Miami’s Front Seven Is Built to Dominate in 2025
Miami’s Front Seven Is Built to Dominate in 2025
The Miami Dolphins haven’t been known for their front seven prowess in quite some time. But that narrative is set to change. Under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, the Dolphins’ defensive front is loaded with talent, speed, and physicality — a clear shift from past years.
Weaver revitalized Miami’s defense during a turbulent 2024 season, helping keep the team afloat while starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed time due to injury. Despite battling inexperience and injuries on all three levels, Weaver’s unit finished the year as the No. 3 defense in football — without a single Pro Bowler.
“I guess we’re a little bit like the ‘No Name Defense,’” Weaver said back in January. “Hopefully we get in and we’ll give them a reason to talk about us.”
In 2025, expectations are higher. The front seven now features veteran leadership, high-upside youth, and a coach whose vision for this group is clear: fast, physical, and versatile. As Weaver put it: “You do it through your actions… solve all our problems with our pads. Hopefully at the end of the day they say we are bullies.”
Let’s break down each position group and examine the potential of what could be one of the most exciting defensive fronts in football.
Defensive Scheme Overview
The Dolphins operate out of a base 3-4 alignment, which allows Coach Weaver to maximize his personnel by utilizing players in multiple roles. This scheme emphasizes pressure, speed, and disciplined gap control — key traits that align well with the Dolphins’ current defensive roster. With Weaver’s creativity and this unit’s flexibility, Miami is set to bring a versatile and aggressive front to every game.
Position Group Breakdowns
Defensive Ends (LDE & RDE)
Key Players: Kenneth Grant, Zach Sieler
Zach Sieler has quietly become one of the NFL’s most consistent interior linemen, and this year he’ll be expected to take on an even larger leadership role. The addition of Kenneth Grant provides a perfect complement — a powerful run stuffer with massive upside. Grant, a rookie, brings size, strength, and untapped potential. Playing alongside Sieler and benefiting from elite edge rushers around him should accelerate his development and allow him to contribute early.
Future spotlight teaser: A full breakdown on Kenneth Grant is coming soon — but let’s just say, Dolphins fans should be excited.
Prediction: Between Sieler’s polished skill set and Grant’s raw power, expect 10–12 sacks combined — with Grant flashing disruptive potential as the season progresses.
Nose Tackles (NT)
Key Players: Benito Jones, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers
This is arguably the thinnest group in the front seven. Benito Jones remains a solid anchor in the middle, but depth remains a concern. Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers offers developmental upside, yet neither is a guaranteed contributor. Don’t be surprised if Miami explores an additional move here before camp concludes.
Prediction, help anchor top 10 run defense.
Outside Linebackers (OLBs)
Key Players: Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, Mohamed Kamara, Quinton Bell
When healthy, this group rivals any pass rush corps in the NFL. Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are proven edge presences, while last season saw the emergence of Chop Robinson, whose athleticism and burst give Miami another dynamic weapon off the edge. Mohamed Kamara and Quinton Bell provide intriguing depth and developmental upside — and there may not be a better group in the league for them to learn from.
Last year, the Dolphins averaged just 2.1 sacks per game — 26th in the NFL. That number must improve. With Weaver’s influence and this group’s potential, expect that stat to climb significantly. A dominant pass rush will be critical for a secondary still finding its footing.
Prediction, 25+ sacks as a unit.
Inside Linebackers (ILBs)
Key Players: Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., K.J. Britt, Channing Tindall
Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson proved to be a formidable duo last season — physical, fast, and instinctive. The additions of Willie Gay Jr. and K.J. Britt only strengthen this group, especially against the run. Lateral quickness, gap discipline, and the ability to chase plays sideline-to-sideline make this unit one of Miami’s most improved.
Channing Tindall has yet to fully develop into a defensive mainstay, but he remains a core special teamer and depth piece. Each of these players will be featured in future position spotlights as camp progresses, but it’s safe to say this room is deep, athletic, and much stronger than in recent years.
Prediction, help anchor top 10 run defense and add 5+ interceptions as a unit.
Leadership and Identity
The Dolphins are looking to become a more physical team both on offense and defense. But they are also still full of speed in this front seven. It will be essential for the Dolphins to have leaders step up on the defensive side of the ball, losing Calais Campbell, Jalen Ramsey(?), Jevon Holland, Jordon Poyer, and Emmanuel Ogbah. The Dolphins will need someone to step up.
Here is an article on who that could possibly be (Filling the Leadership Void: Who Will Step Up for the Dolphins in 2025?). I had originally written about Ramsey, but I fully expect Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler to step up for this team.
As for the identity, Anthony Weaver wants the Dolphins to be (Anthony Weaver’s Impact and His Future as a Head Coach) “bullies” as he stated last August, and his new look personnel gives him the ability to make this a reality.