​There’s no denying that Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer stands among the elite at his position. His standout performance in 2025 earned him a nomination for the newly introduced Protector of the Year award, an honor that highlights the NFL’s top offensive linemen. Brewer was ranked as the second-best center by Pro Football Focus, boasting an overall grade of 87.4, including a top-tier 91.5 run-blocking grade. While he hovered near the top of his position, ESPN’s interior linemen ranking still placed him at No. 10 in their official list.
Jeremy Fowler’s article compiled votes from NFL scouts, coaches, and executives, with ESPN methodically ranking players position by position. Although guards and centers are distinct positions, they were grouped together for this assessment, and Brewer earned a spot on the list. Evaluators have repeatedly marveled at Brewer’s development. One NFC scout recalled that Brewer stood 6-foot-1 and 274 pounds when he entered the league as a Texas State product in 2020. He went undrafted, but six years later he had become a second-team All-Pro and secured a substantial three-year, $52.5 million extension.
Brewer is one of only three centers on the list, with Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyler Linderbaum of the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of him. Brewer’s rise in the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. From undrafted free agent to first-time starting center in 2023, his trajectory has been rapid, and the Dolphins quickly recognized his value.
Since joining Miami, Brewer has established himself as one of the premier centers in the league and a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offensive line. His development helped secure a three-year, $52.5 million contract extension, underscoring his importance to the team’s plans. Brewer’s success has also aligned with the continued prominence of running back De’Von Achane, who secured a multi-year extension as well, tying the two players’ futures to the Dolphins’ offense for several years. With a clear commitment to the ground game heading into 2026, it’s understandable why the Dolphins chose to lock in both players to new contracts.
Brewer has spoken candidly about his personal goals, expressing a desire to win the Protector of the Year award in 2026. He also hinted that another Dolphins lineman could be nominated alongside him, signaling a potential surge in recognition for the team’s offensive line. Left tackle Patrick Paul is viewed as a strong candidate who could emerge as the next Dolphins lineman to challenge for the award, given his development and the team’s offensive strategy.
If the Dolphins can field a line capable of producing multiple nominees for the Protector of the Year, it would be a strong indicator that the unit could be among the NFL’s best in 2026. With players like Brewer continuing to perform at an elite level, such an outcome is within the realm of possibility. Brewer’s journey—from undrafted free agent to a central figure on a top-tier offensive line—serves as a compelling narrative of perseverance, skill, and sustained excellence that continues to drive the Dolphins’ offense forward.