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Way too early Miami Dolphins 53-man roster after the 2025 NFL Draft
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

With the NFL Draft now in our rearview mirror, we have a clearer picture of what the Miami Dolphins' roster will look like to start the season. GM Chris Grier pulled the trigger on 8 new draft picks along with a number of still-to-be-formally-announced undrafted free agent additions, in addition to the moves he made in pre-draft free agency. 

It's still very early, but here's my projection of what the initial 53-man roster will look like at the end of cutdowns in late August. As the UDFAs have not yet been announced by the team, I'm not including them for the time being. (* denotes rookie)

Quarterbacks (3)

  • In: Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers*
  • Out: None

The Dolphins will likely sign someone else, but it's hard to see anyone from the outside making a dent in this group.

Running backs (5)

  • In: De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon II*, Alexander Mattison, Alec Ingold
  • Out: None

I think a RB4 is one spot the team could cut, but for now, I'm going to have Mattison stick in that spot, subject to roster needs later. 

Wide receivers (5)

  • In: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Nick Westbrook-Ihkene, Malik Washington, Erik Ezukanma
  • Out: Tahj Washington, Dee Eskridge, Tarik Black

I don't think the group is deep enough to take six here, so I'll give the nod to Malik over Tahj here based on the former's productivity and potential. 

Tight ends (3)

  • In: Jonnu Smith, Pharaoh Brown, Julian Hill
  • Out: Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci

Hill just gets another chance to redeem a rocky tenure in Miami. Conner could give them something to think about with a solid preseason.

Offensive line (9)

  • In: Patrick Paul, Jonah Savaiinaea*, Aaron Brewer, James Daniels, Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, Larry Borom, Jackson Carman, Andrew Meyer
  • Out: Ryan Hayes, Bayron Matos, Kion Smith, Chasen Hines, Braeden Daniels

Eichenberg/Meyer and Borom/Carman get the reserve interior and tackle spots.

Defensive tackles (5)

  • In: Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant*, Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips*, Zeek Biggers*
  • Out: Matt Dickerson, Neil Farrell

I think all three of Miami's new defensive tackles from the draft make the roster. Biggers could prove to be a steal in the seventh round. 

Linebackers (10)

  • In: Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Quinton Bell, Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay, Jr. K.J. Britt, Cameron Goode, Channing Tindall
  • Out: Mohamed Kamara, Dequan Jackson, Derrick McLendon, Grayson Murphy, William Bradley-King

This depends in large part on the health of Jaelan Phillips to start the season. If he starts on PUP, then Kamara could have a chance of sticking. We'll see when training camp arrives how ready he looks. 

Cornerbacks (6) 

  • In: Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall, Jr.*, Artie Burns
  • Out: Jalen Ramsey, Jason Maitre, Ryan Cooper, Jr., Isaiah Johnson

The last shoe has hardly dropped on this group. Expect a far different look once training camp has come and gone, as Miami will surely add more veteran talent. For now, this is how things look.

Safeties (4)

  • In: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ashtyn Davis, Eljiah Campbell, Dante Trader, Jr.*
  • Out: Patrick McMorris, Jordan Colbert

It comes down to Trader or McMorris, and I think the former could be a potential roster surprise and ultimately make the cut. Obviously reserve the right to change my mind on that. 

Special teamers (3)

  • In: LS Blake Ferguson, P Ryan Stonehouse, K Jason Sanders
  • Out: P Jake Bailey

The only real battle here comes down to punting, and new special teams coach Craig Aukerman has his punter from his days with the Titans in Stonehouse, whose big leg wins the job. 

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

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