As the Miami Dolphins begin Organized Team Activities (OTAs), expectations for the 2025 season are running high. Under head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, the Dolphins are navigating a pivotal offseason marked by roster turnover, strategic decisions, and major injuries. Following a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign, Miami is now focused on building a team that can withstand adversity and make a deep playoff run. OTAs are the first major checkpoint, giving fans and analysts a preview of how key storylines are unfolding.
Here are the top 5 storylines dominating Dolphins OTAs heading into the 2025 NFL season:
1. Cornerback Depth and the Return of Jalen Ramsey
One of the most critical units for Miami in 2025 will be the secondary, and the spotlight naturally falls on All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. After missing a chunk of the 2024 season with a knee injury, Ramsey returned to form late in the year and will now have a full offseason to get back to elite status.
With Vic Fangio gone and new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver stepping in, the system may slightly shift from last year’s structure. OTAs are pivotal in allowing Ramsey and the rest of the defensive backs to adjust to scheme tweaks, especially as Weaver prefers press-man coverage and aggression at the line of scrimmage.
However, Ramsey’s health isn’t the only question. Miami lost Xavien Howard this offseason after designating him as a post-June 1 cut. That leaves a huge leadership void and opens the door for younger corners to step up. All eyes are on Cam Smith, the 2023 second-round pick who barely saw action his rookie year. Reports out of camp suggest Smith has bulked up and looks more decisive, but the team will need to see it translate in live reps.
Key players to monitor at CB during OTAs:
- Jalen Ramsey (returning to 100% health)
- Cam Smith (potential starter)
- Kader Kohou (valuable slot contributor)
- Nik Needham (versatile veteran returning from Achilles injury)
The Dolphins face elite AFC quarterbacks throughout the season, from Josh Allen to Patrick Mahomes. Building cornerback depth early in OTAs will be essential to staying competitive on defense.
2. Offensive Line Continuity: A Double-Edged Sword?
For the past few years, Miami’s offensive line has been in a constant state of flux. Injuries, inconsistent play, and a revolving door of starters have plagued the unit. In 2025, the Dolphins are banking on continuity, with four returning starters and new additions competing to complete the puzzle.
Terron Armstead, the veteran left tackle, is back but once again battling durability concerns. Armstead has not played a full season since arriving in Miami, yet when healthy, he’s a top-10 talent. OTAs will offer a glimpse into how the coaching staff is pacing him — whether he’s getting full-team reps or working on a managed schedule.
The interior of the line features Connor Williams (assuming full recovery from an ACL injury), Robert Hunt, and Liam Eichenberg, who have all had bright moments but also stretches of underperformance. Hunt is likely the team’s best and most consistent interior lineman, but the rest are still trying to find their groove.
One player to watch closely during OTAs is Patrick Paul, the massive rookie left tackle from Houston. Drafted in the second round, Paul brings size (6’7″, 330 lbs) and developmental upside, but there are concerns about his readiness for speed rushers at the NFL level. He’s likely penciled in as a future left tackle — but could he challenge for the right side in 2025 if injuries pop up?
Big questions along the offensive line:
- Will Connor Williams be ready Week 1?
- Can Austin Jackson hold down the right tackle spot?
- Is Patrick Paul capable of stepping in early?
With Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, protecting the quarterback must remain priority number one.
3. The Return of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips
Two of the Dolphins’ most feared edge rushers — Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips — are on the comeback trail. Both players suffered devastating season-ending injuries in 2024, casting a long shadow on Miami’s defensive pass rush down the stretch.
Chubb tore his ACL in Week 17 and underwent surgery early in the offseason. He has since stated his intention to return by training camp, but the team will take a cautious approach. During OTAs, Chubb will likely be a limited participant, focusing on rehab and agility drills. Still, even limited work is encouraging and allows the staff to monitor progress.
