If you read my previous article on the Miami Dolphins which was the pre-draft preview of the team heading into 2025. You could see that I felt they were very talented and stout offensively and consistently have been that in the McDaniel-Tua era, but were indeed very flawed offensively as well. Some of the flaws offensively stemmed from Tua’s durability concerns, the lack of a high-end backup QB, the very finesse and often “soft” nature of the offense in general, Tua not having special caliber physical gifts as a QB, along with Tua and the offense stagnating in cold weather. Some of those issues are correctable and have already been addressed in the offseason cycle. The offensive issues which have been addressed are the lack of a high-end backup QB to the injury prone Tua. Which the Dolphins addressed this offseason in adding former top 2 overall pick QB Zach Wilson along with drafting QB Quinn Ewers in the 7th round who at a certain point was a first round prospect. The Dolphins will have to firstly put Tua in more desirable positions to stay healthy and they will also have to just hope he can stay healthier as well. The very finesse almost to a fault theme of the offense as of now is in line to continue next season. However, the addition of a more durable, athletic, and physically imposing QB2 in Zach Wilson, along with the team adding a couple of notable offensive lineman in this offseason cycle does address that weakness of the offense to a certain extent. The Dolphins’ major 2025 offensive statistics/metrics can be found below.
2024 Miami Dolphins Major Offensive Statistics/Metrics
18th in yards per game
22nd in points per game
25th in overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus
As you can see from the above data, the Dolphins were a below average offensive team by any stretch of the imagination this past season. Which is disappointing given head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive background and the tremendous amount of assets put into the offensive side of the ball by the front office. However, the Dolphins were on a backup QB for much of last season and the very subpar early season offensive output without Tua at the helm skewed the above metrics to a large extent. Scoring only 10 points in week 2 when Tua first went out with the injury, scoring only 3 points in week 3 without Tua, and scoring 12 or less points the next three weeks in a row without Tua, certainly led to the final offensive metrics of the season being perhaps a bit misleading. With Tua being perhaps the most injury prone QB in the NFL, the Dolphins should have had one of the best backup QB situations but instead they had a forgettable backup QB position. With the addition of Zach Wilson who was a #2 overall pick just four years ago who many argue has not had a fair chance to prove he was worthy of being taken that high, the Dolphins seemed to have addressed their backup QB position. Not to mention the addition of Quinn Ewers behind him as well who was a collegiate standout in his time with the University of Texas and who was considered a top prospect in the draft for a long portion of time as well. Offensive minded head coach Mike McDaniel and his fellow offensive coordinator Frank Smith have been together on the staff since 2022 and are both going into their fourth season together. Mike McDaniel was heralded as a boy genius when he first started out with the Dolphins but his welcome has been worn out to many and questions of his job security are beginning to mount. Given how weak Miami was offensively this past season in missing the playoffs all together and how in three seasons as head coach of Miami, Mike McDaniel has failed to even win a postseason game. I am still a fan of McDaniel as a head coach and I believe he should remain the head coach of the franchise for the long term, but the questions asked of him are indeed fair and he will be on the clock to prove his capabilities as a head coach this upcoming season. But just as is the case with any team the personnel on the offensive side of the ball will loom large in addition to any coaching concerns. Below I will provide a breakdown of the personnel on the offensive side of the ball for the Dolphins in the 2024 season and also heading into the 2025 season. I will list each player and provide the offense grade that they were assigned by Pro Football Focus over the course of the 2024 season, I also have given each player my own subjective grade that indicates how strong I feel they are in totality outside of just the 2024 season. I will begin below first with the offensive line of the team in 2024 and heading into 2025.
