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A Dolphins player gave his thoughts after a disappointing rookie season

It is no secret that the 2025 Miami Dolphins were a disappointment. The team’s 7-10 record marked their worst since the 2019 rebuilding season, and it led to the firing of general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel.

Even entering the season, the flaws were evident for the Dolphins. They had to patch together a secondary filled with veteran free agents on one-year contracts, and they used their first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to select players at positions of need rather than going with what the consensus best players available were.

The idea behind this was that the draftees would replace some of the production Miami had lost to free agency at a cheaper cost, and the team would be able to return to their winning ways they had in 2023. As we know, that did not turn out well for the Dolphins and now one of those draftees has given his thoughts on what was a disappointing season, both for the team and for himself.

Miami Dolphins First-Round Pick Speaks Out After Disappointing Season

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Michigan interior defensive lineman Kenneth Grant with the No. 13 pick. Grant was ranked as the 31st-best prospect by NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah heading into the draft. Miami passed up on tight end Tyler Warren, who was Jeremiah’s sixth-best prospect, despite Jonnu Smith requesting a trade. Miami would then trade Smith, lure veteran Darren Waller out of retirement, while Warren made the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

By selecting Grant, the Dolphins were filling an immediate need. The team had lost veteran Calais Campbell in free agency, who himself was a replacement for Christian Wilkins. However, Grant did not quiet the chatter that he was a reach, as he delivered an unimpressive rookie season.

Of course, Grant’s selection is too early to judge, and he appears to have a positive mindset heading into the 2026 season. “I know what to expect now,” Grant said, “I’m not a rookie anymore, so I kind of know what the deal is and how things are going to be operated.”

Grant’s Rookie Season

Regarding how Grant performed in his rookie season, Dolphins on SI’s Jake Gibson wrote:

“He had some moments, finishing with 33 total tackles and two sacks. But overall Pro Football Focus did not grade Grant favorably — a 48.4, ranking him 107th out of 134 eligible defensive players.”

Grant also commented how this year’s offseason is different from last season’s,, when he was preparing for the NFL Draft. He said, “This offseason, I just really focused on being more of a football player. Last year, I was training for the combine. It’s different when you’re in ‘football shape’ rather than ‘combine shape.’ I’m focusing on my techniques and getting stronger in the weight room.”

Miami will hope the 22-year-old Grant can live up to his draft status and become a fixture on the Dolphins’ defensive line for years to come. Regarding how Miami’s defense will play under new head coach Jeff Hafley, Grant said, “We’re gonna provide that violent mentality. And we’re gonna make plays. That’s what we’re here for. Be football players, and that’s what we’re going to do.”