Miami Dolphins 2025 53-Man Roster Breakdown

Two days before kicking off for the first time this season, the Miami Dolphins have officially released their 53-man roster. This time of year usually gives us closure on multiple things, including who the backup quarterback will be and the specialty positions on defense. With the state of the Dolphins’ secondary in 2025, the depth chart is as important as ever. Who will be backing up Tua if he goes down? Who’s serving as the team’s backup rushing option? Who is the team’s official “starting cornerback?” All of those questions will be answered in this article.

Secondary

The main concern with this defense is the secondary. The Dolphins have been active in the defensive market this offseason, but not in a great way. Entering the offseason, it was known that Jalen Ramsey was unhappy with his role and that the team would need depth after Kendall Fuller struggled to stay on the field. Instead of adding instant playmakers, the Dolphins shopped in the veteran bin, adding multiple names that’ll serve as small depth pieces. On the Dolphins’ official 53-man roster, it shows the team’s issues, not having a “true” guy that jumps out from the rest of the group.

This group shifted significantly after Kader Kohou’s season-ending injury. Miami signed Jack Jones to contend for a starting spot and added nickel corner Mike Hilton. Cam Smith, a 2023 second-rounder, is notably absent from this projection; he’s currently a third-stringer and hasn’t developed as expected. Ethan Bonner brings valuable speed as an outside backup. Isaiah Johnson and rookie BJ Adams, who spent time in the concussion protocol, may be practice-squad options. Storm Duck, who went undrafted in 2024, is listed as the number one option. The Dolphins’ underlying problems this season stem from the limited and inexperienced options in their secondary rotation. Kendall Sheffield was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 season but has yet to play a consistent amount of snaps, while Jason Marshall Jr. enters his first official NFL season.

Quarterback Depth

As projected, Zach Wilson will serve as the team’s official backup quarterback. However, Quinn Ewers has made quite an interesting case. Ewers has shown savvy play, although mostly against third-string defenses, and has done enough to earn a spot in the three-man quarterback room. While Miami carried just two quarterbacks last season, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, combined with Ewers’ early success, justifies keeping all three.

Offensive Playmakers

On offense, De’Von Achane will obviously serve as the team’s starting running back, but the team’s depth looks far more interesting compared to the last several years. Head coach Mike McDaniel has always been a fan of carrying multiple rushers. Last year, the Dolphins had just three due to limited options, but the year before, they carried five total. In 2025, the team will carry four running backs with the ability to use all four in many different roles. Achane could serve as the team’s receiving and lead back, second-year Jaylen Wright could manage the interior rushes, and Alexander Mattison could serve as the team’s third-down and goal-line back. The last running back listed, Ollie Gordon, could potentially see an extended role with the team as they rework what “rushing” means. Gordon was one of the nation’s best rushers in 2023, giving the Dolphins a potential wild-card. Alec Ingold serves as the Dolphins’ fullback for the fourth straight season, filling a role that many teams don’t utilize.

The Dolphins will keep their two best wide receivers the same: Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. With a strong training camp, Malik Washington has propelled himself into a WR3 role, looking like their potential slot option. New addition Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will serve as a consistent receiving option for Tagovailoa, most likely lining up to help block with the tight ends and for deep plays, showcasing his strengths from last season with the Titans, where he caught nine touchdowns. At tight end, the Dolphins added Darren Waller, the former Raider standout who was one of the league’s best before retiring and now returning to join Miami as their starter. Prior to trading for Waller, Miami signed veteran Pharaoh Brown, who will still see playing time due to his blocking abilities. Alongside them, Julian Hill remains on the squad.

Offensive Line

The wide receiver room fills out as expected; the offensive line, however, is a different story. The unit has already suffered several injuries, but for the first time in a while, Chris Grier has done his due diligence to fill depth roles to keep this team afloat despite injuries. Bringing in guys like James Daniels, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Daniel Brunskill now allows them to fill multiple roles, even when players go down. Liam Eichenberg is currently on the PUP list but will most likely be on the roster when cleared due to his versatility and ability to play all five line positions. Patrick Paul has consistently been one of the most viewed players to “break out” by media outlets, providing a scary build for a lineman, and now being in a full role to succeed. Aaron Brewer and Austin Jackson remain key pieces on the line, while Larry Borom and Kion Smith provide additional depth.

Defensive Line 

This may be the most straightforward group to project. Zach Sieler, who was just extended, anchors the line, and Benito Jones is a solid option at nose tackle. Rookies Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers fill out the rest of the room. Biggers has special teams potential and the length to affect passing lanes, while Phillips projects as a valuable rotational piece. The defensive line serves as a unit with a ton of potential, especially in Grant, who was viewed as one of the draft’s best selections.

Linebackers 

Due to expanded offensive depth, the Dolphins’ linebacker group drops from 10 to nine. Unfortunately, edge rusher Mohamed Kamara is the odd man out but has a chance to return on the team’s practice squad. The linebacker depth remains one of the team’s strongest units, with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb hopefully returning to full health, alongside Chop Robinson, Jordyn Brooks, Quinton Bell, and Tyrel Dodson. The Dolphins signed KJ Britt and Willie Gay Jr. this offseason, with Gay being a bright spot in camp for the unit thus far.

Safeties 

The safety room shrinks from six to five players. The Dolphins added Minkah Fitzpatrick to this group after losing Jevon Holland, who was their previous star in the secondary. The depth is filled by guys like Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris, and Dante Trader Jr. Ifeatu Melifonwu joins the Dolphins as the other starter next to Fitzpatrick, but is still getting his first reps with the team.

Specialists

Rounding out the Dolphins’ roster are the specialists. Jason Sanders enters the 2025 season carrying the NFL’s longest streak of made field goals in a row at 27. Ryan Stonehouse will serve as the Dolphins’ potential punter, replacing Jake Bailey’s former services. Finally, Joe Cardona, who signed with the Dolphins this offseason, is their newest long snapper.