Dolphins' defense has game-changing potential in front seven

When you talk about the Miami Dolphins defense, start with the front seven, which has the potential to be game-changing, or even game-winning.

The front seven is led by tackle Zach Sieler, the league’s only interior defensive lineman riding back-to-back 10-sack seasons.

But there’s also edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, who have recovered from the knee injuries that kept them out for all (Chubb) and a major portion of last season. They’re both accomplished pass rushers.

And let’s remember the front seven also includes edge rusher Chop Robinson, last year’s rookie sensation with 6.0 sacks, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, this year’s first-round pick, nose tackle Benito Jones and inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who led the team in tackles in 2024.

On the back end, familiar faces such as safety Jevon Holland and Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey are gone and replaced by Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and, presumably, cornerback Jack Jones, who was signed at the start of training camp although newly-acquired Rasul Douglas could contend for the job.

By the way, it’s the second year under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who led the Dolphins defense to a No. 4 finish in the league last year. They were No. 9 against the run, No. 9 against the pass, and No. 10 in points allowed, Weaver’s most valued category, at 21.6 points allowed per game.

Here’s a breakdown of the starters:

Edge rusher Bradley Chubb

6 foot 4, 268 pounds; eighth season

Chubb went down with a knee injury at Baltimore on New Year’s Eve 2023 and hasn’t played in a game since. He had 11.0 sacks at the time. Fairly or not, he’ll be expected to pick up where he left off. He’s missed 19 games (including playoffs) the past two years due to his knee injury.

DT Zach Sieler

6-6, 300; eighth season

Sieler leads the run defense in addition to leading the pass rush. He’s a quiet leader whose performance, attitude and mindset are exactly what this team needs on and off the field.

DT Kenneth Grant

6-3, 335; rookie season

Grant, the No. 13 pick of the draft, was selected because he’s expected to be a quality, wide-bodied run stuffer immediately. His pass rush has time to develop. The Dolphins need his talent to snuff out the ground game and force teams into passing situations.

Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips

6-5, 263; fifth season

Phillips has 7.5 sacks in his past two seasons (0.63 sacks per game) after having 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons (0.46 sacks per game). The Dolphins hope he continues trending upward. He’s missed 23 games (including playoffs) the past two years due to Achilles and knee injuries.

ILB Jordyn Brooks

6-0, 240; sixth season

Brooks had a team-best 143 tackles last season, his fourth consecutive 100-tackle season. And he played 98 percent (1,039) of the defensive snaps from scrimmage. He’s soft spoken, but an aggressive tackler and a quiet tone-setter.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Front seven should dominate Indianapolis | VIDEO

ILB Tyrel Dodson

6-0, 237; sixth season

Dodson, acquired last year after being waived by Seattle, played in eight games, starting three. He’s valued for his coverage skills. He had a team-leading three interceptions and four passes defended.

Slot/nickel CB Jason Marshall Jr.

6-0, 204; rookie season

Marshall replaces Kader Kohou, who suffered a knee injury in training camp and is out for the season. Marshall has never played the nickel. First-timers at nickel will tell you the job is difficult because you don’t have a sideline to help take away one side of the field, and you must negotiate lots of traffic. We’ll see how this works.

CB Jack Jones

5-11, 175; fourth season

Jones, signed after cornerback Artie Burns went down with a season-ending knee injury on the first day of training camp, started 16 games for Las Vegas last season. He’s started 21 of 42 career games between New England and Las Vegas, totaling four interceptions, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble.

CB Storm Duck

6-0, 195; second season

Duck, undrafted out of Louisville in 2024, is a quick learner. He started three games last year while playing in 14. He totaled 45 tackles and four passes defended. He’ll be targeted frequently.

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

6-1, 207; eighth season

Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins’ 2018 first-round pick, was the crown jewel of the trade that sent Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick, a three-time All Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, is viewed as an immediate team leader and tone-setter.

Safety Iffy Melinfonwu

6-3, 210; fifth season

Melinfonwu, who started training camp on the non-football injury list, is expected to overtake fellow free agent addition Ashtyn Davis and become the starter. Melinfonwu started 14 of 37 games for Detroit, totaling 72 tackles, two interceptions, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble. His main problem has been staying healthy.

Dolphins’ defense has game-changing potential in front seven

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