Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is not participating in team drills due to his contract negotiations, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Wednesday. The 2019 first-round pick is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract and is making it known to team management that he wants a new deal. It’s clear Miami’s defense is better with Wilkins on it, and indications point towards him re-signing. But outside Wilkins is an incredibly capable Miami Dolphins defensive line.
Even Without Christian Wilkins, the Miami Dolphins Defensive Line Is A Strength
Zach Sieler, Defensive Tackle
In what is a loaded Dolphins defense filled with star players, the name Zach Sieler has flown under the radar. The 2018 seventh-round pick from Ferris State University has been a key piece for Miami since he arrived in 2019. Sieler has improved every year since his arrival as a dominate run-stopper, recording 180 tackles and nine sacks in three seasons. During the Dolphins’ playoff game versus the Bills in January, Sieler returned a fumble for his first career touchdown to take the lead. Despite the 34-31 loss for Miami, the play was one of many underrated moments of Sieler’s strong 2022 season.
BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN ALERT! 🚨 ZACH SIELER! 🚨
📺 – #MIAvsBUF on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/0Ek5QTD8fd
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 15, 2023
Raekwon Davis, Defensive Tackle
Another underrated name on the Dolphins defensive line is Raekwon Davis. The 25-year-old came in a year after Wilkins as a 2020 second-round pick. While Davis may not have numbers like Wilkins or Sieler, his impact is just as important on the defensive line. With his massive 6-foot-7-inch, 335 pound frame, Davis eats up blocks that allow his counterparts to create disruption. His size can also create problems in an opponents run game, allowing Davis to record 101 tackles in three seasons.
Emmanuel Ogbah, Edge Rusher
While Emmanuel Ogbah may not be an underrated name, it is one that’s been forgotten. After recording nine sacks in back-to-back seasons with the Dolphins in 2020 and 2021, Ogbah had a down year in 2022. The seven-year vet recorded just one sack in nine games before sustaining a season-ending torn triceps injury. Now, Ogbah is healthy and has a chance to get back to the form that earned him a four-year, $65 million deal in 2022.
Jaelan Phillips, Edge Rusher
In a stacked defensive line room, Jaelen Phillips is a young name that is primed to become a superstar. Drafted number 18 overall in the 2021 draft, Phillips has lived up to team and fan expectations. Now, the 24-year-old has a chance to break into NFL stardom in 2023 after recording 15.5 sacks in his young two-year career. The numbers may not be on the same level as other edge-rushing royalty, but Phillips’ rare combination of size, speed and strength help him create pressure on almost every play. It’s only a matter of time until that pressure starts to put opposing quarterbacks into the dirt.
Bradley Chubb, Edge Rusher
Perhaps the most impactful name on Miami’s defensive line outside of Wilkins is Bradley Chubb. After acquiring Chubb at the trade deadline last season, the number five overall pick in 2018 was less impactful than some fans hoped. In eight games with the Dolphins, Chubb recorded just 3.5 sacks. Before the deadline, Chubb recorded 5.5 sacks in seven games for the Denver Broncos. Now, Chubb has made his pass-rushing disruption clear in training camp and is looking primed to return to his pro-bowl form.
Better with Wilkins, Strong Without
Wilkins has made it clear that he wants and deserves a new contract. Miami is reportedly committed to making that contract happen. There is no doubt the Dolphins’ defensive line is better with Wilkins on it. But without Wilkins, the Dolphins have plenty of talent to attack every opponent’s backfield.
Main Photo: Jeff Romance – USA Today Sports
