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Miami Dolphins 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 1, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Miami Dolphins and preview how it might perform this season. Miami Dolphins 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Dolphins ranked 28th in yards per carry allowed to running backs (4.8) last season and 29th in explosive run rate allowed to RBs (12.4%). Despite those struggles, Miami does have talent on the defensive line, and they were not quite as bad over the second half of the season. Zach Sieler is coming off something of a down season, but he still managed 5.5 sacks and 11 run stuffs, ranked 20th among qualified defensive linemen. A first-round pick last year, Kenneth Grant actually had a better pressure rate than Sieler despite finishing with 2 sacks, though he struggled more against the run. Miami ranked 26th in pressure rate last season (31.8%) while recording 39 sacks (15th). Chop Robinson had a very positive rookie season, nabbing 6 sacks with an elite 17.2% pressure rate, but he took a big step back while failing to establish himself as a full-time player in 2025. The Dolphins need Robinson to step up as a cornerstone of the pass rush if their defense has any hope in 2026. Miami made several additions to the edge group in free agency, but it is unclear whether any will be impactful. Josh Uche probably has the best chance. Linebacker is one of the few positions on defense where the Dolphins are in pretty good shape, especially after adding Jacob Rodriguez to the mix in the second round. Jordyn Brooks led all qualified linebackers in run stuffs last season, and he was fifth among that same group in tackle rate on run plays. Tyrel Dodson was 15th in run stuffs himself, and both had double-digit tackles for loss. The Dolphins allowed 7.6 yards per pass attempt last season, finishing 26th in touchdown rate allowed, 25th in explosive play rate allowed, and 25th in EPA per pass attempt allowed. The cupboard is as bare as can be at cornerback even after adding Chris Johnson in the first round. Miami added Darrell Baker, Marco Wilson, and Alex Austin in free agency, and they have former second-rounder JuJu Brents as a reclamation project. With Minkah Fitzpatrick gone, the safety situation does not look much better than the one at cornerback. A fifth-round pick last year, Dante Trader did get some meaningful experience as a rookie, but he looked vulnerable in coverage. Added in free agency, Lonnie Johnson is a journeyman who has struggled to pin down a consistent role on defense in the NFL. Zayne Anderson, who was also signed in free agency, has 145 career snaps on defense. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren's Book Order Book Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with…