A defensive tackle prospect will be flown in by the Dolphins. And tidbits on Miami’s recent recruits

The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a critical 2025 NFL season. As the offseason progresses, the team has made several strategic moves in an effort to strengthen their roster and remain competitive in the ever-evolving AFC East division. Among these efforts is the invitation of a defensive tackle prospect to visit the team, further emphasizing the Dolphins’ focus on improving their defense.

Miami Dolphins’ Defense: A Work in Progress

The Miami Dolphins’ defensive unit has been a cornerstone of their success over recent years. However, the team faces significant challenges in 2025, particularly with the departure of veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals worth up to $7.5 million. Campbell’s departure has left a noticeable gap in the defensive line, as his veteran leadership and on-field production were crucial to Miami’s defensive strategies.

During the 2024 season, Campbell played an essential role in Miami’s defense, contributing 5 sacks and numerous pressures. At 39 years old, Campbell may not have been the player he once was, but his leadership and experience were invaluable to a young, dynamic defensive front. His departure signals the need for the Dolphins to invest in defensive tackle prospects who can fill the void left by his exit. The recent visit of a defensive tackle prospect is part of this effort to find a suitable replacement, ideally someone who can both contribute immediately and provide depth for future seasons.

The Dolphins’ current defensive line is anchored by standout players like Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, but the depth beyond them is still a concern. Miami has made moves to improve their defensive front, including the addition of undrafted free agents and rookies, but they are clearly still in search of another impactful defensive tackle who can provide both a run-stuffing presence and the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The Importance of Defensive Line Depth

In the NFL, a strong defensive line is one of the most important components of a successful defense. A dominant defensive line not only stifles the run game but also provides the quarterback pressure necessary to disrupt offensive game plans. The Dolphins have recognized this, as evidenced by their focus on improving their defensive line in both the free agent market and through the draft.

Leonard Payne Jr., a defensive tackle prospect from Colorado, was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in May 2024. Payne’s collegiate career was marked by impressive statistics, including 10 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in his final season at Colorado. He provides the team with a potential rotational player who could contribute immediately as a depth piece or develop into a starter with more experience. While he may not immediately fill Campbell’s shoes, Payne’s signing is part of the Dolphins’ broader effort to find young talent who can step into roles and contribute to a successful defensive line.

Another key addition to Miami’s defensive line is Mario Kendricks, a defensive tackle from Virginia Tech, who was added after the Dolphins’ rookie camp tryouts. Kendricks, who played 56 games during his college career, accumulated 67 tackles and 7 sacks. His versatility and experience are expected to help bolster Miami’s defensive line, providing additional depth and competition within the unit. Adding players like Payne and Kendricks also serves the dual purpose of providing immediate depth while also building a pipeline of young talent that could emerge in the years to come.

In addition to these new signings, the Dolphins will also look to internal development from players like Wilkins and Davis. Wilkins, a former first-round pick, has been one of the more consistent and impactful defensive players on the team. His ability to disrupt the passing game and stop the run has been vital to the Dolphins’ defensive success, and the team will continue to rely heavily on his presence moving forward.

As the Dolphins head into the 2025 season, the pressure will be on to find that one additional piece—a disruptive defensive tackle who can partner with Wilkins and Davis to create an elite defensive front. The upcoming visit of the defensive tackle prospect is a crucial part of this process, as the Dolphins explore their options for bringing in a player who can make an immediate impact.

Beyond the Defensive Line: Other Key Additions

While much of the offseason attention has been focused on the defensive line, the Dolphins have made several important acquisitions across other areas of the roster. One of the team’s most significant moves in the 2025 offseason was the signing of linebacker Quinton Bell. Bell’s arrival was seen as a direct response to the need for depth at linebacker, particularly with some key departures in the linebacker corps.

Bell, who has been known for his special teams contributions, brings a level of versatility to the table. He can play multiple positions and is expected to contribute on both defense and special teams. His athleticism and football IQ should serve as valuable assets for the Dolphins as they aim to improve their linebacker play, particularly when it comes to depth behind their starters.

Another key addition to the Dolphins’ secondary is the signing of safety Elijah Campbell. Campbell, who has experience in both the NFL and the Canadian Football League, brings a wealth of experience and depth to the defensive backfield. The Dolphins have been looking to shore up their secondary, particularly in the wake of Jevon Holland’s departure, and Campbell’s signing represents an attempt to improve this unit. His ability to play both safety positions and contribute in coverage will provide important depth, especially with the team’s reliance on their secondary to match up with potent AFC East offenses.

Upgrading the offensive line has also been a priority for the Dolphins this offseason, as evidenced by the signing of offensive lineman Larry Borom. The addition of Borom, a versatile tackle who has experience at multiple positions along the line, will provide much-needed depth and competition. Miami has struggled with offensive line consistency in recent seasons, and the Dolphins hope Borom can help provide stability in both pass protection and run blocking.

Draft Strategy: Strengthening the Roster for the Future

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Dolphins are in a strong position to continue strengthening their roster. Armed with 10 draft picks, including the 13th overall selection, Miami has the opportunity to make impactful additions to both their offense and defense.

One of the Dolphins’ primary draft needs is at guard. The offensive line has been a weak point in recent years, and addressing this issue will be crucial if the team hopes to protect their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, and establish a more balanced offensive attack. The team will likely target a top guard prospect early in the draft to help solidify the interior of the offensive line.

Another key area of focus will be defensive tackle. As previously discussed, the Dolphins are in need of a player who can contribute to the interior defensive line and complement Wilkins and Davis. A strong defensive tackle will not only help the run defense but also provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Miami will be on the lookout for a versatile defensive tackle who can contribute immediately, potentially in the early rounds of the draft.

The cornerback position is also on the team’s radar, particularly to bolster the secondary opposite Jalen Ramsey. The Dolphins will likely look to the draft for a young, athletic cornerback who can develop into a key contributor. The team needs to ensure there is adequate depth in the secondary to compete with high-powered passing offenses in the AFC East.

The wide receiver position is another area where the Dolphins could look to improve. While Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are among the league’s top receiving duos, the team lacks a big, possession-style receiver to complement their speed-based attack. A tall, physical receiver could provide Tua with another reliable target, especially in the red zone, where the team has struggled at times.

Finally, the Dolphins will likely look to draft a safety, as depth in the defensive backfield remains a concern. A young, reliable safety could provide both stability and playmaking ability for the Dolphins, ensuring that their defense remains well-rounded and capable of shutting down opposing offenses.

A Bright Future for the Dolphins

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Miami Dolphins are poised to remain competitive. The team’s moves during the offseason, including the recruitment of defensive tackle prospects, the signing of key free agents, and the planning for the upcoming draft, reflect a well-thought-out strategy for long-term success. With a solid core of talent in place, the Dolphins are building a roster that has the potential to make deep playoff runs in the near future.

The addition of a strong defensive tackle and other key pieces, such as an upgraded offensive line and improvements to the secondary, will help ensure that Miami remains competitive in a tough AFC East division. Whether through free agency or the draft, the Dolphins are actively positioning themselves for success, with the ultimate goal of bringing another championship to Miami.