The Miami Dolphins are set to welcome back a familiar player next season. On Thursday, the team disclosed that they have re-signed nose tackle Benito Jones. In 2024, Jones was a reliable asset for the Dolphins, starting in 15 games and appearing in all 17 matches.

He amassed a total of 24 tackles and four tackles for loss. His stats may not be flashy, but this is largely due to his role, which focuses on absorbing blocks and facilitating opportunities for other players. Nonetheless, he exhibited progress in 2024, achieving a personal best in pressure and run-stop rates.

Jones originally joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL draft and played in only six games. After being sidelined in 2021, he found a place with the Detroit Lions in 2022, where he participated in 34 games and started 17 times over two seasons.

Miami’s interior defensive line is notably one of the team’s more sparse position groups, making Jones’ return a logical choice. He will team up with Zach Sieler, the only other player who has seen significant playing time recently.

A major question surrounding Jones’ return is its impact on the team’s strategy for the upcoming NFL draft. Several mock drafts have projected the Dolphins as potential suitors for Michigan’s nose tackle Kenneth Grant at the 13th overall pick. Additionally, they have shown interest in other nose tackles such as Alfred Collins from Texas, Jordan Phillips from Maryland, and Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon for Days 2 and 3.

Our latest seven-round mock draft saw the team picking Collins at the 48th overall spot. While Miami still seeks more depth in the interior defensive line, they might not prioritize nose tackle specifically. They are in need of a versatile player to replace Calais Campbell, who was a dependable starter last year, should he retire or join another team as a free agent.

Furthermore, the Dolphins must recruit players to back up Sieler and the other primary interior player. Jones is not seen as a long-term solution at nose tackle, and teams typically avoid doubling up at this position. There’s also a possibility that Miami views someone like Grant as more than just a nose tackle, given his impressive athleticism for his size. They might also consider Grant the best available talent and draft him with the intention of releasing Jones before the final roster cuts.

In any case, the Dolphins needed to start addressing the defensive tackle position before the draft. Bringing back a player like Jones, who is familiar with the system and contributed well last season, is a prudent move.