospect might not give you immediate results. The Dolphins can’t have another season where the offense scores 14 points a game when Tagovailoa is out.

    The Case for an Experienced Backup

    Miami’s struggles with Tagovailoa out of the lineup show how important it is to have a proven backup. A veteran quarterback doesn’t have to be great—he just has to keep the team from losing while the starter is out. Guys like Taylor Heinicke and Jameis Winston have shown flashes and know how to handle tough situations. Even Carson Wentz, despite his inconsistency, has the arm to make plays.

    An experienced backup also brings stability to the QuarterBack room. Chemistry between starters and backups is key, especially in McDaniel’s system which is all about timing and accuracy.