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Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (31) in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Three Dolphins players that Miami should aim to get on the field more as the path of their 2025 season comes into focus

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 2:17 PM ET

Coaching and player development. These are the elements of the 2025 season that are going to define success and failure for the Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel amid an 0-3 start. Without much in the way of wins (sooner rather than later, no less), the coaching elements of this season may end up falling by the wayside. But player development for a team that embraced a much younger nucleus of talent in 2025 is now suddenly going to be a major storyline for Miami.

Such is life at 0-3. Miami, for the first time for much of their season, played inspired football in Buffalo on Thursday night. But they missed the opportunity to win amid some frustrating mistakes late — giving the Bills second chances that they don't often need. And when they get them, Buffalo always makes you pay for them.

There were some positive developments, however. And that's what this season is ultimately going to be about for the foreseeable future — who are the roses amongst the thorns? Who deserves more playing time that could develop into a legitimate long-term piece?

Three young Miami Dolphins players who should play more after promising performances on Thursday night

Running back Ollie Gordon II

Gordon II has just 34 snaps on the season thus far but he's making his limited opportunities count. Gordon has 12 carries for 50 yards through three games — and 46 yards after contact. He's top-5 in the NFL in EPA/rush attempt among NFL running backs, trailing only Rachaad White, Kenneth Walker III, Javonte Williams, and James Cook.

Yes, the sample size is small. But that's the point. It's too small.

The Dolphins would greatly benefit from seeing more of Gordon II's mauling ability as a runner and see just how sustainable it is as he gets more work. Because Miami certain needs an "in your face" element. Gordon II looked the part on Thursday night.

Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) attempts to bring down Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during the second half of a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn ImagesChristine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Safety Dante Trader Jr.

Trader Jr. played just 13 defensive snaps in Week 3 against the Bills. It's actually the fewest snaps that he's logged through the first three weeks of the season. But amid the juggling of the safety spot opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick, Trader Jr. looks to be the one who could actually serve in a long-term starting role. As a fifth-round rookie, Trader Jr. has plenty of upside and appeal after weaning his way into work after injuries cost him much of camp.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver should lean fully into Trader Jr., who has drawn praise for his prep and toughness. With nickel cornerback Jason Marshall down with a hamstring injury, all of Miami's best personnel packages would feature three safeties on the field at once anyway. Let's get Trader Jr. as many snaps as we can.

Aug 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Greg Dulcich (89) celebrates a touchdown reception during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Tight end Greg Dulcich

Snaps by Dolphins tight ends in 2025: Julian Hill has 90, Tanner Conner has 80. Hill has been a sturdy blocker. Conner is a Mike McDaniel pet project in Year 4 that has simply run its course. The former college wide receiver struggles to block with any consistency and has struggled catching the football through three games. He had a drop versus the Bills last night to add to his tally of issues.

Dulcich had a great August in New York and has spent the first three games of the season on Miami's practice squad. Yes, he's new. But he surely has more appeal as the flex option than what Miami has seen from Conner — who has now doubled his career offensive snaps through just the first three weeks of this 2025 season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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