For the first time in Mike McDaniel's four-year tenure with the Miami Dolphins, he will benefit from continuity on the defensive side of the football. Anthony Weaver was among the finalists for the head coaching job with the New Orleans Saints, but ultimately returned to Miami for his second season directing the defense – a unit that finished fourth in total defense in 2024.
"I know he is going to be a tremendous head coach someday," McDaniel said. "It is a relief just knowing that there's finally some continuity with scheme and leader, but you're also in the car with guys that you have relationships with and Anthony Weaver is deserving of (a head-coaching opportunity). It just so happens that it won't be this year. But my expectation is that I have to be ready for it to be short-lived."
Weaver's return is a boon to Miami. On top of finishing fourth in total defense, the Dolphins saw several newcomers have immediate impacts. Jordyn Brooks' name is firmly rooted among the best linebackers in the game after his sterling debut season in Miami. First-round pick Chop Robinson produced the highest pass rush win rate by a rookie since Micah Parsons in 2020. Calais Campbell, Benito Jones and Tyrel Dodson all produced strong first showings with the Fins, not to mention the growth of Kader Kohou and another dominant season by Zach Sieler.
"I'm super excited because I felt a tangible shift last year during the season when the whole group collectively got (the new defense)," McDaniel said on the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield. "To be able to start an offseason program focusing on technique and fundamentals more than anything, I think is what it's all about."
Players quickly took to Weaver's scheme, and with a draft class chock full of defensive talent, Miami could restock those cupboards to the liking of their innovative defensive play caller.
"The Michigan defensive tackles are a great start," said NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah on Drive Time. "Mason Graham is probably off the board at 13 but with Kenneth Grant, the upside is out of this world. He's 345 pounds and might run a 4.8. I look at Walter Nolen from Ole Miss as a guy with the twitch that could really benefit from playing alongside Zach Sieler."
"Off the edge, someone like Mykel Williams (Georgia) or Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), they both have the size and versatility to really excel in Weaver's defense," Jeremiah continued.
If it's defensive backs you're after, there's plenty of flavors in that department as well. Kendall Fuller was released while Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer and Elijah Campbell are all scheduled to be free agents, leaving the Dolphins defensive back room
"Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina … he's 6-3, has the longest arms in the class and will disrupt at the line of scrimmage as well as anyone. He might be a great fit for Miami," Emory Hunt of CBS Sports HQ said via Drive Time.
"Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina is one of my favorites in this year's class," Jeremiah said. "He's a Derwin James type where you can play him at all three levels of the defense."
That's been the theme of the week here in Indianapolis. Folks are excited about the depth of this class and the many ways teams can restock their cupboards with young contributors.
For more analysis and the entirety of these interviews, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield.
