Before the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dolphins are reportedly bringing in a Rutgers defensive end for a “30” visit.
The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and teams are intensifying their pre-draft evaluations, bringing in a variety of prospects for official visits. Among the many notable visits being reported, the Miami Dolphins are taking a closer look at one particular prospect: a defensive end from Rutgers. This “30 visit” – which is part of the NFL’s 30-player visit rule – is generating significant interest as it could have long-term implications for both the Dolphins’ future and the draft stock of the player in question.
In this detailed analysis, we’ll break down why the Dolphins are interested in bringing in this Rutgers defensive end, how he fits with the team’s needs, and what this visit might mean for both parties. We’ll also explore the player’s background, performance, and potential as an NFL player, as well as discuss how this visit could impact the Dolphins’ strategy going into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Understanding the 30-Visit Rule
The “30 visit” is a unique aspect of the NFL Draft process, where each team is allowed to bring in up to 30 players to their facility for an in-depth evaluation. This visit is often used by teams to get a closer look at a prospect, whether it’s to ask questions about their character, put them through a series of physical and psychological tests, or simply to gather more information before making a draft-day decision.
For the Dolphins, this visit is an opportunity to evaluate a defensive end prospect who could potentially fill a key role on the team. In many cases, a “30 visit” can provide teams with valuable insights that go beyond what is seen in game tape, allowing them to evaluate a player’s mentality, work ethic, and how they would fit into the team’s culture.
The Miami Dolphins’ Defense: A Critical Need for Edge Rushers
The Miami Dolphins have made strides in recent years, but they still have areas of their roster that need improvement, especially on defense. One of the most glaring weaknesses has been their pass rush, particularly in the area of edge rushing. While the Dolphins boast a strong defensive line with talented players like Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, the team has been lacking a consistent and game-changing pass rusher off the edge.
In the modern NFL, having a dynamic edge rusher is critical for success. These players can disrupt the quarterback’s timing, force turnovers, and generally create havoc in the backfield. Miami’s defense struggled at times in 2024 with their inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, and this has been an area of focus for the front office as they enter the draft.
This is where the Rutgers defensive end comes into play. While not one of the highest-profile prospects, he’s a player whose skill set aligns with the Dolphins’ need for a pass-rushing threat. Whether he’s an immediate starter or a developmental player, bringing in a pass rusher who can contribute to the team’s defensive depth is a top priority for Miami.
The Prospect: A Closer Look at the Rutgers Defensive End
To fully understand why the Dolphins might be interested in this particular defensive end, we need to break down his background and on-field performance.
College Career Overview
The defensive end in question is a standout from Rutgers, a program that has produced several NFL-caliber players in recent years. Over the course of his career, the player has consistently showcased a combination of strength, speed, and technique that makes him a tantalizing prospect for NFL teams. His college career was marked by steady improvement, and he emerged as one of the Big Ten’s top pass rushers.
What makes this prospect particularly intriguing is his blend of size and athleticism. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at around 270 pounds, he has the prototypical frame of an NFL edge rusher. His combination of length and power allows him to set the edge against the run while also providing the burst and agility necessary to get to the quarterback.
In his final season at Rutgers, the defensive end had a standout year, finishing with double-digit sacks and showcasing his ability to disrupt plays both in the backfield and along the line of scrimmage. His consistency at pressuring opposing quarterbacks, combined with his high motor and relentless effort, caught the eye of NFL scouts. In many ways, he fits the mold of a classic 4-3 defensive end, though he could also be utilized in a 3-4 system as an outside linebacker in certain schemes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the primary strengths of this defensive end is his ability to rush the passer. He has an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage and uses a variety of pass-rushing moves to beat blockers. His long arms and quick hands make him effective in shedding blockers and working through traffic. Moreover, his speed allows him to chase down quarterbacks even when they attempt to scramble out of the pocket, which is an increasingly valuable skill in today’s NFL.
However, like many young players, there are areas for improvement. His technique against the run is solid but not elite, and he’ll need to develop more consistency in that area at the next level. While he has the strength to shed blockers, his recognition of blocking schemes could be a bit better, as he occasionally struggles with setting the edge against running plays. Additionally, his ability to drop into coverage is still a work in progress, and he’ll need to refine his understanding of zone and man coverage concepts if he’s going to become a complete linebacker/defensive end hybrid in a 3-4 defense.
Why the Dolphins Are Interested
The Dolphins’ interest in this prospect likely stems from a few key factors. First, the team is in dire need of a pass-rusher to complement their defensive line. Although they have talented players, Miami has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A player like this defensive end could immediately step into a role as a situational pass rusher, eventually growing into a more prominent role as he refines his skills and adjusts to the speed of the NFL.
Second, the Dolphins have shown a preference for versatile players who can contribute in multiple ways. This defensive end has shown the ability to play both in a 4-3 defensive front and in a hybrid role, making him a valuable asset to a team like the Dolphins, who run a variety of defensive schemes. His versatility makes him an attractive option for a defensive coordinator looking to keep opposing offenses on their toes.
Finally, Miami’s defensive staff likely sees significant potential in the prospect’s athleticism and work ethic. He has a strong drive to succeed and has demonstrated the ability to learn and grow from year to year, a key quality for any player making the jump to the NFL.
What a “30 Visit” Means for Both Parties
When a player is brought in for a “30 visit,” it indicates that the team is taking a serious look at the prospect. For the Dolphins, this visit is an opportunity to gather more data on the player’s physical and mental makeup, which is just as important as his performance on the field. Teams often use this time to meet with the player, evaluate their personality, and make sure they fit the team’s culture. This can include interviews with coaches and staff, as well as a deeper dive into the player’s background and character.
For the defensive end, the “30 visit” provides a chance to make a strong impression on the Dolphins’ brass. He will have the opportunity to showcase his football IQ, his understanding of the game, and his passion for the sport. He may also be able to make a personal connection with the coaching staff, which could go a long way toward boosting his stock with the Dolphins.
Moreover, the visit allows the player to understand more about the Dolphins’ system and how they envision using him. This could help him make a more informed decision if he is selected by Miami in the draft, as he’ll have a better sense of how the team plans to utilize his skill set.
A Potential Future with the Dolphins
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams like the Miami Dolphins are in a race to find the next breakout stars who can help propel them to success. The Rutgers defensive end represents an intriguing prospect who could fill an important need for the Dolphins and contribute to their defensive line. With his combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability, he could be the piece that Miami needs to take their defense to the next level.
The “30 visit” is an important step in the evaluation process, and it could be the deciding factor that leads to a selection in the upcoming draft. For the defensive end, this is his opportunity to make a strong impression and show that he is ready to make the leap to the NFL. If all goes well, the Dolphins could be adding a much-needed pass rusher who can make an immediate impact.
Ultimately, this visit could have a significant impact on the future of both the Dolphins and the Rutgers defensive end, and fans of both teams will be watching closely as the draft approaches.