Over the past few seasons, the Miami Dolphins have been known for their speed and explosive offense. They achieved this by building an offense around wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who, alongside quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, built an offense designed to get players in space to rip off big plays. Unfortunately, at the same time, Miami’s team developed a reputation for being soft and fading down the stretch.
The new version of the Dolphins will hope to shed that soft label. Under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, the team has emphasized building a tough football team.. Fortunately, some players from the past regime seem to have embraced that mindset, including their second-team All-Pro offensive lineman.
Miami Dolphins Center Sends Strong Message
Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, while speaking with Ari Meirov, described his mentality during games. He said, “It’s the mentality too. You don’t see too many people finishing plays, how I finish [them], going through the whistle, the little shove at the end. I’m running full speed downfield. I play with bad intentions.”
Brewer added, “I’m really trying to go get somebody out there, trying to knock somebody’s head off. It’s that and just honing in like techniques. I understand both sides of the ball, I understand where people are supposed to be, I understand where a linebacker is supposed to fit, understand where safety is supposed to fit. Understanding that, I just understand I can just go. I know exactly where you’re supposed to be, so I’m running full speed. I’m athletic, I’m going to get there before you get there, I know where you’re trying to get to, so if you’re not there, I’m going to be there.”
Brewer was an incredible run blocker during the 2025 season. Pro Football Focus graded him as the best-run blocking center in the NFL, and ranked him as a top-10 center in pass protection. For his strong season, Brewer was rewarded with a second-team All-Pro selection; however, he was not named to the Pro Bowl.
Brewer’s omission from the Pro Bowl drew attention, as NFL.com’s Kevin Patra listed him as one of the biggest snubs from the event. Patra wrote:
“Brewer has been excellent opening holes in Mike McDaniel’s ground attack. Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane benefited from Brewer’s elite skill. Perhaps a tad undersized, Brewer showed this season that he’s an ideal pivot for McDaniel’s offense, able to get out in space and blow open holes at the second level. The Dolphins’ rushing attack wouldn’t be as potent or creative without Brewer on the field.”
Miami Dolphins Draft
With Brewer, the Dolphins appear set at the center position for the 2026 season, and hopefully beyond as the team aims to sign him to an extension. As they continue to build out the roster, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan will try to identify players that bring a similar tough mindset to games like Brewer does.
One way to build a tough football team is by shoring up the trenches.In ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft, that is exactly what the Dolphins are predicted to do, as Kiper predicted they would draft offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Kiper wrote:
“The Dolphins entered this mock draft with 11 total picks, including seven in the first three rounds. They need them as they continue to make big changes under new leadership. One of the key components to a successful rebuild is shoring up the offensive tackle spots. Patrick Paul takes care of the left tackle spot, but there are questions at right tackle after Austin Jackson missed 11 games in 2025. Miami figures to have a run-heavy offense next season behind mobile quarterback Malik Willis and talented running back De’Von Achane, and Mauigoa would plow open some rushing lanes. If the Dolphins preferred, they could kick him inside, where I think he has a Pro Bowl ceiling.”
Dolphins Star Player Sends Strong Message to Rest of NFL Before 2026 Draft