We’ll need to get enthusiastic about stuff like offseason projections because this is the slowest part of the NFL calendar year. According to a recent ESPN rating of all NFL teams based on their tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers, the Miami Dolphins came in at number 10.
They ranked eighth on this list in 2023 and third last year. But clearly, things have changed, and they may even be fortunate to be in their current position for 2025.
“It shouldn’t be a surprise to see the Dolphins fall down these rankings, as just about everybody who stood out for them in 2023 disappointed last season,” writes Bill Barnwell.
“Following one of the greatest wide receiver seasons in history, Tyreek Hill’s overall receiving yardage dropped from 1,799 to 959. In the first-week victory over the Jags, the devastatingly explosive wide receiver did not have a single reception of greater over 30 yards after a score, despite being plagued by a wrist ailment. Perhaps the 31-year-old is finally slowing down, but it seems silly to dismiss him after so many years of notable output”.
That’s conceivable, but remember that a month ago, he came very near to winning an Olympic sprint title. That can’t be how much slower he is.
There was not an eruption in the running game.
According to Barnwell, Hill’s season was incredibly disappointing due to injuries and a dearth of huge plays. He wasn’t alone, though, in not coming up with those huge plays. The running backs also failed to complete the task.
“Barnwell goes on to say, “The running game also lacked the big plays, as De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert went from seven runs of over 30 yards to just three, all of which came from Achane.” “Miami’s backs reversed the ascent they made between 2022 and 2023, going from first to 32nd in rushing yards over expectation (RYOE) in 2023. Although Achane was a far more effective back with Tua Tagovailoa in the lineup and Mostert is no longer with the team, these rankings are meant to be quarterback-independent”.
Despite all of the quarterback injuries and the overall lack of output from the entire offensive unit, Achane had a respectable season in 2024. In addition to receiving an incredible 78 passes for 592 yards and six more scores through the air, he added 907 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. In his third NFL season, they will undoubtedly need that to continue.
Waddle struggled and now they don’t have a tight end
Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension with the Dolphins last offseason. The type of season that comes with a deal like that was not at all what he produced.
“After averaging a league-high 18.1 yards per catch in 2022, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle’s numbers dropped by more than 250 receiving yards for the second straight season, and he was down to 12.8 YPC a year ago,” Barnwell says. “After a contract disagreement, the Dolphins transferred tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers, replacing him with the unretired Darren Waller, whose last healthy, noteworthy season was in 2020. Smith had Miami’s only season to surpass expectations. When Tagovailoa is healthy and coach Mike McDaniel is in charge, this is an extremely intriguing combination of playmakers, but last season demonstrated how disappointing these players can be when circumstances aren’t ideal.
There is still too much talent to entirely go in the toilet, even though it does appear to be a violation in an incubator. As usual, Tagovailoa’s health will determine whether the Dolphins survive or fail. Losing a starting quarterback is difficult for everyone, but the Dolphins seem to be particularly affected.
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