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 making strides in addressing their roster weaknesses, particularly in free agency. However, they faced a significant loss when defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand finalized a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking a pivotal change in their defensive lineup. Hand, who previously showcased his skills in Miami, was instrumental in their defensive strategies during the last season, contributing to both the defensive line and special teams with a career-high of 31 tackles and key plays throughout the year.

Despite Hand's departure, the Dolphins still possess solid foundational players in Zach Sieler, who has proven to be a formidable force in both pass rushing and run defense. The team is also monitoring veteran Calais Campbell's intentions for the upcoming season as they seek to bolster their defensive front through the draft. With 11 picks in the upcoming draft, Miami has the opportunity to inject new talent into the defense, ideally complementing their existing core and addressing any gaps left by Hand's exit.

The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a busy offseason, focusing on the defensive line amid looming veteran departures. With key players like Calais Campbell, Da'Shawn Hand, and Benito Jones set to hit unrestricted free agency, finding effective replacements is crucial. Last year, the Dolphins faced a similar challenge, losing Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, which led them to sign Campbell and Jones. This year, they are reportedly eyeing Milton Williams, a standout from the Philadelphia Eagles, who recorded five sacks last season.

There’s a backstory to Williams; the Dolphins initially pursued a trade for him in 2023, only to be rebuffed by the Eagles. Notably, Vic Fangio, the Dolphins' then-defensive coordinator, was a proponent of the move. However, with Fangio now working with Williams in Philadelphia, the Dolphins may find it challenging to acquire him given the Eagles’ desire to retain their promising talent and financial constraints in Miami.

The Miami Dolphins are considering Georgia safety Malaki Starks as a possible pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they have larger needs to address with their 13th overall selection. The focus should be on bolstering the offensive and defensive lines, rather than reaching for a safety. The team has struggled with tough yards, indicating a pressing need for offensive linemen. The defensive line also needs reinforcement, especially with multiple key players potentially hitting free agency.

Examining recent playoff performances highlights the importance of dominating the trenches. Both the NFC and AFC Championship games showcased how pivotal line play is for success. The Dolphins should aim to replicate successful past picks, like Christian Wilkins, to shape a more robust roster. While safety depth poses a concern, the team must prioritize positions that significantly influence the game’s outcome.