Entering the season, Miami attempted to shore up its porous defense by layering veteran free agents in the secondary on one-year deals, while using its first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to address specific holes rather than chase consensus top players. The plan was to replace lost production from free agency at a lower cost and bounce back to the 2023 form, but the approach did not yield the hoped-for dividends.
In the draft, the Dolphins selected Michigan interior defensive lineman Kenneth Grant with the No. 13 overall pick, a move intended to plug a frontline gap after Calais Campbell and Christian Wilkins departed. Grant arrived as the 31st-ranked prospect per a prominent draft analyst, and Miami passed on Tyler Warren, who would go on to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie after joining another team via trade and free-agent moves. Grant’s rookie year drew scrutiny as he failed to immediately quiet the chatter of a perceived reach.
Grant’s rookie season produced 33 total tackles and two sacks, with Pro Football Focus assigning him a 48.4 grade—ranking him 107th among 134 qualifying defensive players. He acknowledged the difference between preparing for the draft and adjusting to NFL life, emphasizing a shift from “combine shape” to being a broader football player. “This offseason, I’m focused on being more of a football player and getting stronger in the weight room,” he said, signaling a broader approach heading into 2026.
Looking ahead, Grant and the Dolphins’ defense will be under new leadership with head coach Jeff Hafley, who has emphasized establishing a violent, playmaking mindset. Miami hopes Grant can grow into a dependable fixture on the defensive line for years to come, contributing to a more cohesive unit as the organization seeks a return to competitive form.