Dolphins 2024 Offensive Line Starters
LT – Terron Armstead – (3/87) offense grade in 2024 over 821 snaps, A-
LG – Robert Jones – (64/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1080 snaps, C+ to B-
C – Aaron Brewer – (8/43) offense grade in 2024 over 1139 snaps, B
RG – Liam Eichenberg – (74/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1037 snaps, C to C-
T – Austin Jackson – (64/87) offense grade in 2024 over 542 snaps, C to C+
Dolphins 2024 Offensive Line Reserves
T – Patrick Paul – (85/87) offense grade in 2024 over 338 snaps, D so far as ’24 2nd rd
T/G – Jackson Carman – (86/87) offense grade in 2024 over 68 snaps, C
T – Kendall Lamm – (35/87) offense grade in 2024 over 512 snaps, C to C+
G – Lester Cotton – (45/83) offense grade in 2024 over 80 snaps, C
T/G – Isaiah Wynn – (78/87) offense grade in 2024 over 103 snaps, C+
Dolphins 2024 Offensive Line Metrics
5th in pass blocking efficiency
21st in pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
28th in run blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
17th in sacks allowed
As you can see from the above set of data, the Dolphins had a pretty weak offensive line in totality this past season. Ranking below average if not well below average in three of the four major indicators of strong offensive line play. Although Miami ranked in the top five in pass blocking efficiency, that is perhaps a bit misleading and is perhaps a result of the Miami quarterbacks getting rid of the ball quickly knowing they don’t have time to throw with a weak offensive line. Thus, less pressures on Miami quarterbacks were measured in that metric therefore leading to Miami ranking in the top five in that metric. Heading into next season the concerns on the offensive line indeed remain and the unit in general has perhaps become even more concerning. The primary reason that the unit in totality has become more concerning is due to the retirement of potential future hall of famer Terron Armstead at left tackle. Armstead was easily the most productive player on the Dolphins’ offensive line this past season playing at the most important position of left tackle as well. Armstead even at an advanced age still ranked among the premier offensive lineman in the NFL this past season as he was graded third among all qualified tackles in terms of an offense grade this past season. Headed into next season the Dolphins’ plans on the offensive front will center around replacing the lost production of Armstead. In line to replace Armstead at left tackle is 2024 2nd round pick Patrick Paul. Paul had a disappointing rookie season ranking amongst the worst graded tackles in the NFL in his limited time on the field. However, as such a high draft pick who has not yet had the chance to totally prove himself, it is certainly too soon to label him as a bust or as someone not worthy of being selected as high as the 2nd round. He will be on the clock to prove he was worthy of being selected in the 2nd round this upcoming season as he is in line to start at left tackle. Miami has made a few other notable moves regarding the offensive front this offseason as well. Drafting tackle Jonah Savaiinaea at the top of the 2nd round and bringing in veteran guard James Daniels as well. In addition to losing offensive line starter Terron Armstead in this offseason cycle, the team also lost another starter in Robert Jones as well. Miami’s projected offensive line for the 2025 season can be found below, with me assigning each player a subjective grade that indicates how strong I feel they are.
Miami Dolphins Projected 2025 Starting Offensive Line
LT – Patrick Paul – D so far as 2024 2nd round pick
LG – Liam Eichenberg – C
C – Aaron Brewer – B to B+
RG – James Daniels – B+
RT – Austin Jackson – C+
Miami Dolphins Projected 2025 Offensive Line Reserves
T/G – Kion Smith – C+
T/G – Jackson Carman – C+
T – Jonah Savaiinaea – 2025 2nd round pick
C – Andrew Meyer – UDFA 2024, 0 career snaps
T – Larrry Borom – C
T – Braeden Daniels – 4th round pick 2023, 0 career snaps
G – Addison West – UDFA 2025
T – Ryan Hayes – 7th round 2023, 0 career snaps
T – Tedi Kushi – UDFA 2025
G – Josh Priebe – UDFA 2025
T – Bayron Matos – UDFA 2024, 0 career snaps
If you look at the new Dolphins’ offensive line for the 2025 season you can see the changes in terms of the starting lineup being Patrick Paul and James Daniels replacing Terron Armstead and Robert Jones who both departed the team. Patrick Paul will likely not replicate Armstead’s production at left tackle but as a 2nd round pick, he can certainly be highly effective although he had a forgettable first season in the NFL. James Daniels, formerly of the Bears and more recently the Steelers is in line to be an upgrade over Robert Jones. Daniels has graded as above average if not well above average in terms of an overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus every season he has played in the NFL. Daniels in limited snaps last season for the Steelers graded 2nd amongst all qualified guards in terms of an overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus. Center Aaron Brewer along with Armstead was one of the two steady forces on the offensive line this past season. Brewer started his NFL career playing as a guard but was average to mediocre in his first three seasons playing guard in the NFL. Brewer has since transitioned to center in the past two seasons and has been highly effective in his time at that position. In the 2023 season for the Titans, Brewer logged over 1000 snaps at center and graded (11/40) in terms of an overall offense grade at center. While in the 2024 season for the Dolphins, Brewer logged over 1000 snaps again and graded (8/43) in terms of an offense grade at center. Brewer will still be on the clock to prove he can maintain that level of play at center going forward, but the Dolphins will likely get strong play from their starting center role next season with Brewer there. Liam Eichenberg at the remaining starting guard spot as of now projects to be the weak link on the Dolphins’ starting offensive line as he was likely