The Miami Dolphins Have Pass Rushers Galore

The Miami Dolphins Have Pass Rushers Galore

The Miami Dolphins may find themselves in a very interesting position this preseason — with a surplus of quality depth at a premium position. If both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb can return from their respective injuries and resemble even a fraction of the dominant players they were before, the Dolphins could have some very difficult decisions to make with their pass rushers.

A healthy Phillips and Chubb instantly elevate Miami’s pass rush to one of the league’s most dangerous units. Add in second-year player Chop Robinson — who was a Defensive Rookie of the Year nominee last season — along with the other talented edge defenders in the building, and the Dolphins suddenly have more capable players than spots available. That could mean the team is forced to cut someone they really don’t want to. With limited roster spots and depth needs at other positions, the front office may have to either trim a productive backup or sacrifice depth elsewhere to carry an extra edge rusher into the season.

Complicating the decision is the fact that several backups have been making strong cases for themselves. Grayson Murphy, Cameron Goode, and Derrick McLendon have all flashed in training camp, as well as in joint practice sessions and the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. Each has shown an ability to generate pressure, play with high energy, and disrupt plays — exactly the traits coaches covet in pass rushers.

And there’s still plenty of time for the competition to heat up. Two more preseason games remain, offering players additional opportunities to prove they can bring consistent productivity, not just occasional splash plays. Coaches love “good problems” like this, but that doesn’t make the eventual decision any easier.

For a franchise that hasn’t typically enjoyed this kind of quality depth, it’s a refreshing change. In years past, injuries to starters like Phillips or Chubb might have left Miami scrambling to fill the void with unproven or less-talented replacements. This year, however, the Dolphins have multiple players forcing the coaching staff to think twice about their final roster configurations.

Another wrinkle in the decision-making process is the potential for a trade. Productive edge rushers are always in demand in the NFL, and Miami could consider flipping one of their backups for help at another position of need — namely, cornerback or offensive line. To make that kind of deal happen, the Dolphins would likely need to sweeten the pot with a mid-to-late-round draft pick, but the payoff could be worth it if it shores up another weak spot on the roster.

The next couple of weeks will be crucial in determining how this all shakes out. The Dolphins’ coaching staff will be closely evaluating not just sacks and pressures, but also discipline, motor, and the ability to execute assignments in different game situations. If some players fade down the stretch, there’s a chance they could be stashed on the practice squad. But if they all continue to impress, the front office will have some very tough decisions to make.