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Tag: NFL Combine

  • ‘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.

  • Why Cam Ward Won’t Throw at the NFL Combine: What It Means for His Draft Stock

    Why Cam Ward Won’t Throw at the NFL Combine: What It Means for His Draft Stock

    The NFL Combine is always a busy place with prospects showing off their skills for scouts, coaches and execs. This year University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward made headlines by not throwing and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and running back Damien Martinez took advantage of the opportunity to make an impression. Meanwhile, Dolphins fans are waiting to see how Miami will address its needs, including cornerback Kader Kohou’s restricted free agency.

    Why Cam Ward Didn’t Throw at the Combine?

    “Five Years of Film Speaks for Itself”

    Cam Ward, the projected top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, decided not to throw at the combine and it sparked all sorts of debate among the talking heads and fans. His reason? The resume he’s built over five years of college football already speaks for itself.

    “Me throwing here is not going to move me in no type of way,” Ward said Friday morning. “Five years of film speaks for itself.”

    He’s not wrong. In one season at Miami he broke records, led all quarterbacks in touchdown passes and had the best passing season in Hurricanes history. He took a 7-6 team in 2023 and turned them into a national contender in 2024, so his value goes way beyond athleticism.

    As Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald said, teams that pass on Ward will regret it. Ward himself told The Associated Press :
    “You’re either going to draft me or you’re not,” Ward said. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’ve got to remember you’re the same team that’s got to play me for the rest of my career and I’ll remember that.”

    Dolphins Show Interest in Local Talent Xavier Restrepo

    University of Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo confirmed Friday he met with the Miami Dolphins at the NFL Combine. Head coach Mike McDaniel wasn’t there but Restrepo said the special teams coordinator (Craig Aukerman) and wide receivers coach (Robert Prince) were.

    Restrepo who broke Hurricanes records with 69 receptions and 1,127 receiving yards last season wants to prove he’s more than just a slot receiver. Known for his route running and ability to separate he’s 22 years old and said he’s versatile.

    “I feel like I’m a complete receiver,” Restrepo told reporters. “I had five quarterbacks, four receiver coaches, three offensive coordinators, two head coaches—I can adapt to anything.”

    The Dolphins may be looking to add to their receiving corps and Restrepo could be an option. His hometown connection is an added bonus for Dolphins fans who want to see local talent stay in South Florida.

    Damien Martinez Ready to Show Speed

    Damien Martinez, the big back who transferred from Oregon State to Miami before the 2024 season, will run the 40 yard dash at the combine. Known as a physical runner, Martinez wants to show off his top end speed to quiet the doubts about his speed.

    “Just show I can run,” Martinez said. “Everybody wants to see my long speed, so that 40 is what I’m really looking forward to.”

    Martinez proved it last season with over 1,000 yards and a career high 10 touchdowns as a Hurricane. He can thrive in different systems—zone reads or downhill schemes—so he’s a attractive to teams looking for a dynamic back.

    Martinez also confirmed he met with the Dolphins at the Senior Bowl. With Miami looking to add a power back to their offense, Martinez might be the perfect fit.

    “They run wide zone, how everything’s moving with the O-line, I love it,” Martinez told the Miami Herald at the Senior Bowl.

    How Much Will They Pay Kader Kohou?

    Kader Kohou, the undrafted nickel corner who was a key part of Miami’s defense in 2024, is at a crossroads. After 8 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions (including a big one against the 49ers)—the Dolphins need to decide how much they want to pay him.

    According to Sports Illustrated, the NFL released the tender numbers for restricted free agents. Miami has options:

    • Second-Round Tender: $5.3 million (guaranteed).
    • Right of First Refusal Tender: $3.3 million (guaranteed).
    • Multi-Year Deal: A straight up contract.

    With the hole left by Kendall Fuller’s release, re-signing Kohou seems essential. But they have to be careful with cap space especially with other restricted free agents like Quinton Bell and Anthony Schwartz also needing attention.