MIAMI GARDENS — When rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers takes the field Sunday against Cincinnati at Hard Rock Stadium, he’ll be the sixth member of the Dolphins’ eight-man 2025 draft class to start a game this season. That’s significant considering the Dolphins and coach Mike McDaniel made a philosophical change this season, relying on draftees and youngsters instead of veterans.
The rookie draftees has been so-so overall. There’s no budding superstar. There’s no Rookie of the Year candidate. But the draft class is getting valuable playing time and giving the franchise a chance to speed up its transition into its next phase.
Five members of the draft class — defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, the first-round pick, left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the second-round pick, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, a fifth-round pick, safety Dante Trader Jr., another fifth-round pick, and running back Ollie Gordon Jr., a sixth-round pick — have played in all 14 games.
Savaiinaea is the only offensive player to have played every down from scrimmage — 813 snaps.
Two other draftees — cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round pick, and defensive tackle Zeek Biggers, a seventh-round pick — have played in at least six games. They’re the only two rookie draftees who haven’t made a start.
Ewers could be the surprise crown jewel even though he’s only played 12 snaps. No one expected him to start this season over veteran starter Tua Tagovailoa or veteran backup Zach Wilson. But this is where things stand for the 6-8 Dolphins after being eliminated from playoff contention.
Ewers performed well on the scout team, the unit that emulates the opponent in practice, according to players. For example, outside linebacker Bradley Chubb said Ewers is adept at no-look passes. Ewers attributes much of his practice success to preparation.
“I think I’ve done a good job of studying, even though I’m not getting any reps with the (starters) prior to this week,” he said. “I think I’ve done a good job showing them that.”
Phillips, the 143rd pick of the draft who excels at run stuffing, has probably had the best year among all draftees and, at this point, has the brightest future.
Phillips has 27 tackles in 13 starts. His speed, strength and length have allowed him to play 377 snaps, which is a respectable 43 percent of all defensive snaps.
Grant got off to a slow start, but according to defensive line coach Austin Clark he’s shown “a lot of improvement” since the Cleveland game. For the season, Grant, who has played 455 snaps (45 percent), has 25 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one pass defended. But his improvement goes beyond statistics, Clark said.
“I think the biggest thing for him is kind of getting in the groove throughout the game,” Clark said. “Probably since Cleveland you see a flash every game.
“Early on, when you kind of get thrust into, ‘We need you to play 30 to 40 snaps out of the gate,’ and the first game it’s an offense you haven’t had experience against (it’s tough). And just then all the things that come with just playing in the NFL, getting ready for the game and stuff like that. The flashes and the movement skills have been great. There’s times (he shows) a really good power rush. And I think like with all our players, especially the young ones, we’re searching for consistency and he’s been getting better each week.”
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Savaiianea also had a rough start but is getting more comfortable. He’s starting to figure things out and make strides in both pass protection and run blocking. He shared what he’s learned so far.
“In pass (protection), I’ll say it’s keeping my leverage as far as inside-out leverage and using my hands, being strong because I’m capable with how strong I am, so I’ve just got to be able to use my hands to my advantage,” he said. “And in the run game, just playing with length because those guys, they’re firing off the ball with extended length. So if I can meet that with my length, that can play a big part in my game.”
McDaniel said the rookie class has made a positive impact as a whole, something that should be on display Sunday against Cincinnati.
“I’ve seen the players individually, and just the class as a whole,” he said, “follow through on our expectation of just a group of guys that really love football for the right reasons.”