Phillips, meanwhile, is recovering from a torn Achilles, which he suffered in late November. Achilles injuries can linger and often require a longer ramp-up. Still, Phillips is young and has a tremendous work ethic — he’s reportedly ahead of schedule and pushing for a preseason return. OTAs provide him a chance to stay involved mentally, learn Anthony Weaver’s adjustments, and stay in sync with teammates.
While neither Chubb nor Phillips is expected to go full-speed in May, their presence and rehab progress are key signals for Miami’s defense.
Why this storyline matters:
- Chubb and Phillips were supposed to be the foundational pass rush duo.
- Without them, Miami had to over-rely on blitzing to generate pressure.
- The Dolphins must decide if they need veteran insurance (e.g., signing a free agent) or if backups like Emmanuel Ogbah or Andrew Van Ginkel can step up.
How close these two stars are to returning will shape the entire outlook of the Dolphins’ defense in 2025.
4. Tua Tagovailoa’s Leadership in a Contract Year
Though technically not a new storyline, Tua Tagovailoa’s future in Miami is again in the spotlight — and OTAs are the first time we’re seeing how the fifth-year quarterback is responding.
Tagovailoa played all 17 games last season for the first time in his career and led the NFL in passing yards. Yet, the Dolphins’ offense sputtered in big moments, particularly in the postseason. The front office has yet to finalize a long-term extension, meaning Tagovailoa enters 2025 with something to prove — both in leadership and production.
At OTAs, his command of the offense and chemistry with receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are being closely scrutinized. Miami also added Odell Beckham Jr., giving Tua another high-profile weapon. How quickly he incorporates Beckham into the system, along with second-year tight end Julian Hill, will be an indication of his growth as a field general.
There’s also a new quarterbacks coach, Shane Day, who’s tasked with sharpening Tua’s fundamentals, particularly in late-game and pressure situations.
Contract talk aside, here’s what to watch from Tua:
- Red-zone efficiency
- Ball placement on intermediate throws
- Pocket presence and decision-making during team drills
If Tagovailoa can elevate his leadership and on-field consistency, the Dolphins’ offense could be even more dangerous in 2025.
5. Implementing Anthony Weaver’s New Defensive System
Former Ravens DL coach Anthony Weaver takes over as Miami’s defensive coordinator, replacing Vic Fangio. Weaver brings a more aggressive, player-friendly scheme that emphasizes controlled chaos up front and smart, physical play on the back end.
One of the earliest goals of OTAs is installation — implementing Weaver’s terminology, alignments, blitz concepts, and gap responsibilities. Unlike Fangio’s zone-heavy, assignment-based scheme, Weaver’s defense is expected to let pass rushers “pin their ears back” more often and give DBs more opportunities to make plays on the ball.
Weaver’s defensive line philosophy, forged under Ravens HC John Harbaugh, values rotation and depth. Expect OTAs to be a proving ground for players like:
- Zach Sieler (underrated interior pass rusher)
- Christian Wilkins replacement committee (since he left in free agency)
- Channing Tindall and David Long Jr. (potential breakout LBs)
Weaver’s approach will also challenge Miami’s safeties, particularly Jevon Holland, to become true tone-setters. With Brandon Jones leaving in free agency, the safety depth is untested, and Weaver will be evaluating versatility.
How quickly the defense adapts to his style during OTAs will provide a baseline for training camp and preseason expectations.
Final Thoughts: High Hopes, But Questions Remain
The Miami Dolphins are not a rebuilding team. They are in win-now mode — but entering OTAs, they’re also a team with significant question marks at multiple levels. The health of their star pass rushers, the reshuffling of the secondary, and the progress of the offensive line are all fluid situations that require clarity before Week 1.
Mike McDaniel’s offense is built on timing, speed, and precision. That starts in OTAs. But defense may ultimately determine whether this team can take the next step and compete with the AFC’s elite.
If players like Cam Smith, Patrick Paul, and Jaelan Phillips take the next step, and Tua Tagovailoa evolves into a true franchise leader, the Dolphins will be a dangerous force in 2025.
