Dolphins young defensive line group receiving glowing review from vet

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler is entering his ninth year in the NFL and seventh full season with the Dolphins . Sieler headlines a defensive tackle group consisting of second-year players Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers, all of whom are looking to make a leap in 2026.

This room will be an interesting story to watch as training camp continues and preseason games are played. Behind Sieler, the players in this group will have to compete for playing time on Jeff Hafley's defense.

When Sieler was asked specifically about Grant making a leap in year two, he also highlighted Phillips and Biggers in his response.

"KG, Zeek (Biggers), Jordan (Phillips), all the rookies that were here last year in my room," Sieler said on Wednesday. "Those guys, they've gone above and beyond all offseason in and outside the building to make sure they're in the best shape, the best potential position for this season so we can hit the ground running. To build those bonds and build that connection to rush as one, to play the run as one and to understand how we all see the game in one light has been awesome, and I'm really excited to see them make that jump."

Grant was selected with pick No. 13 by the Dolphins in the 2025 NFL draft. The selection of Grant was a move to fill a void in the defensive tackle group left by Calais Campbell's departure to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.

In addition to selecting Grant in the first round, the Dolphins further stacked the room with young talent by adding Phillips in the fifth round and Biggers in the seventh. Grant, Phillips and Biggers each earned opportunities on defense last season and showed flashes of productivity.

Of course, Grant has the highest expectations to be the breakout star of this group in 2026 due to his first-round draft status. He finished his rookie season with 33 tackles and two sacks while playing 52% of the defensive snaps in 2025.

However, this new regime in Miami has consistently emphasized competition all offseason, and this group will be no exception. Regardless of draft status, these players will have to show progression from year one to year two if they want to solidify themselves as a future building piece for Miami's defense.

One possible opportunity for one of these second-year players to earn snaps would be on the edge. Sieler, who has occasionally shifted to the edge in previous years, discussed how Biggers has shown the ability to do just that.

"Zeek did it last year," Sieler said. "I did it in my previous year. I think it's a great thing, we always say the more you can do. That's a big thing, and Zeek's done an amazing job. He's out there, he's at nose, he's at three tech. So, to jump all around the field out there is exciting. It's cool seeing him grow."

It was reported in early June that Biggers was down from 325 to 313 pounds, which could potentially allow for more versatility in him being able to occasionally get some work on the edge. The ability for Biggers to play multiple positions will help him in secure not only a roster spot, but a potential increase in playing time during his second season.

Time will tell which of these players will take a leap and step into a more permanent starting position in 2026. The good news for these young players is they have the perfect mentor in Sieler, who has been a team captain in Miami the last two seasons. It took Sieler multiple years in the NFL to earn a consistent starting role after being selected in the seventh round in the 2018 draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Sieler knows what it takes to make the right strides toward becoming a starter and maintaining that role year after year.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins young defensive line group receiving glowing review from vet

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