The Miami Dolphins have bolstered their defensive line by claiming Matthew Butler, a former defensive tackle from the Las Vegas Raiders, off waivers. To make room, the Dolphins waived undrafted rookie Tre'vonn Rybka. Butler, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, spent three seasons with the Raiders, primarily on the practice squad, and played in 15 games overall. With the departures of veterans Calais Campbell and Da'Shawn Hand as free agents, Miami has prioritized depth on the defensive front. The team's upcoming roster decisions will heavily revolve around Butler's integration as they look to finalize their lineup.

In the draft, the Dolphins selected three linemen, including first-round pick Kenneth Grant, who is expected to be a starter alongside Zach Sieler and Benito Jones. Butler will now compete for a remaining roster spot against a mix of veterans and rookies, including Matt Dickerson and Jordan Phillips, adding an intriguing dynamic to Miami's defensive strategy heading into the upcoming season.

The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for the upcoming season with a focus on instilling a professional mentality in their rookie class. Veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler emphasizes the seriousness of the NFL, reminding newcomers that their collegiate achievements, while commendable, pale in comparison to the stakes at this level. His message resonates particularly with Kenneth Grant, the team's first-round draft pick, who is eager to meet the high expectations set by veterans like Sieler.

As the Dolphins kick off their rookie minicamp, Grant has been noted for his impressive size and agility, standing at 6'3" and weighing 331 pounds. Coach Mike McDaniel highlights Grant not only as a run-stopper but also for his potential to contribute significantly to the pass rush alongside established players like Sieler and Christian Wilkins. Grant's commitment to hard work and adherence to the Dolphins' standards positions him as a promising asset to the defensive line.

The Miami Dolphins have made strategic moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, prioritizing defensive strength with the selection of defensive interior Kenneth Grant from Michigan. Grant's impressive 2024 run-defense grade of 87.5 solidifies Miami's already formidable defense, which ranked sixth in the previous season. In addition, the Dolphins look to bolster their offensive line by drafting Jonah Savaiinaea, a versatile player with a strong pass-blocking grade. Meanwhile, the team faces questions surrounding running back Ollie Gordon II, whose promising 2023 season was overshadowed by a decline in performance in 2024. As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season, the battle for cornerback depth will be pivotal, especially with the potential trade of Jalen Ramsey.

The Miami Dolphins made a strategic shift in their 2025 NFL Draft by prioritizing size over speed, a notable departure from their recent trends. Their first-round pick, Kenneth Grant, a defensive lineman from Michigan, stands out for his size and projected impact, while the selection of running back Ollie Gordon II showcases the team’s new focus on physicality at skill positions. The Dolphins' draft class, comprising eight players, reflects a balance between athleticism and the need for robust players capable of handling the rigors of the NFL.

Analyst Kent Lee Platte's Relative Athletic Score (RAS) gives insight into how these players measure up against historical standards at their positions. This draft strategy could reshape the team’s identity moving forward, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on the potential of these rookies as they adapt to the professional game.