Miami's 53-man roster leans youthful with Cam Smith earning a spot and Rasul Douglas added to shore up cornerback. The run game is emphasized, but offensive depth is thin and big-play depth at CB remains a concern. December and January tests loom as the Dolphins balance a physical, run-first approach with fewer deep shots.

Eight 2025 draftees—Kenneth Grant, Jonah Savaiinaea, Jordan Phillips, Jason Marshall Jr., Dante Trader, Ollie Gordon II, Quinn Ewers, Zeek Biggers—could shape roles early, particularly on defense, as Miami eyes a playoff run beyond 9 wins, per the analyst’s projection.