Tragedy in the Tropics: Miami Dolphins Plunge in Power Rankings as Hope Fades in Once-Promising Era.
Tragedy in the Tropics: Miami Dolphins Plunge in Power Rankings as Hope Fades in Once-Promising Era.
March 2025 – The Miami Dolphins have dropped in two prominent NFL offseason power rankings, raising fresh concerns about their trajectory.
ESPN’s Slow Drift Backwards
According to ESPN’s NFL Nation, the Dolphins slipped from 18th in late March to 20th following the draft . While the addition of DT Kenneth Grant is noted as a positive move, ESPN writer Marcel Louis‑Jacques emphasizes that bolstering the defensive line wasn’t enough to reverse their downward trend .
> “For now, the arrow for the Miami Dolphins isn’t pointing up” .
PFF’s Mid‑Offseason Assessment
Pro Football Focus places Miami at 21st in its rankings, noting the significant loss of safety Jevon Holland—a key member of a defense that ranked 8th in EPA allowed in 2024 . The team’s efforts to counteract that loss by acquiring Ifeatu Melifonwu and James Daniels (post-Achilles injury) are acknowledged, but PFF signals lingering concerns on both sides of the ball .
⚠️ Why the Slide?
Factor Detail
Defensive Worries The secondary felt a major hit with Holland’s exit; concerns persist despite draft additions and free-agent pickup Melifonwu .
Line of Scrimmage Concerns ESPN notes the team’s strength at DT, but weaknesses remain elsewhere along both lines .
Culture & Consistency Miami’s reputation for late-season fadeouts, flagged in earlier rankings, continues to affect confidence .
What This Means
This power rankings slump signals broader unease: can Miami transcend its mid-tier status and truly contend? Despite high-end playmakers like Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, the gap in overall roster depth remains obvious.
Issues to Watch
Health/Performance of Draft Picks: Kenneth Grant’s role on the defensive line needs to translate into reliable impact.
Secondary Stability: The absence of Holland places increased pressure on Melifonwu and others to step up.
Offseason Strategy: With the cap tight and free agents limited, the front office faces critical choices to bolster the roster.