The Miami Dolphins concluded their road trip of NFC North joint practices and preseason games with a 24–17 win over the Detroit Lions.
A significantly improved practice against the Lions on Thursday, following a lackluster Wednesday, gave the Dolphins’ second- and third-stringers momentum heading into the weekend. With the starters sitting out, it was time for the rookies to shine, and several did just that.
Here’s how we graded the Dolphins rookies in the Saturday win:
QB Quinn Ewers: A+
Rebounding from last weekend’s shaky performance against the Bears, Ewers looked composed in the pocket and delivered a strong showing against Detroit. He completed 11 of 17 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns, both to fellow rookie, Theo Wease Jr.
WR Theo Wease Jr: A
Wease has been pushing for a roster spot throughout training camp, and on Saturday, he led all Dolphins receivers in both targets and yards. Continuing to build on his growing connection with Ewers, Wease caught six of his team-leading nine targets for 80 yards and two scores.
WR Andrew Armstrong: B-
Armstrong caught a reception for 12 yards on two targets. He also made a solid block as Miami was close to the end zone. He has an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but could end up on the practice squad.
WR A.J. Henning: C+
The undrafted signee made a pair of catches for 16 yards on three targets. He also returned two kickoffs for an average of 32 yards as well as three punts for a long of 26 yards. However, he also fumbled a punt which the Lions recovered.
RB Ollie Gordon II: A-
After a solid performance in Chicago last week, Gordon’s stock continued to rise with his outing against the Lions. He rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries and showed explosiveness in the second half. He also added two receptions for 9 yards and is making a strong case for No. 2 on the depth chart, especially with second-year back Jaylen Wright struggling.
G Jonah Savaiinaea: B
While Miami’s full starting offensive line didn’t suit up, and the overall unit looked shaky in the first half, the second-round rookie held his own. Savaiinaea delivered a solid performance and looks poised to be a consistent starter at left guard when the regular season kicks off in September.
C Addison West: B
West is making his case for a roster spot, especially with backup Andrew Meyer sidelined by injury. The undrafted rookie put together another reliable outing and appears to be a strong candidate for the practice squad with potential for elevation.
DT Kenneth Grant: B+
Grant recorded a pair of assisted tackles and looked every bit the first-round pick Miami selected No. 13 overall. He was a force up front and helped make a critical stop just inches shy of the first down marker.
DT Jordan Phillips: A+
Phillips was another rookie standout on the defensive line, delivering a dominant performance. He notched 1.5 sacks, including when he chased down quarterback Hendon Hooker on a rollout for a 7-yard loss. He finished with four tackles and two quarterback hits, continuing to outperform his fifth-round draft status. Phillips played well at nose tackle and showed the potential to be a versatile contributor on the line this season.
DT Zeek Biggers: B
The third defensive tackle selected by Miami in the 2025 draft made his presence felt with a few tackles and a pass deflection. Standing 6’6 and impressively athletic for his size, Biggers could carve out a role deflecting passes at the line contributing on special teams.
LB Eugene Asante: B+
The undrafted rookie followed up a strong game in Chicago with another impressive showing. Asante tied for the team lead with six tackles, including one for a loss. He also added a pass breakup and is making a strong case for the 53-man roster, with added value on special teams coverage.
CB Jason Marshall Jr.: B+
The fifth-round pick finished with six tackles, including a stop for loss on a blitz. He showed dependable coverage skills and could push for meaningful snaps as the regular season approaches.
S Dante Trader Jr.: B-
The third of Miami’s fifth-round picks was limited heading into the week, but showed flashes of his potential Saturday. He notched an assisted tackle and continues to work toward a larger role. With versatility in the secondary and special teams value, Trader could develop into a contributor as the season progresses.
S John Saunders: B-
Saunders quietly turned in a productive day with three tackles. He’s a likely candidate for the practice squad to start the season.
CB Ethan Robinson: A
The undrafted rookie capped the game with a leaping interception that sealed the Dolphins’ first preseason win of 2025. Robinson’s athletic, highlight-reel grab closed out Miami’s two-week road trip on a high note. He also added two tackles in a promising performance.