Miami’s 0-2 start exposes a brittle operation: penalties, miscommunication, and a pass rush that hasn’t flipped games. Tua Tagovailoa throws for 315 yards with two TDs, yet a late INT and a stalled run game doom the comeback as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle flash, while a kickoff-return TD swings momentum. The Bills visit next, and Miami must fix basic execution across all three phases or face mounting questions about McDaniel and Grier.

Fixing the core issues—clean substitutions, disciplined tackling, and a more disruptive front seven—could unlock a steadier offense and a more trustworthy defense. If Miami can stabilize, the playmakers in the passing game can carry the load, and the crowd’s faith could return in time for a critical late-season push.

Dante Trader Jr. earned a spot on the Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Delmar, Maryland product will wear No. 11 as a defensive back and opens the season Sept. 7 against the Colts on CBS.

A two-sport star in high school and at Maryland, Trader brings versatile athleticism to Miami’s depth chart. His preseason emergence signals a path to special-teams value and occasional defensive snaps, with a chance to snag more opportunities if he continues to adapt quickly to NFL demands.

The Miami Dolphins have bolstered their roster by selecting two promising prospects from the University of Maryland in the 2025 NFL Draft. Safety Dante Trader Jr. and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips were highlighted by Maryland's head coach Mike Locksley as exceptional leaders, adept at adapting to the professional level quickly. Locksley emphasized the importance of instilling a professional mindset in players early in their careers, aiming to foster not just athletic talent but also strong character and leadership traits.

Locksley expressed confidence in the Dolphins' choice, stating that Trader and Phillips are equipped to make significant impacts in the NFL. The Dolphins' strategy of targeting strong character players reflects a growing trend in the league where teams prioritize not just on-field skills but also off-field leadership qualities, which could be crucial for team chemistry and success.

The 2025 NFL Draft brought forth a group of rookie defensive backs with potential for impactful roles despite being selected in the later rounds. Notably, Billy Bowman Jr. from the Atlanta Falcons, a versatile safety/player, fell to the fourth round due to size concerns but possesses the ability to play multiple positions effectively. Similarly, Quincy Riley of the New Orleans Saints, with considerable college experience, has a chance to shine but must compete against established players. Miami's Jason Marshall Jr. could capitalize on possible trades affecting the team's secondary, while Dante Trader Jr. stands out as a promising safety with a tough playing style. Each of these players offers unique attributes that could help them secure a spot on their respective teams.