Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano put out a lengthy article early Wednesday morning covering pretty much every corner of the 2025 NFL offseason. Focused around the mission statement of finding winners and losers this offseason, Manzano did not have rose colored glasses when examining the moves made by the Miami Dolphins.
“The Dolphins are in the strange position of operating like a rebuilding franchise despite having a quarterback making north of $50 million annually and two wide receivers making nearly $30 million per year apiece,” Manzano wrote. “They have injured pass rushers, an inexperienced secondary if they trade Jalen Ramsey and an offensive line filled with holes. After their aggressive trades didn’t pay off in recent seasons, it might be time for the Dolphins to blow up their roster, including trading Tyreek Hill.”
This seems like a moderately premature panic button from Manzano. While his points are certainly valid, a patient approach may show that it’s not quite as bad as it seems. For instance, the pass rush room is predicted to be fully healthy come Week 1. And as far as the offensive line goes, they haven’t played a down of football yet.
So, while Manzano’s criticisms are grounded in fact, pressing the ‘blow up the roster’ button in June may be precipitous.
A Long Look At The Dolphins O-line
Though Manzano highlighted the lack of big splash signings this offseason, one new face that is sure to show improvement in 2025 is offensive guard James Daniels. Daniels spent seven years playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and he comes to South Beach on a three year deal worth just $24 million.
Last year, per Pro Football Focus, Daniels posted a 92.9 overall grade. This made him PFF’s second best guard in the entire league in 2024. He spoke to the media after an impressive few days at mandatory mini camp.
“Everything’s going well. It was a good two days of practice,” said Daniels, as quoted by the Sun Sentinel. “It’s always nice to be outside and work, like actually working with the guys, work with the tempo practice, speed of practice and all that stuff.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel also took note of the 27-year-old new addition, telling the media that he liked what he saw.
“He had a great day on the field (Tuesday) working on individual,” McDaniel said before Wednesday’s drills, “and I could see what he’s done in the last month on the field for the first time with my own eyes.”
The Other Four Starters
There are two big names on this offensive line. The first of which is last years second round pick Patrick Paul. At six-foot-seven, Paul demands attention. The second of which follows the trend; he is this year’s second round draft pick Jonah Savaiinaea. Savaiinaea is set to be a day one starter as a rookie.
At center it’s going to be Aaron Brewer, who joined the team last year and impressed on all accounts. Brewer finished the season as PFF’s seventh best center.
Right tackle is going to be the biggest question mark across this unit. It looks like that spot will be held by the team’s first round draft pick from 2020, Austin Jackson. Though his career has not yet justified his 18th overall selection, Jackson is entering his sixth season in the league with a lot to prove and his best opportunity yet to do so.
