Combine Giving Phins Great Defensive Options!
The good side of being thin is both need & BPA are one!
The Miami Dolphins 2025 Roster has a ton of holes right now, but they received a chunk of money from Terron Armstead, and the combine is providing great hope that this draft has pop to it. Despite tons of needs ranging from offensive line, everywhere on defense, tight end help, and a backup quarterback, the Phins have the ammo to address many of these needs.
Let’s be clear, while Miami can’t fix every hole, if they play their cards right, they can begin to set the ship right in 2025. Of course, the wildcard is Chris Grier is the GM, so there’s that!
Enough ammo, but do Phins have the evaluation skill?
No, Chris Grier doesn’t send a chill up my leg with his drafting history, but we still need wait to see how he does this offseason. That’s all we can really do, in the end. Of course, I’ll load up on gin and horse tranquilizers to keep me from tearing down the walls during Free Agency and the draft.
Still, the talent appears to be oozing from this draft especially on defense. Sunday and Monday will tell if the offensive side of the ball will be as good. You can bet with the best pay per head that the offensive line portion will be the most interesting for me.
Defensive players popped in their combine drills
Today, safety Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina at 6’3”, 220lbs ran a 4.38 forty to go along with a vertical jump of 43” and a broad jump of 11’6”. These are mind-blowing levels of athleticism that would more than replace Jevon Holland who is leaving as a Free Agent. While these traits don’t mean he’ll play to these levels, it certainly is a great role of the dice if the Dolphins can trade back or somehow is in range with their 2nd Round pick.
Yesterday, two great options presented themselves for Brandon Chubb, who is likely gone as well, with stellar performances from defensive end Shemar Stewart, who ran a 4.58 forty at 6’5”, 267lbs and Landon Jackson who ran a 4.67 forty at 6’6”, 264lbs. Both ends had 40” vertical jumps and near 11′ broad jumps. Stewert has both questions in his football IQ and thin production and Jackson is the opposite with excellent football IQ and good college production but doesn’t have the bend.
Remember though, Chop Robinson had low college production too but grew a ton Year 1 and was up for defensive rookie of the year. Stewart has a much higher ceiling than Chop, so he’s a bit of a role of the dice but imagine if he puts it all together. Also, Stewart may get someone tempted to take him very early, pushing some good talent to the Phins at #13.
Plenty of defensive talent in and round Phins first two picks
Jackson is a borderline late 1st and early 2nd Round pick and isn’t in play with the Dolphins 13th pick, but he could be in a trade back or if he falls to their 48th Overall selection. But this kid has that Andrew Van Ginkel vibe to him with more size and speed. Jackson would add some excellent size and toughness to play opposite the pass rushing specialist Robinson.
Some other studs were Ted Hendricks award winner, 6’2” 248lbs Donovan Ezeiruaku posted the best 3-cone drill of 6.94, best among all defensive linemen. Defensive tackle also had some pop with Derick Harmon running a sub 5 sec forty at 315lbs making a nice fill in for Christian Wilkins.
So, with the Dolphins have a little extra cash and a high pick, can Grier and McDainel get this offseason right? Go Phins!!
