3 questions for the Dolphins to answer in OTAs
3 questions for the Dolphins to answer in OTAs
The Miami Dolphins begin organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, the last of their offseason work before a June 10-12 minicamp and a lengthy break before training camp.
While still early in the process leading to the regular season, the OTAs are a good time to focus on a few key areas heading into the summer. Miami added eight rookies in the 2025 NFL draft and signed more than a dozen undrafted free agents. Those additions join plenty of second- and third-year players vying for roster spots, so getting off to a good start is vital for several of those on the bubble.
Despite being without full pads and contact, and before the rigors of training camp, there are still stories in motion at OTAs as momentum builds for the 2025 Dolphins season:
What will the post-Jalen Ramsey secondary look like?
Barring a miraculous reconciliation, Ramsey will be traded at some point this summer. As recently as last week, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said the team and cornerback "mutually have chosen to go other ways." Instead, Miami enters OTAs with a secondary comprised of a slew of young, mostly unproven cornerbacks.
The Dolphins are likely to eventually bring in a veteran free agent, or maybe even trade for a new No. 1 cornerback. But for now, 2023 second-round draft pick Cam Smith will compete with past undrafted additions Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner, veterans Artie Burns and Kendall Sheffield, as well as rookie fifth-round pick Jason Marshall Jr and undrafted rookie BJ Adams.
The safest man in the room is Kader Kohou, a former undrafted gem who has found a home as the Dolphins' slot specialist, but also has the versatility to play on the boundary, if needed. There are also former undrafted signees Jason Maitre and Isaiah Johnson looking to impress in year two.
Which bubble players will make an early impression?
There are several Dolphins players on the roster who haven't yet lived up to their draft billing and could be down to their last chance to impress coaches. That includes all three remaining members of the Dolphins' Hindenburg-level disaster draft class of 2022. Third-rounder Channing Tindall, fourth-rounder Erik Ezukanma, and seventh-rounder Cameron Goode could all be in trouble when cut-down day arrives. The fourth and final member of the class, Skylar Thompson, was already purged from the roster earlier this year.
This offseason is also an opportunity for young players who haven't had much of a chance to make a first impression yet. Tahj Washington, a seventh-round pick in 2024, spent his entire rookie year on injured reserve and tight end Hayden Rucci was on the Dolphins' practice squad for almost all of last season.
It could also be an opportunity for 2024 sixth-round safety Patrick McMorris and his draft classmate, fifth-round linebacker Mohamed Kamara, to stand out after quiet rookie seasons.
How will the Dolphins' offensive line be arranged?
Miami appears to have its five-man starting front on the offensive line written in pen, and -- health permitting -- it could be formidable group in 2025. That depends on a lot of things, though. The Dolphins are hopeful that 2024 second-rounder Patrick Paul will adequately take over for the recently retired Terron Armstead, and that 2020 first-rounder Austin Jackson will make a smooth return at right tackle after suffering a season-ending injury last year.
The center spot carries the least ambiguity with 2024 free agent acquisition, Aaron Brewer. Now it's not a question of who will play next to him, but at which sides?
Versatile veteran lineman James Daniels was signed as a free agent this offseason and should start at one of the guard spots. The other was filled in the 2025 NFL draft when the Dolphins traded up to select Jonah Savaiinaea in Round 2. The real competition up front will be for the spots on the depth chart behind the starting five.
Newly acquired lineman Larry Borom is an early frontrunner to replace Kendall Lamm as the Dolphins' swing tackle, but 2023 seventh-rounder Ryan Hayes could also be in the mix, along with Jackson Carmen, Kion Smith and undrafted rookie Tedi Kushi. Despite his struggles as a starter, Liam Eichenberg is likely safe as a versatile backup unless an undrafted rookie like Josh Priebe manages to impress. The backup center role should belong to second-year player Andrew Meyer, although undrafted rookie Addison West could push for a spot.
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