The Brooks Brother

The Brooks Brother

In the NFL, the perceived wisdom is that the four building block positions are quarterback, left tackle, pass rusher and corner. It’s no coincidence, therefore, that in the main that’s where teams spend the greatest amount of money, and it’s why draft picks at those positions are so important. Of the 223 first-rounders since 2020, a remarkable 122 have come at those spots, including eight of the first ten in 2020 and 2022, seven of the first ten in 2023 and 2024, and six of the first ten in 2021 and 2025.

What you wouldn’t consider building block spots are off-ball linebacker, center and running back. But that’s where the new Dolphins regime has chosen to invest, and those three players – Jordyn Brooks, Aaron Brewer and De’Von Achane- are now the core of this brave new world.

There are, however, multiple reasons why these extensions were the right thing to do that fly in the face of rewarding only those traditional building block positions. The first is simply to pay good players for outstanding performances, players that the team have developed and aren’t content with letting them walk away. It’s long been something Miami have struggled with – retaining their own talent whilst relying on free agents or traded players from other teams to make it work.

And yes, Brooks was drafted by the Seahawks, and Brewer was an undrafted FA who was signed and developed by the Titans, but the point remains.

Secondly, the Dolphins simply don’t have three of the main cornerstone spots locked down. There is no traditional franchise quarterback, although many – including myself – believe that Malik Willis will develop into one. There are significant question marks over Chop Robinson , and although the very early signs from first-rounder Chris Johnson are strong, there’s a long way to go until we can contemplate labeling him as a franchise corner. Only LT Patrick Paul, who’s had enough good moments to believe he can hold down that spot for many years, has any long-term handle on a traditional building block spot. He may well become the next Dolphin to get paid.

The Brooks deal also underlined the intentionality of the new front office, who have, almost to a fault, delivered on what they said they were going to deliver on in their first few press conferences and media availabilities, notably when it came to Brooks, Achane and Brewer specifically. “They know where they stand,” GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said ahead of April’s Draft when asked about possible long-term extensions for the trio. “We’ve had conversations. They know how important they are to this team and where we are with them.”

Retaining our own is critical, and you can guarantee it’ll be something this team looks to do moving forward, especially over its drafted players. Why? Well, as I’ve mentioned before, it’s simply the Green Bay way. But also because it’s very specifically been spelled out by Sullivan, notably during an in-house interview with Travis Wingfield: “We’re going to draft and develop, and retain our own. It’s important to us that we raise our own, because that’s culture.” 

The deal for Brooks came about because retaining good players is important no matter the paucity of talent across the roster. But also because when he appeared at mini-camp, despite not having an extension in place, it sent a message to the front office about the sort of team-first person he is. “I need to get better as a player so that’s why I show up,” Brooks said. “Obviously, I never want to send the wrong message to the team or to my teammates. I play with these guys. Go to battle with them. I want them to know that I’m here no matter what, playing the game for the right reasons.”

I’m told by someone inside the facility that Brooks received rave reviews from run game co-ordinator Joe Barry and DL coach Austin Clark for his play and leadership, and that was quickly evident to Hafley in mini-camp. An alpha male and the unquestioned leader of the defense, he was intentional, hard-working, and did a terrific job of helping second-rounder Jacob Rodriguez integrate into the scheme. It didn’t take long for the new coach to realize the importance of #20. “Great leader, loves football, works really, really hard,” he said during minicamp. “He’s made the right way. I’ve really enjoyed him. You see the film, you see the type of player that he is; but once you get to know him, you kind of understand why. I think his work ethic is elite and he loves football. He absolutely loves the game, and he wants to meet. He wants to go over stuff. He wants to learn. He’s a fun guy to coach.

Brooks is also hugely well respected by current and former teammates: “You never see or hear from JB off the field, but I’ll tell you he’s the ultimate pro,” tweeted Terron Armstead. “A true franchise centerpiece, that’s all about work and winning!! No distractions, no BS, just class and greatness!!”

The former Texas Tech standout led the NFL in tackles last season with 183, earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, and although he’ll turn 29 early in the campaign, he’s shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s clear he’s getting better and better as a player, and the contract itself – three years, $51.3 million with $35m guaranteed – means it’s really a team-friendly deal, much like the ones for Achane and Brewer.

So whilst handing out $104 million in guaranteed money to this trio is an atypical way to start a rebuild, it’s a welcome change to how the team has been run in previous years. The bottom line is that good players are good players no matter what position they play. And if this team can hit on the guys they selected in April, then their prediction of being a playoff heavyweight in 2028 might just be right.