Skip to main content
Advertising

Practice 5: 2025 Miami Dolphins Training Camp Notebook

NFL training camp practices are the unofficial unveiling of 32 brand new teams every summer. The culmination of the offseason of work, roster construction and the execution of the vision put in place at end of the previous season. As the process plays out, breadcrumbs are collected by fans and media alike, and out the other side comes predictions and expectations.

The Dolphins vision this spring was clear. They invested in multiple parts of the team. Miami got better down the middle. The work done to address the interior offensive line, linebackers, defensive tackles and insert-blockers to boost the run game hint towards a shifted focus.

Five days on the grass demonstrates that vision in a tangible way. And that vision was particularly highlighted during Monday's practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex.

The offense and defense traded wins in the run game with the defense making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Leading that charge were defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

"That boy is just a natural leader," linebacker Willie Gay Jr. said of Brooks. "As a person, as a player obviously, it's nothing Jordyn can't do. Last year and going into this year with the growth that he's had, me as a new guy, I'm looking at him like, 'What do you need me to do?' What do I need to do to be on that level, be on that next level, take it to the next level where I can help the team as a defense. He's been doing a great job."

Gay Jr. has had a stellar camp of his own. He's been everywhere in coverage, breaking up passes on vertical routes over the middle of the field and driving on throws with a chance to intercept the ball and return it for a touchdown.

"They put us in position to make those plays," he said. "We're dropping back in all kinds of zones. It gives you the opportunity to deflect a pass and intercept them. That's what we want to do, but this defense is schemed just for that."

Gay Jr. was one of two free agent linebacker additions this offseason, K.J. Britt the other. Miami also added guards Jonah Savaiinaea and James Daniels to bolster the interior line with big running backs in Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II beefing up the backfield. Those two, along with incumbents De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, found space for a handful of explosive runs Monday.

Miami also went to work in the defensive backfield during the offseason with safety signings Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ashtyn Davis, drafting Dante Trader Jr. in the fifth round and trading for five-time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick's addition was the cherry on top in the safeties' room not only from a talent standpoint, but also from a leadership perspective.

"I think there's a standard that Mike (McDaniel) and (Chris) Grier are trying to set and I think it's working hard, being disciplined, being committed to this team, stripping yourself of ego," Fitzpatrick said. "It's a very ego-driven sport and I think the best teams are the teams that remove the ego, let down the mask and the pride and play winning football, winning team football."

Fitzpatrick has been all over the field through five days. Despite his best efforts, the vaunted Miami passing attack continues to find explosive plays of its own.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went to wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a pair of long touchdowns. It was another sharp day for Tagovailoa, who has not turned the ball over throughout five practices.

"It's awesome just going to the sideline after a play and (Tua will) come up to me and ask me, 'What happened there? What'd you see? Why'd you do this?' And I'll do the same, vice versa," Fitzpatrick said. "He had two great balls today and I'm going to go talk to him after this and be like, 'What'd you see? How'd you know you could get…?' Just being able to have that exchange is extremely beneficial for me."

After practice, Tagovailoa surprised students from the Urban League of Broward County, who were visiting for the day, watched practice and hung out with the quarterback. Check out this article for more on the Get Fit For School event, hosted by Gatorade and the Miami Dolphins.

For more coverage from Dolphins camp, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Related Content

Advertising