Miami Dolphins Defensive Line Preview 2026

The Dolphins are preparing for training camp after a brief summer break, with rookies arriving July 21 and veterans reporting a week later. New head coach Jeff Hafley’s squad will lean on its defensive line to shore up a run‑defense that ranked below average last season. This preview breaks down each player on the line, their background, and what they’re expected to contribute in 2026.

Kenneth Grant

Grant entered the 2025 NFL Draft as Miami’s first‑round pick (13th overall) after winning a national championship at Michigan and earning All‑Big Ten honors twice. He appeared in 17 games as a rookie, registering 33 tackles, 5 quarterback hits and 2 sacks, but the numbers fell short of first‑round expectations. This offseason he is slated to become the starting defensive tackle, giving him a clear chance to develop into a premier pass‑rusher.

Career Stats: 17 games (5 starts), 33 tackles, 5 quarterback hits, 2 sacks and 1 pass defensed.

Zach Sieler

Sieler, a Ferris State product, spent his first six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before a brief stint on their practice squad. Miami claimed him in 2019, and he has been a consistent rotational piece, earning multiple contract extensions and a captaincy. At age 30, he now shares a starting spot with Grant, providing veteran leadership and proven interior pressure.

Career Stats: 108 games (82 starts), 357 tackles (59 for a loss), 78 quarterback hits, 35.5 sacks, 16 passes defensed, 6 fumble recoveries, 5 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions.

Jordan Phillips

Phillips split his college years between Tennessee and Maryland before the Dolphins selected him in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2025 draft. As a rookie, he logged roughly half of the defensive snaps, which sets a benchmark for his next step. His role for 2026 is expected to be rotational, giving the staff depth while he continues to learn the NFL’s nuances.

Career Stats: 17 games (16 starts), 34 tackles, 1 quarterback hit.

Zeek Biggers

Biggers played four seasons at Georgia Tech before the Dolphins picked him in the seventh round (253rd overall) of the 2025 draft. He saw meaningful action as a rookie, appearing in over a third of the defensive snaps, and his potential could increase if the team lets go of Benito Jones. For 2026, his role is projected as rotational, giving the line depth and pass‑rush ability.

Career Stats: 9 games, 20 tackles, 4 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks.

Matthew Butler

Butler spent five college seasons at Tennessee before the Las Vegas Raiders took him in the fifth round (175th overall) of the 2022 draft. After three years in Las Vegas, Miami claimed him off waivers, where he contributed in a depth capacity. He re‑signed this offseason and now serves as a practice‑squad or depth option, providing insurance for injuries.

Career Stats: 27 games (2 starts), 27 tackles, 3 quarterback hits and 0.5 sacks.

Alex Huntley

Huntley, a South Carolina alum, went undrafted and spent his rookie season on Miami’s practice squad before earning a reserve/future deal. At 24, he brings college production—50 games with 82 tackles, 6 passes defensed and 4 sacks. His role is likely to stay on the practice squad, giving the team a developmental body for the line.

College Stats: 50 games, 82 tackles (8 for a loss), 6 passes defensed, 4 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.

Keith Cooper Jr.

Cooper split his college career between Tulane and Houston, where he earned All‑Big 12 honors. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions but never made the roster. After brief stints on practice squads with Detroit and Cleveland, Miami gave him a chance this year. He adds depth to a group that needs versatile pass‑rushers and is slated for a practice‑squad role.

College Stats: 51 games, 119 tackles (24.5 for a loss), 14 sacks, 8 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.

Rene Konga

Konga came to the U.S. from Canada, playing four seasons at Rutgers before transferring to Louisville for his final two years, where he earned All‑ACC honors. He posted a top‑10 Relative Athletic Score of 9.78, catching Miami’s eye as a developmental prospect. With a blend of size and athleticism, he can be a long‑term building block for the defensive line.

College Stats: 44 games, 63 tackles (11 for a loss), 8 passes defensed, 6 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

Kahlil Saunders

Saunders, a three‑star recruit, spent five seasons at Kentucky, where he logged 51 games and 77 tackles, including 12 for a loss and 4.5 sacks. The 23‑year‑old posted an 8.57 Relative Athletic Score, leading Miami to sign him as an undrafted free agent. He is a candidate for the practice squad, adding pass‑rush potential to the bench.

College Stats: 51 games, 77 tackles (12 for a loss) and 4.5 sacks.

This overview gives fans and analysts a clear picture of the Dolphins’ defensive line talent for the 2026 campaign, highlighting both immediate contributors and long‑term development prospects.