the weakest link last season as well. Eichenberg has consistently produced at a below average level for his NFL career and is likely better suited as a backup. At right tackle Austin Jackson as a former first round pick has been mostly a bust although showing he is capable from time to time. Jackson as a 2020 first round pick has registered a below average offense grade in three of his four seasons in the NFL. However, in the one remaining season, he graded (36/89) in terms of an overall offense grade including finishing third among all tackles in terms of pass blocking efficiency. As of now I would venture to say that Jackson is better suited as a backup, but given his very high draft standing, his one standout season, and still his youth, the jury remains out on him as a starter in the NFL. From a reserve standpoint on the offensive front the Dolphins have a few notable names as well who could become very crucial given how the Dolphins have more than one starter who is certainly replaceable in the starting lineup. Kion Smith in very limited NFL snaps (70 for his career) produced at a strong clip ranking first among all qualified players in terms of pass blocking efficiency although struggling as a run blocker. Jackson Carman was a 2nd round pick in the 2021 draft and has not yet had the chance to prove he was worthy of being taken that high. In his 2021 rookie season, Carman as a guard logged a (64/90) offense grade while ranking above average in terms of pass blocking efficiency, a solid but not spectacular rookie season that he was certainly in line to build off of. After his rookie season I would certainly say that he was in line to prove he was worthy of being selected as high as he was in the 2nd round. However, Carman logged a combined 16 snaps the next two seasons and logged only 68 snaps last season. Although he was highly ineffective when he played in those 68 snaps this past season, he has not yet had the chance to prove he was worthy of being selected with a 2nd round pick. Perhaps if one of the starters on the Dolphins’ offensive front struggles next season, Carman can step in and start to flourish and build off his rookie season. Tackle Jonah Savaiinaea who was a 2025 second round pick also might have the chance to slide into a starting role as well. All three of these players might have the chance to start for Miami given the question marks the Dolphins have on their starting offensive front. But at worst they will provide some strong depth for the Dolphins on the offensive line. I have conducted a similar analysis of the Dolphins’ skill position players from 2024 and heading into 2025 as well which can be found below starting with the wide receiver unit of the team.
Dolphins 2024 Wide Receiver Unit
WR – Tyreek Hill – (43/110) offense grade in 2024 over 907 snaps, A to A-
WR – Jaylen Waddle – (46/110) offense grade in 2024 over 794 snaps, B+ to A-
WR – Malik Washington – (101/110) offense grade in 2024 over 414 snaps, D+, 6th rd 24
WR – River Cracraft – (104/110) offense grade in 2024 over 120 snaps, C+
WR – Braxton Berrios – (110/110) offense grade in 2024 over 112 snaps, C+
WR – D’Wayne Eskridge – (49/110) offense grade in 2024 over 37 snaps, C to C+
WR – Robbie Chosen – (109/110) offense grade in 2024 over 29 snaps, C to C+
WR – Grant DuBose – (107/110) offense grade in 2024 over 50 snaps, D to D+
WR – Erik Ezukanma – (109/110) offense grade in 2024 over 18 snaps, D+ to C-
WR – Odell Beckham Jr – (110/110) offense grade in 2024 over 119 snaps, C+ to B-
The Dolphins were led by one of the best wide out tandems in the NFL this past season in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, Hill is aging and had a career worst year last season although the largely ineffective QB play also contributed to that. It remains to be seen how effective Hill will continue to be as a wide out as he will play next season at 31 years old. Jaylen Waddle is one of the premier number two wide receivers in the NFL but also had a down year with the often-ineffective QB play the Dolphins had this past season. Even as Hill ages and both players are coming off a down year, the combination of Hill + Waddle remains one of the premier wide receiver duos in all of the NFL. One could make a very strong argument that it is indeed the premier wide receiver duo in the NFL. However, behind those two players the Dolphins’ wide receiver core left much to be desired as there was a lack of depth in the position this past season. As they did not have a definitive #3 wide out capable of replicating the production of Hill and Waddle. Although former 2nd round pick D’Wayne Eskridge played well in limited action this past season and perhaps was worthy of being drafted so high. Heading into next season the Dolphins’ wide receiver unit remains mostly the same outside of the team adding mostly irrelevant 7th rounders/UDFAs. The team has however added former Titans wide out Nick Westbrook-Ikhine who was consistently below average in his time with the Titans although showing some promise. Now that he is placed in more ideal offensive circumstances, perhaps he can really come into his own and he is currently listed as the #3 wide receiver behind Hill and Waddle. The Dolphins wide receiver unit headed into the 2025 season can be found below.
Projected 2025 Dolphins Wide Receiver Unit
WR – Tyreek Hill – A to A-
WR – Jaylen Waddle – B+ to A-
WR – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – C
WR – Malik Washington – D+ to C-
WR – Tahj Washington – 7th round 2024, 0 career snaps
WR – Tarik Black – UDFA 2021, 1 career reception
WR – D’Wayne Eskridge – C to C+
WR – Erik Ezukanma – D+ to C-
WR – Andrew Armstrong – UDFA 2025
WR – Theo Wease Jr – UDFA 2025
WR – Monaray Baldwin – UDFA 2025
As you can see from the above, the Dolphins’ combination of Hill and Waddle still projects to be electric but the remaining wide outs to go alongside them leave much to be desired. Although a few players, Eskridge in particular, have shown some promise. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s tight end unit which can be found below.
