Will The Miami Dolphins Defense Be BETTER Or Just Different In 2026?

Miami Dolphins' defense faces a pivotal season—can rising stars and new additions outperform last year’s underwhelming unit? Kyle Crabbs breaks down each defensive position group, spotlighting Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, and Jordan Phillips in the trenches, along with questions swirling around pass rushers like Chop Robinson. Confidence runs high for the defensive line and linebackers, especially with Jordan Brooks anchoring the middle, but uncertainty clouds the secondary as rookies Chris Johnson and Dante Trader Jr. look to fill major shoes. Statistical realities from 2025 loom large: a bottom-tier ranking in points allowed and yards per play set the bar for improvement. Plus, find out why Sean Payton secures a spot on Miami’s villain list after nearly orchestrating a Bill Belichick takeover in Denver—potentially threatening Don Shula’s all-time win record. Can head coach Jeff Hafley’s young defense seize the moment and change the narrative this year? 00:00 Confidence in Dolphins Defensive Positions 04:15 Evaluating defensive player trades 10:18 Dolphins' defensive line strategy 12:02 Evaluating the Dolphins' roster changes 16:38 Evaluating Dolphins' Safety Depth 18:36 Dolphins linebackers potential impact 25:08 Sean Payton's controversial actions 27:27 Belichick's coaching career shifts Image Credit - Nathan Ray Seebeck Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Will The Miami Dolphins Defense Be BETTER Or Just Different In 2026?    / @lockedondolphins   WANT MORE DAILY MIAMI DOLPHINS CONTENT? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 http://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/... Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... Follow on Twitter: @KyleCrabbs Follow the show on Twitter: @LockedOnPhins