Miami have been a hot topic this summer and it’s not just the weather.
The Miami Dolphins have been in news plenty since the end of the 2024 regular season. Tyreek Hill was hinting about departing from the team, pundits and media questioning Tua Tagovailoa and the future for him and the Jalen Ramsey saga started to die down until he was traded to the Steelers.
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A lot of noise also can mean a bunch of changes and the Dolphins are entering next season with plenty of new people. ESPN ranked the best starting lineup of each NFL team and these changes have pushed Miami towards the bottom half of the league.
The Dolphins are ranked 24th in the league based off their starting lineup.
ESPN ranks Miami Dolphins starting lineup
Although they kept core pieces such as Tagovailoa, Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, their new additions and multiple rookies in their starting lineup could have pushed them down to the mid 20s.
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ESPN projects rookies Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea to start in September and trade acquisition Minkah Fitzpatrick to fill in at free safety. The Dolphins rank higher than teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons but rank below the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPN also listed the biggest strength, biggest weakness, X-factor for 2025 and nonstarter to know for each NFL team. The Dolphins’ biggest strength was undeniably their one-two punch of Hill and Waddle. The two both had a down year for their standards as neither eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season. The speed and separation the duo possess makes them a tough opponent when their quarterback is healthy. The addition of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will present another weapon to opponents that will cause problems in the optimal situation.
Miami lost majority of their secondary in the offseason and their effort to replace what was lost has not been as effective. Acquiring Fitzpatrick through the Ramsey trade was crucial but signing Artie Burns, Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu, who combined for 468 snaps last season does not replace their missing secondary. They will lean on their free agent signing and draft selections to help create a well-balanced defense.
The running game is Miami’s X-factor as they need to get it back on track. They had the most efficient running game in the league by EPA per play in 2023, but it dropped to second-worst last year. De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II have to bring their A-game this coming season and their offensive line must be ready for that.
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Two non-starters to know are linebackers Willie Gay and K.J. Britt. The depth at inside linebacker is great and Gay’s Super Bowl experience can another level to the position group. Tyrel Dodson and Jordyn Brooks are projected to start but Gay and Britt can cause competition with their skills and experience at the position.
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl Selections
TE Jonnu Smith — Pro Bowl
Miami Dolphins NFL free agency acquisitions
Miami Dolphins 2025 NFL draft picks
Trades
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The Miami Dolphins trade CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins roster: ESPN ranks their starting lineup
