Dolphins’ latest moves indicate they are ready to replace Calais Campbell
The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and the Miami Dolphins are working to get their final visits aligned and completed.
Dolphins fans know what the team needs to do, but will Chris Grier address each area of concern? He does, after all, have a tendency to reach for prospects in the draft.
Miami is entering an interesting season where Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel face increasing pressure. Nailing this year’s draft is necessary, given the holes on the roster and the lack of quality veteran free agents to fill them.
Dolphins fans can take a look at the pre-draft visits the team has made to get an idea of the positions they might be interested in. This doesn’t mean they will draft those specific players, but it’s a good indication of where their heads might be.
The Dolphins continue to show interest in top defensive tackles
Miami has met with Texas A&M edge-rusher Shemar Stewart and his teammate, interior lineman Shemar Turner. Both could hear their names called inside the opening two rounds.
Interestingly enough, the Dolphins have had three Top 30 visits with defensive tackles. Along with Turner, they have met with Texas’ Alfred Collins and Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton.
We only know of seven reported Top 30 visits this offseason. Miami may have had others that haven’t been reported yet. Of those seven, five were defensive prospects, including three interior linemen, and the other two were pass-catchers: LSU tight end Mason Taylor and Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams.
It doesn’t provide many clues about the team’s direction early in the draft but highlights their interest in defensive linemen.
The Dolphins need defensive help, and that seems to be the way they are leaning. However, until they start sitting down with some of the prospects they may target at No. 13, their plan remains a mystery.
Dolphins finally come to their senses and bring back promising defensive tackle
While the Miami Dolphins will need to address the defensive line in the draft, they have at least finally taken a step to add some quality to the line.
Miami still needs a good starter to pair with Zach Sieler, but the team doesn’t have the money to blow on a big-name free agent. Instead, the Dolphins had to look at their previous roster to find help, and it makes a lot of sense.
The Dolphins announced on Thursday they have re-signed Benito Jones.
Jones provides solid depth along the defensive line and fits well into the rotation. Last season, he worked well inside with Sieler and filled in for Calais Campbell.
Campbell is still on the Dolphins’ radar with the hopes of returning.
Dolphins bring back Benito Jones after losing Da’Shawn Hand in free agency
Benito spent two seasons with the Dolphins before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2022. He returned to the Dolphins on a one-year deal in 2024 and is doing so again after a tepid entry into free agency.
Jones joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2020. In his rookie season, he only saw 12% of the defensive snaps. It increased to 27% and 52% in the following two years in Detroit. Returning to Miami last year, Jones saw 45% of the snaps on defense. It’s not bad for a guy who is a rotational player.
Da’Shawn Hand, another talented defensive tackle, signed a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers during the first week of free agency. His 53% of the defensive snaps should now go to Jones in 2025, regardless of who else the Dolphins bring on board.
Overall, Jones is a good investment for the Dolphins. He works hard and plays consistently well as part of the team’s rotation. While he may not be the “name” Dolphins fans are hoping for, he is a good fit on the defense.
