Miami Dolphins roster prediction: 7 defensive linemen make final 53
By Nick Belotto
The Miami Dolphins have spent a lot of capital building a quality defensive line. From draft picks to free-agent additions, Miami’s defensive line has developed into a formidable force and helped fuel a defensive turnaround in a few short seasons.
This unit will need to generate more of a pass rush going into 2021 but the front office has brought in enough quality players for there to be considerable optimism about the defensive trenches.
With that, let’s get to my predictions for Miami’s roster in 2021.
Starter: Christian Wilkins
After being Brian Flores’ first first-round pick, Wilkins has played well, but not at a game-changing level throughout his short career. As he comes closer to a contract extension, Wilkins will have to prove that he is capable of taking the next step in this scheme.
Starter: Raekwon Davis
The second-year lineman out of Alabama will be looking to build off of a strong rookie season in 2021. Davis was a bit of a revelation last season, ending the year as one of the top rookies against the run. Davis should be even more comfortable in his second season and could look to take the next step.
More from Phin Phanatic
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
Starter: Emmanuel Ogbah
Ogbah was a revelation last season. He had solid sack numbers through the first half of the season but his production in that department slipped a little bit towards the end of the year. That being said, Ogbah proved he can flourish in this system and will be a great compliment to Miami’s linebacking corp.
Miami’s defensive line could help compliment a strong secondary by generating a strong pass rush and solid run defense with a number of versatile players.
Backup: Jason Strowbridge
A fifth-round pick in the 2020 draft, Strowbridge could develop into a solid rotational piece this season. He didn’t get a ton of playing time last season but in his second year, he could spell a starter once in a while.
Backup: John Jenkins
Jenkins could be a strong contributor to this defensive line. One of the few traditional nose tackles on the roster, he could be a solid rotational piece to spell Davis when the talented big man needs a bit of a breather.
Backup: Zach Sieler
Sieler is one of those fan favorites who makes a few splash plays once in a while then goes quiet. He is a solid backup option for this unit.
Backup: Adam Butler
One of many former Patriots on the roster, Butler joined the team this offseason and will look to provide some solid pass rush off the bench for this unit. Butler provides quality depth at all defensive line positions and will be on this roster come September.
Outside looking in
Backup: Benito Jones
An undrafted free agent last season, Jones showed flashes of potential in camp and throughout the season. I don’t expect him to be an impact player this season, but if there is potential, I can see Flores keeping him on the roster and giving him more time to grow.
Jonathan Ledbetter
Ledbetter hasn’t done a whole lot in his short career and Miami brought in a few more established names that will push him off the roster. I can imagine this being one of the last cuts as Miami rounds out its final 53.
Jerome Johnson
Johnson doesn’t have much of a shot to make the roster considering the talent ahead of him and his undrafted status. If he shows anything in the preseason, I could see him being a practice squad player for the team.