Anthony Weaver 'thrilled' about Dolphins' DT additions in the 2025 NFL draft
Anthony Weaver 'thrilled' about Dolphins' DT additions in the 2025 NFL draft
The Miami Dolphins addressed one of their most glaring needs in the 2025 NFL draft by selecting three defensive tackles: Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers. Unsurprisingly, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was happy to see it.
'Thrilled about the draft process. It was a collective work of so many, just targeting the guys that we did," Weaver told reporters Wednesday. "Really excited about Kenneth Grant and what he brings to the middle of that defense, and him just being in here and have the opportunity to work with Benito (Jones) and Zach Sieler and obviously (defensive line) Coach (Austin) Clark. Whatever he's supposed to be at the end of the day, I promise you he will reach every bit of God-given potential."
The Dolphins selected Grant in the first round with the No. 13 overall pick. He was the second defensive tackle selected and should be a day one starter in Miami after Calais Campbell left to join the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Last season for Michigan, Grant recorded 32 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks.
'Really happy about Jordan Phillips, guy who was kind of under the radar a little bit, but the way he plays on film and just the person that he is, it's the same thing; he's going to reach that ceiling," Weaver said. "I have really high hopes for both those kids. And then I still don't know how we got Zeek Biggers in the seventh – a guy with that size, that length, that mass to play as hard as he plays, he can end up being a steal for us, too."
Phillips started all 12 games last year for Maryland and recorded 29 tackles. With Sieler, Jones, and Grant expected to be the starters, Phillips will have a chance to earn reps as a rotational player. He should have plenty of opportunities during his rookie year to show he can be a contributor to the Miami defensive line.
Biggers put up some impressive numbers at Georgia Tech over the last two seasons. He started the last 25 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons and recorded 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Biggers also proved to be a quality special teams contributor with two blocked kicks a season ago.
"So really happy about those three, they've been putting the work in since they got here. I know we'll live through some growing pains early, as you do with all rookies, but the one thing I do know is that it's going to click faster for them then just because of the work they put in,' Weaver said Wednesday
All three rookie defensive linemen are entering a situation where they'll be high on the depth chart. Their development will be a top priority of the coaching staff this offseason and Weaver is excited to ensure they are ready to contribute as soon as possible.
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