Dolphins' 2025 Initial 53-man Roster: Miami's youth movement rolls into a full-court press entering a high-stakes season

Quarterback: 3

IN:Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers (R)

The Skinny: After a catastrophic quarterback season with the backups in 2024, it should not be a surprise to see Miami carry three and ensure both new players behind Tua Tagovailoa spent the entire offseason program in Miami this summer. Here's to Miami not needing to see either of them play in 2025.

Running Back: 4

IN:De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II (R), Alec Ingold (FB)

The Skinny: The Dolphins are banged up here. Jaylen Wright is not expected to be available for Week 1 so the Dolphins, who are already a bit light here, will be looking for an addition. It could come on the practice squad if Miami is confident that De'Von Achane, who has been nursing a sore calf, is going to be good for a return versus Indianapolis. Ollie Gordon II is going to make it hard for Wright to get his RB2 status back if Gordon II continues to shine how he did in the preseason.

Wide Receiver: 6

IN:Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dee Eskridge, Tahj Washington

The Skinny: The writing on the wall throughout training camp appeared to indicate that the Dolphins had a good problem on their hands. They don't have a bona-fide WR3 but they do have good depth and a variance of skillsets behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Tahj Washington has been one of the better stories of training camp after missing all of his rookie season.

Tight End: 3

IN:Darren Waller, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner

The Skinny: Whew. This group is...light. Figuratively and literally. Miami currently boasts one player who should be considered a viable hand in the dirt tight end in Julian Hill. Darren Waller's steady ramp-up from retirement continues and Tanner Conner is a Mike McDaniel pet project who has yet to prove himself on the NFL level.

One would have to imagine Miami is not done here.

Offensive Line: 8 (10)

IN: Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea (R), Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, Austin Jackson, Larry Borom, Daniel Brunskill, Kion Smith
Reserve/PUP List: Liam Eichenberg
IR to Return: Andrew Meyer

The Skinny: As the saying goes, all good things to those who wait. Miami is reportedly set to get their starting five on the field for Week 1 against the Colts after Austin Jackson missed most of camp. But the true depth of this unit is going to be on the shelf for another four weeks (at least) Miami's light here in keeping only eight linemen but all three backups have positional versatility. Borom, the preferred swing tackle, has played guard. Daniel Brunskill is best served to play any of the interior trio spots. And Kion Smith is unquestionably better at tackle but the Dolphins have cross-trained him over the last three seasons to play guard, too.

Defensive Line: 6

IN: Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant (R), Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips (R), Matthew Butler, Zeek Biggers (R)

The Skinny: Miami's youth movement is best embodied with this group right here. Three powerful rookies anchor half of Miami's remodeled defensive interior. Grant is a do-it-all player, Phillips is a stout nose and Biggers is a freaky long developmental 5-tech and 4i. Matthew Butler was considered a bust in Las Vegas but went from a spring waiver claim to making the 53-man roster. He presumably edged out veteran Matt Dickerson for a spot.

EDGE Defender: 5

IN:Chop Robinson , Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Matthew Judon , Cameron Goode

The Skinny: This group's big question was always going to be if Miami would keep five or six and who would get those slots. Needs in the secondary and on the defensive interior brought the Dolphins down to five on the edge and veteran Cameron Goode gets the final slot. He claims it on the back of a significant profile on special teams. As Mike McDaniel said on Monday, "a non-grass-stained jersey doesn't help the team (on game day)". Goode had the best path to a playing role.

Linebacker: 4

IN:Jordyn Brooks , Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr. , K.J. Britt

The Skinny: There's not much in the way of surprises here. Miami overhauled this room in an effort to get deeper and more viable depth after last year's struggles with Duke Riley and Anthony Walker Jr. Gay Jr. has been one of the delights of camp and Britt has performed well as a thumper between the tackles. He should be a core special teamer for Miami as well. Brooks and Dodson are the starters — but Miami could get creative to help Gay Jr. see the field.

Cornerback: 6

IN:Jack Jones, Storm Duck, Jason Marshall (R), Cam Smith, Isaiah Johnson, Ethan Bonner

The Skinny: Expect another shoe to drop in this room, as it was announced today that the Dolphins had agreed to terms on a contract with veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas. Douglas is a contender to start but Miami must first make room for him and carrying seven cornerbacks feels illogical. The easiest move to anticipate here could be Ethan Bonner being converted to injured reserve with a return designation after he suffered a hamstring injury in the second preseason game. Miami boasts a rookie Jason Marshall Jr. and two 2024 undrafted rookie free agents in Storm Duck and Isaiah Johnson — both are physical press maulers who are best in the contact window. Expect Miami to do a lot of that in 2025.

Safety: 6

IN: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ashtyn Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Elijah Campbell, Dante Trader Jr. (R), Jordan Colbert

The Skinny: The upset here goes to Jordan Colbert, who is an explosive second year player who flashed quite a bit in the preseason with his violent hitting power and burst. He could be a special teams contributor and developmental subpackage player. Miami could opt to convert Ashtyn Davis or Dante Trader Jr. onto the injured reserve list as well, as they have both missed most of training camp with injuries. Davis feels close to a return though — so this group's ultimate fate for Week 1 is still a bit cloudy. Colbert deserves major flowers for pushing for a sixth spot in this room.

Specialists: 2 (3)

IN:Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona
IR to Return: Jason Sanders

The Skinny: Sanders was injured early in Miami's third preseason game and appeared to be fine after the game but Miami has since determined he'll need "four to five" weeks of recovery, per reports. Miami tried out four kickers on Tuesday and should be expected to sign one once they're able to convert more players to injured reserve with a return designation — Sanders eats one of those slots from the jump and leaves Miami with two specialists (for now).