5 Dolphins defenders raising their stock in training camp, preseason

USA Today

2 days ago

Following a 24-24 preseason tie on Sunday with the Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins stayed in the Midwest for another round of joint practices within the NFC North. Miami practiced with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday, and it didn't go well.
The consensus from reporters on both sides was that the Lions got the better of the Dolphins.
But practices aren't the ultimate measure of regular-season success, and there were notable performances from Dolphins players fighting to make the 53-man roster:
LB Derrick McLendon
Signed by Miami to a futures contract in January, McLendon enters his second NFL season and is impressing this month. He recorded two tackles for loss, including a sack, against the Bears, and followed it up with another strong practice in Detroit on Wednesday.
McLendon is making a strong case for a roster spot and could have one if his ascension continues. A solid performance in Saturday's game could seal his chances.
LB Grayson Murphy
Murphy recorded a sack of his own against the Bears and has emerged as a playmaker. The second-year undrafted signee missed all of 2024 on injured reserve but was a promising prospect last summer before the setback.
DL Jordan Phillips
At just 21 years old, Phillips has plenty of potential to be a valuable member of the Dolphins' defensive line for years to come. His strong outing in Chicago, combined with a solid practice in Detroit, has him looking like a steal as a fifth-round pick out of Maryland.
Phillips could be in line for substantial snaps in defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's rotation. As he showed against the Bears, Phillips has outstanding leverage and the ability to take on multiple blockers while still making plays, such as a goal-line stop over the weekend.
His stats may not pop off the page, but his space-eating ability and knack for freeing up teammates could significantly boost Miami's front seven.
LB Eugene Asante
Known for speed and relentless pursuit of ball carriers, the undrafted rookie is making a push for the 53-man roster. Asante showcased his quickness and physicality on Sunday, finishing with three solo tackles and an assist.
While he was flagged for what officials deemed a hit on a defenseless receiver while trying to prevent a Bears first down, and his effort can't be knocked. It continued into a solid day in Detroit on Wednesday.
Asante also brings special teams value, having excelled in that phase during college. At minimum, Asante looks like a strong candidate for the practice squad and could even push a fringe veteran for a roster spot. Miami has kept at least one UDFA on the roster for four straight seasons—Asante could make it five.
CB Ethan Bonner
Third-year boundary cornerback Ethan Bonner has impressed during the summer in each of his years with the Dolphins, and 2025 has been no exception. It was Bonner's pass deflection against the Bears that landed in the hands of safety Patrick McMorris for an interception.
In a thin and largely unproven cornerback room, Bonner could be in line to make the roster and see significant playing time in 2025.