Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver 'thrilled' about rookie defensive tackles

[ad_1] The Miami Dolphins addressed considered one of their most evident wants within the 2025 NFL draft by choosing three defensive tackles: Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, and Zeek Biggers. Unsurprisingly, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was glad to see it.

“Thrilled in regards to the draft course of. It was a collective work of so many, simply focusing on the blokes that we did," Weaver instructed reporters Wednesday. "Actually enthusiastic about Kenneth Grant and what he brings to the center of that protection, and him simply being in right here and have the chance to work with Benito (Jones) and Zach Sieler and clearly (defensive position) Coach (Austin) Clark. No matter he’s imagined to be on the finish of the day, I promise you he'll attain each little bit of God-given potential."

The Dolphins chosen Grant within the first spherical with the No. 13 general decide. He was the second defensive sort out chosen and must be a day one starter in Miami after Calais Campbell left to hitch the Arizona Cardinals in free company. Final season for Michigan, Grant recorded 32 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks.

“Actually glad about Jordan Phillips, man who was sort of beneath the radar a bit of bit, however the best way he performs on movie and simply the person who he's, it’s the identical factor; he’s going to succeed in that ceiling," Weaver mentioned. "I've actually excessive hopes for each these youngsters. After which I nonetheless don’t know the way we received Zeek Biggers within the seventh – a man with that dimension, that size, that mass to play as onerous as he performs, he can find yourself being a steal for us, too."

Phillips began all 12 video games final yr for Maryland and recorded 29 tackles. With Sieler, Jones, and Grant anticipated to be the starters, Phillips can have an opportunity to earn reps as a rotational participant. He ought to have loads of alternatives throughout his rookie yr to point out he is usually a contributor to the Miami defensive position.

Biggers put up some spectacular numbers at Georgia Tech over the past two seasons. He began the final 25 video games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons and recorded 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Biggers additionally proved to be a top quality particular groups contributor with two blocked kicks a season in the past.

"So actually glad about these three, they’ve been placing the work in since they received right here. I do know we’ll dwell by way of some rising pains early, as you do with all rookies, however the one factor I do know is that it’s going to click on quicker for them then simply due to the work they put in,” Weaver mentioned Wednesday

All three rookie defensive linemen are coming into a state of affairs the place they will be excessive on the depth chart. Their growth shall be a high precedence of the teaching employees this offseason and Weaver is happy to make sure they're able to contribute as quickly as doable.