Miami Dolphins DL Zach Sieler was an afterthought on a list he should top, which should give him some added motivation in 2025

Miami Dolphins DL Zach Sieler has quietly been one of the best and most consistent defensive linemen in the NFL over the last few years.  However, you wouldn't know it, given the buzz, or lack thereof, surrounding the veteran defensive tackle. 

You can put another national outlet in that list of those who've looked him over. Pro Football Focus recently put out their list of top 32 interior defensive linemen, and Seiler checked in at a surprisingly low spot - #21. 

This is what PFF had to say about Sieler: 

Sieler enjoyed yet another successful season in 2024. He played 749 snaps — the 15th most among interior defenders — and earned a 78.9 PFF overall grade, which placed 11th. He has also recorded 10 sacks in each of the past two seasons. - Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

The explanation itself is odd, in that his PFF grade of 78.9 checks in at 11th in the popular outlet's list of interior defenders.  Yet, somehow despite that ranking - and despite leading all interior defensive linemen in the NFL in sacks last year with 10 - Sieler has found himself at a position that, quite frankly, is one of disrespect for what he's accomplished in recent years. 

The Dolphins inked Sieler to a 3-year, $38.65 million extension just before the 2023 season got underway, and it goes without saying he's lived up to that.  Sieler has generated the most sacks in the NFL among interior DL since then with 20.  

Now, Sieler will have some much-needed help beside him.  The Dolphins spent their first-round pick on Michigan DT Kenneth Grant, who will assume the starting spot beside Sieler.  Miami also added depth in Maryland DT Jordan Phillips and Georgia Tech DT Zeek Biggers. Both have a very legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster. 

We'll see if #92 can put together a third straight season with double digit sacks - something that should be impossible to ignore for the pundits next offseason.