Miami Dolphins (Last Year: 8-9)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: Miami’s roster is in shambles. The offensive line is quite possibly the worst blocking unit in the NFL. The secondary looks to be atrocious. And the team can’t possibly have any faith in Tua Tagovailoa staying healthy, so some insurance is needed at quarterback.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Dolphins made it a point to address the trenches. Four of their picks were spent on linemen, including the first three. Kenneth Grant began the run, as the huge Michigan nose tackle will help clamp down on the run and rush the passer. Miami’s next selection was used to help improve the blocking.
The Dolphins had a strong draft overall, though they made a couple of mistakes. First, while Ollie Gordon provided tremendous value in the sixth round, Miami should have continued to address the many holes on the roster. Running back was considered the lowest priority. Second, Dante Trader was a reach in the fifth round.
Despite these two gaffes, the Dolphins did well in this draft. Excluding the Trader selection, all but one of Miami’s picks scored a B+ or higher, and the lone exception earned a “B.”
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
13. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan – B+ Grade
There was some chatter that Kenneth Grant could fall to the 20s, but I never understood that. Some teams had Grant over Mason Graham. The Dolphins didn’t exactly get the draft board to fall their way with Jalon Walker and Tyler Warren not filling needs, but I like this pick. Grant is a tremendous talent, and Miami had absolutely nothing on the defensive line, save for Zach Sieler.
37. Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona – A- Grade
Unlike the Seattle second-round pick, predicting this pick was much trickier. The Dolphins needed everything. One big hole is left tackle, thanks to Terron Armstead’s retirement. Jonah Savaiinaea is an athletic left tackle who fits the range in the second round. He can also play guard and fill a huge need at that position. The Dolphins only gave up a third and a very small swap early on Day 3 for this move up, so it was a great value.
143. Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland – B+ Grade
The Dolphins need as many defensive tackles as possible. Jordan Phillip is a bigger defensive tackle who could see action soon rather than later. I thought there was a chance he’d go in the fourth round.
150. Jason Marshall, CB, Florida – B+ Grade
I’d say the Dolphins needed a cornerback, but they need everything. Jason Marshall has plenty of upside, but hasn’t been able to put it together on the field. There’s definitely upside with this pick, so I like this gamble.
155. Dante Trader, S, Maryland – C- Grade
Dante Trader was productive at Maryland, but I don’t have great confidence in him panning out in the NFL because he’s undersized. I thought he’d be a seventh-round pick, so I’m not a fan of this selection despite safety being a need.
179. Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State – B+ Grade
I’m conflicted on this grade. On one hand, Ollie Gordon is insane value here because he easily could have gone in the third round. On the other hand, running back – even depth at the position – was the one thing the Dolphins didn’t need, and the Dolphins are a team with massive holes everywhere on the roster.
231. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas – A Grade
Quinn Ewers is finally off the board. I didn’t like Ewers much as a prospect, but he should have been gone already. Ewers shined at the combine, so perhaps that’s a sign that he can help the Dolphins in the event that Tua Tagovailoa gets hurt again.
253. Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech – B Grade
I have no issues with the Dolphins addressing their poor defensive line once again. Zeek Biggers is a large defensive tackle, but doesn’t have much upside.
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