Dolphins 2024 Tight Ends
TE – Jonnu Smith – (5/45) offense grade in 2024 over 626 snaps, B to B+
TE – Julian Hill – (45/45) offense grade in 2024 over 515 snaps, D-
TE – Durham Smythe – (45/45) offense grade in 2024 over 365 snaps, C
TE – Tanner Conner – (45/45) offense grade in 2024 over 25 snaps, C to C+
TE – Jack Stoll – only 2 snaps in 2024, D to D+
The Dolphins’ tight end unit was led by Jonnu Smith who had a career year this past season. The reason why Smith only warranted a grade of a B despite being graded as one of the five best tight ends in the NFL this past season is the following. In the previous three seasons of his career, Smith graded below average in each season in terms of an overall offense grade. While before that he graded above average twice and below average twice. Smith has been hit and miss thus far in his career but had a very strong year last season. The remaining tight ends for the Dolphins this past season left much to be desired as all three of the remaining tight ends who logged significant snaps graded at or near the bottom of all qualified tight ends this past season. The tight end unit projects to remain the same headed into next season led by standout but very inconsistent tight end Jonnu Smith with the remaining tight ends leaving much to be desired. Although the Dolphins have added veteran Pharoah Brown who has proven to be capable over the years.
Projected 2025 Dolphins Tight Ends
TE – Jonnu Smith – B to B+
TE – Julian Hill – D-
TE – Pharoah Brown – C+
TE – Tanner Conner – C to C+
Jonnu Smith remains the lead tight end while new addition Pharoah Brown has proven to be capable of playing at a high level. Pharoah Brown has had two separate seasons being graded as a top 10 tight end amongst qualified tight ends although grading below average in the remaining four seasons. I have conducted a similar analysis of the Dolphins’ running back unit which can be found below.
Miami Dolphins 2024 Running Backs
HB – De’Von Achane – (11/58) offense grade in 2024 over 705 snaps, A-
HB – Raheem Mostert – (33/58) offense grade in 2024 over 278 snaps, B to B+
HB – Jaylen Wright – (42/58) offense grade in 2024 over 171 snaps, C
HB – Jeff Wilson Jr – (52/58) offense grade in 2024 over 71 snaps, C to C+
The Dolphins’ first two backs this past season in De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert were amongst the premier running back tandems in the NFL. Raheem Mostert has since departed the team this offseason and the Dolphins have made some moves to address the unit in wake of his departure. They have signed former 3rd round pick Alexander Mattison who has been hit and miss in his career but who has shown promise. Being drafted in the third round is pretty high for a running back but Mattison has not quite lived up to the billing. In six seasons in the NFL, he has graded below average in terms of an overall offense grade five times. However, in the one season in which he was graded as above average, he was graded as well above average at (11/63) in terms of an overall offense grade amongst qualified running backs. Given his high draft status and his one standout season, the Dolphins brought him on board and are optimistic he can offset some of Mostert’s lost production. Miami has also drafted running back Ollie Gordon in the 6th round of the 2025 draft in order to bolster the unit. While Jaylen Wright as a 2024 6th rounder had a respectable rookie season and is in line to build off of it heading into year 2 now moving to #2 on the running back depth chart. The Dolphins’ projected 2025 running back room looks like the following.
Dolphins projected 2025 running back room
HB – De’Vone Achane – A-
HB – Jaylen Wright – C
HB – Alexander Mattison – C to C+
HB – Ollie Gordon – 2025 6th rounder
In totality, the Dolphins will be a very stout offense next season but still have many question marks. The availability and health of QB Tua Tagovailoa along with his inability to perform in the cold are big question marks that have led to the Dolphins’ season ending in the first three years of the McDaniel-Tua era in Miami. But for the first time in the Tua era the Dolphins have recruited high end backup QBs in Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers as a strong insurance policy in the scenario of a Tua injury. The offensive line was a concern last season and it is now an even bigger concern now that superstar left tackle Terron Armstead has retired. However, if some players who were once high draft picks on the offensive front can really come into their own, I think Miami’s offensive line could be solid if not very good. Miami in the Tua era has been known for having elite skill players and that trend will continue next season. Miami’s collection of skill position talent ranks up there with any NFL team although they have some question marks in that regard as well. Such as the age of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the consistency of tight end Jonnu Smith, along with their apparent lack of depth at the skill positions. If Miami can have a few players step up their game on the offensive line in particular, the Dolphins could be a very scary offense next season. As Tagovailoa is maybe the most accurate thrower in the NFL, the Dolphins’ skill position players rank up there with anyone, and head coach Mike McDaniel was once heralded as the premier young offensive mind in the league. In the 2023 season led by Tua and McDaniel, the Dolphins had the #2 scoring offense in the NFL and I think Miami can certainly return to that elite form next season.
