Miami Dolphins Rookies Shine in Victory Against Buccaneers
The Miami Dolphins showcased the impact of their rookie class in a decisive win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. The performance was a collective effort, with several rookies making significant contributions across all phases of the game. Even those who didn’t appear in the spotlight managed to carve out moments of impact. This week’s rookie review will assess each player’s performance, assigning a stock up or stock down designation. The only draft pick not appearing in this report is Ollie Gordon II, who saw limited action with just eight snaps.
Kenneth Grant Leads the Charge
Week 16: Slight Stock Up
Week 17: Stock Up
Kenneth Grant delivered one of his most complete performances of the season. He continued to anchor the Dolphins’ run defense, notching another run stop. More impressively, he recorded a career-high four pressures, as noted by Pro Football Focus. Grant’s increased activity as a pass rusher was evident; he experimented with a variety of pass-rush techniques throughout the game. While he excels at pushing the pocket and executing stunts, it’s encouraging to witness the evolution of his skills in this area.
Jonah Savaiinaea’s Progress Remains Stalled
Week 16: Slight Stock Up
Week 17: No Movement
Jonah Savaiinaea’s development seems to have hit a plateau. While he has shown slight improvement compared to the beginning of the season, his performance still ranks among the lowest at his position in the league. Savaiinaea struggles with consistency in run blocking, and his pass protection technique remains a work in progress. Although he occasionally makes impactful plays, these moments are not enough to assure confidence in his long-term development. Additionally, persistent communication issues with fellow lineman Patrick Paul continue to hinder their effectiveness together, despite their extensive playing time alongside each other.
Jordan Phillips Maintains Steady Presence
Week 16: Slight Stock Down
Week 17: No Movement
Jordan Phillips’ stock has remained stable in recent weeks. He isn’t underperforming, but it seems he has reached the limits of his rookie development. Phillips continues to be a formidable presence in the middle of the line, bringing solid effort and energy to each play. There’s still a strong belief that he can be Miami’s long-term solution at nose tackle. However, he has had several near-misses lately—opportunities that could have turned into impactful plays. While he excels at stacking and shedding blockers, an increase in speed and tackling precision is necessary. Unfortunately, fans may have to wait until next season to see this improvement.
Dante Trader Jr. in a Limited Role
Week 16: Stock Up
Week 17: No Movement
Dante Trader Jr. played a limited role with only 19 snaps against the Buccaneers, resulting in a neutral impact on the game. He did make a notable play, snuffing out a screen pass to Tez Johnson early on, but he also missed a tackle that allowed a first down. Trader frequently dropped into the box, as Miami utilized players like Jason Marshall Jr. and Ashtyn Davis in deeper zones. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for Trader to occupy a role closer to the line of scrimmage, where his physical attributes can make a more significant impact.
Jason Marshall Jr. Grows in Confidence
Week 16: Slight Stock Down
Week 17: Stock Up
Jason Marshall Jr.’s performance has shown signs of growth. After facing challenges in prior games, his confidence appears to be building, and he is making strides in his development. Marshall’s contributions are becoming increasingly valuable as he finds his rhythm in the defensive scheme.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next matchup, the contributions from their rookie class will be crucial as they aim to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
