After a disappointing 2024 season, the Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 season with high expectations and plenty of uncertainty.
In his recent offseason breakdown, Miami Herald Columnist Omar Kelly spotlighted several players in his “2025 Superlatives”.
Take a look at my 2025 #Dolphins offseason superlatives.
Kelly’s 2025 Superlatives underscores not only the Dolphins’ potential, but their pressing questions.
With a need to bounce back and prove themselves playoff-worthy in the AFC, the Dolphins will need several of these names to lead the way.
Superlatives Reveal Key Offseason Takeaways
In his detailed piece, Kelly named his top performers and notable storylines from the 2025 offseason.
Kelly praised standouts like RB De’Von Achane, who continues to impress with his speed as the top performer thus far.
Veteran offensive guard James Daniels was also highlighted as the best addition to the team in a revamped offensive line.
Also among the noted players was RB Jaylen Wright as most improved player, and rookie Jonah Savaiinaea.
Savaiinaea was listed as the most impressive rookie and has been showing promising flashes throughout the offseason.
It wasn’t all positive though, with the cornerback room being named as the biggest area of concern.
With the departure of Jalen Ramsey all but certain and players like Cam Smith who will need to step up, the defensive backfield continues to be a major question mark.
On the flip side, the pass rush of the Dolphins was named the biggest strength of the team by Kelly.
Labeled pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb headline an aggressive defensive front with rookie DT Kenneth Grant looking to join them.
Rounding out Kelly’s list were surprise performer Willie Gay, Malik Washington, Zach Wilson and Patrick Paul.
Together these superlatives mapped out a Dolphins team that has potential and explosiveness but is yet to prove if they belong.
Miami Youth, Veterans, Culture Change Fuel Hope
The Dolphins can’t wait around. With the AFC only getting stronger, they must be able to put together success early.
With a mixed bag of youth, veterans returning from injury and a presumed culture change under HC Mike McDaniel, the pressure is on to deliver the goods.
Miami will need a contribution from many players on Kelly’s superlative list all while depending on the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
To compliment Tagovailoa in his bounce back season are wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Both Hill and Waddle will need to show up big alongside Achane and Wright to fuel the explosion of this offense.
With the Jalen Ramsey saga dragging along and Jevon Holland out the door, defense remains a question mark.
The Dolphins must rely on their pass-rushing duo and youth in the defensive backfield to maintain stability.
A culture shift is underway in Miami, with accountability and urgency among the factors in play.
HC Mike McDaniel developed a list of non-negotiables in order to help propel this team out of last season’s tailspin.
The Dolphins expect themselves to rebound this season. Whether they can turn potential into production remains to be seen.
Kelly’s superlatives capture the dual reality of Miami having the pieces, but the clock is ticking.
