MIAMI – The standard has been set, and now there’s a bar the Miami Dolphins’ defense must clear.

Despite spending two seasons with two different defensive coordinators – and without many of the team’s top defenders, who were sidelined by injuries – the Dolphins managed to field a top-10 unit both years.

That’s why the expectation for Anthony Weaver’s defense, now entering its second season under the fresh-faced coordinator, is to produce another top-10 finish.

But to achieve that, Miami needs to address some pressing questions about a unit replacing Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland, Calais Campbell, Emmanuel Ogbah, Kendall Fuller, Jordan Poyer and Anthony Walker Jr. – seven of last year’s 11 defensive starters.

Here’s a look at the Miami Herald’s 10 pressing questions for the defense as we approach Tuesday’s start of training camp. 

Can Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb stay healthy enough to become impactful players?

Both of Miami’s top pass rushers have battled durability issues throughout their careers and were each sidelined by serious injuries in 2023 and 2024. Phillips sustained an ACL injury months after tearing an Achilles. Chubb tore three ligaments in his right knee and has spent 17 months rehabbing. Considering both have the talent to produce 10 or more sacks with full-time snaps, it’s critical to Miami’s success that they stay healthy. That’s why their participation could be limited during training camp and the preseason. Dolphins coaches know they’re better off with limited versions of their edge rushers than without them.

Will Zach Sieler become a camp hold-in as he pushes for a new deal?

Sieler has spent the past three seasons establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive tackles, which is why he and his agent have been pushing for a raise since January, after his second straight 10-sack season. His guaranteed money has ended, and ideally, he’ll get an extension before the regular season. He’s slated to earn $16 million to $18 million over the next two years, but that’s what the league’s top 15 defensive tackles make per season. Will the Dolphins reward Sieler for his play and leadership, or risk a hold-in throughout camp?

Will rookie defensive linemen Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and maybe Zeek Biggers produce 400 impactful snaps each?

The Dolphins let four defensive linemen walk in free agency and replaced them with three rookie nose tackles. All are expected to become starters or rotational players. Defensive linemen drafted in the first five rounds have typically contributed 400 to 500 snaps in their rookie seasons over the past decade. That makes similar production from Grant – the team’s first-round pick – and Phillips, a fifth-rounder from Maryland, an expectation. Biggers will likely back up Benito Jones at nose tackle, a position that often takes a year or two to master.

Can Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson create chemistry that helps the defense blossom?

Brooks and Dodson both had breakout seasons in 2024. Brooks was Miami’s most consistent coverage linebacker and a tackling machine. Dodson, who logged his first 100-tackle season with Seattle and Miami, also had three interceptions across 251 defensive snaps in eight games for the Dolphins. The concern is that both players share a similar skill set, primarily excelling in coverage. Miami needs one of them to consistently sniff out runs and make plays near the line of scrimmage.

Which cornerbacks will emerge as Miami’s 3 starters?

Trading Ramsey and cutting Fuller leaves Kader Kohou, a three-year starter mostly used in the nickel, as the most experienced cornerback on the roster. Former Hurricanes standout Artie Burns and Kendall Sheffield have more NFL experience but have bounced around in recent years. We’ll likely learn why during camp and preseason. We’ll also find out if Cam Smith, Miami’s 2023 second-round pick, is officially a bust; whether rookie Jason Marshall Jr. is ready to contribute; and if any of the undrafted rookies – Ethan Bonner, Storm Duck or Isaiah Johnson – have what it takes to make the roster.

Has Minkah Fitzpatrick lost a step, and can his leadership tighten up the secondary?

Miami reacquired Fitzpatrick from the Steelers because general manager Chris Grier has long admired his skills, football IQ and mental makeup. The five-time Pro Bowler established himself as a respected leader in Pittsburgh. Miami will rely on his communication and versatility to stabilize a secondary that might feature three or four first-time starters. Fitzpatrick has a knack for forcing turnovers – something Weaver’s defense lacked last season.

Which safety earns the starting spot next to Fitzpatrick?

Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu signed with Miami this offseason expecting to be the starting duo. Fitzpatrick’s return means only one starting job remains, and it will likely go to whoever complements him best. Melifonwu offers more range and position flexibility, while Davis plays with more physicality – a trait Miami hopes will help shed its finesse label in 2025. Don’t count out Elijah Campbell, either. Weaver has been a fan since joining the team last year.

Has Chop Robinson become an every-down player who can hold up against the run?

Robinson, the Dolphins’ 2024 first-round pick, blossomed as a pass rusher in the second half of his rookie season, tallying six sacks and 42 quarterback hurries. But he started only one game, likely because of his struggles against the run. If he improves at setting the edge, he could be on the field for all three downs. Expect a clearer picture during the preseason, when the action is live.

If Kohou plays outside, who steps up as the new nickel cornerback?

Burns and Melifonwu are the only other defensive backs on the roster with nickel experience. This role is crucial in today’s NFL, where three-receiver sets dominate. Nickel corners typically log 600-plus snaps per season. If Kohou proves to be the team’s top boundary corner, he’ll likely want to stay there – boundary corners command higher salaries, and Kohou is due to hit free agency next offseason.

Do the Dolphins have the personnel to play multiple defensive fronts?

Miami is supposed to be running a hybrid 3-4 defense, but that scheme requires versatile personnel. The departures of Ogbah and Campbell leave the team short on traditional 3-4 ends. While Chubb, Phillips and Sieler can all rotate between three- and five-technique in spurts, it would help if a true edge-setter emerged. Matt Dickerson, Ben Stille or Grayson Murphy could earn roster spots if they shine during camp and preseason.