As the Miami Dolphins gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the offensive line stands as a pivotal component in their quest for success–AGAIN!. While the starting lineup showcases potential, the depth behind these starters raises questions about the unit’s resilience over a grueling season. This is a better situation than last year where both the starting and backups were a big concern, so at least we are getting better.
The good news that there is plenty of time to fill out the backup offensive line positions. And the Phins better look to bolster this backup group considering linemen always get injured, James Daniels is coming off an Achillies injury, and Austion Jackson goes down just about every season.
Starting Lineup: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The Dolphins have made strategic moves to solidify their offensive front:
- Left Tackle: Patrick Paul
The retirement of veteran Terron Armstead is a hit in pass protection–when he was healthy. Second-year player Patrick Paul has potential and might even improve the inside run game, but he isn’t Terron at this stage. Still Paul is light years better than anyone who can fill his spot should he go down. Larry Borom was brought in through Free Agency, but he’s struggled his whole career. - Left or Right Guard: James Daniels
A key free-agent acquisition, James Daniels brings versatility and experience to the interior line. His ability to play both guard and center offers the Dolphins flexibility in their lineup. But the season following Achillies surgery is never a given, look no farther than Jalen Phillips last season. Even if things go very well, he won’t be 100% until later in the season or next year. Former starter Liam Eichenberg is next up at either guards spot, but I can bet with the best pay per head most fans don’t see that as comforting. - Center: Aaron Brewer
Brewer steps into the starting center role, aiming to provide stability and effective communication along the line. The great news is Brewer has a long streak of being healthy. The back up situation is iffy. Daniels played center in his past, but you wouldn’t want to move him from guard and so is Eichenberg, but again, that far less than optimal. - Left or Right Guard: Jonah Savaiinaea
The Dolphins invested a second-round pick in the 2025 draft on Savaiinaea, expecting him to make an immediate impact. His performance will be instrumental in bolstering the right side of the line. He’s always been healthy and is young, so there’s a great chance the least of his issues will be health. - Right Tackle: Austin Jackson
Returning to his role, Jackson’s continued development is vital for the line’s cohesion and effectiveness. When healthy he’s been passable, but he’s been injured nearly every year knocking him out for some games or the whole season. Jackson Carmen was poor last year and neither he or Borom send a chill up my leg.
Depth Concerns: Unproven Backups Pose Risks
While the starting five show promise, the depth chart reveals potential vulnerabilities:
- Liam Eichenberg
Re-signed on a one-year deal, Eichenberg’s versatility allows him to cover multiple positions. However, inconsistent performances in previous seasons have left fans wary of his reliability. - Jackson Carman
Acquired from the Bengals, Carman has experience at tackle but has struggled with penalties and consistency, raising concerns about his readiness to step in if needed. - Larry Borom
Acquired from the Bears, Borom, like Carmen, has experience at tackle but he also has struggled with pass blocking and consistency and is another red flag player. - Kion Smith and Andrew Meyer
Smith and Meyer are younger players, but have struggled handling power and aren’t exciting inserts given their limited and unsuccessful tape.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins’ offensive line, anchored by a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, has the potential to be a formidable unit. However, the lack of experienced and reliable backups could pose significant challenges if injuries occur. Addressing this depth issue through free agency or trades might be necessary to ensure the line can withstand the rigors of the season and provide the protection needed for the offense to thrive.
If the Front Office again passes on bolster the depth of this offensive line and injuries force substandard backups in and Miami suffers, then Grier should be ushered out the door even if this draft class plays out well. But, if Grier doesn’t ‘Grier’ this time with the O-line depth, then maybe he’s finally on the right track. Better late than never, I guess. Go Phins!!