The Miami Dolphins are a team that can go in any direction in 2025. They have enough talent to challenge the Buffalo Bills for AFC East crown, but an injury here or there can shift them to the bottom of the division, which could mark the end of head coach Mike McDaniel.
Even if the Dolphins end up with a middle of the road record, it will be disappointing for a team that showcased an unstoppable offense just two seasons ago. Bad luck with injuries towards the end of that season and through 2024 has the team battling mediocrity and star players forcing their way out.
One of those players was Jalen Ramsay who was traded in the offseason. The trade further exposed the Dolphins’ defensive backfield where the team is depending on fifth-round pick Jason Marshall to flash. Even if he surprises, the Dolphins will be focused on building their secondary as well as adding more playmakers on offense. Here is an early look at 2026 NFL Draft prospects this AFC East squad should already have their eyes on.
5 potential Miami Dolphins fits:
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
If the Dolphins are selecting near the top of the first round, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy is one of two cornerbacks they should have their eye on. With 44 tackles, 4 interceptions and 7 passes defensed in his sophomore year with the Volunteers, the 6-foot-0, 193-pound defensive end is ranked as the top corner by ProFootFocus (PFF) after an 87.0 overall grade in 2024.
With his ballhawk skills and athleticism on the field, McCoy would be a great, young anchor in the Dolphins’ secondary and will have fans forgetting about Jalen Ramsay (a year later). His fluidity as an outside cornerback along with his route recognition will put him high on many team’s boards who are selecting in the mid-to-top of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Another cornerback who will be high on draft boards at the corner position is Clemson’s Avieon Terrell who PFF ranks as the second-best corner going into the 2025 college football season. Terrell is a bit smaller than McCoy, but his physicality as a corner and his tough play against the run could yield him as the best overall corner when all is said and done.
In 2024 Terrell scored a 90.7 PFF run-defense grade showcasing that skill to play in the box. In coverage he was even more impactful with two interceptions and 12 passes defensed. His 58 total tackles told the story of a player who was all over the field making plays whether against the pass or the run. Depending on where the Dolphins select, it could just come down between selecting McCoy or Terrell. There is really no losing whichever player they select.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Dolphins acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick in the Jalen Ramsay trade, but if they are in position to draft the best player available, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is a player they should already be scouting. As an athletic defender who can play deep safety, box safety or showcase his versatility in playing nickel, Downs is a defensive back who can come in and change the game Day 1.
In Miami, Downs could come in and play alongside Fitzpatrick as more of a free safety who move great in space. His instincts in coverage and his strong tackling impact against the run will make him an instant favorite amongst Dolphins fans as well as a player coaches will love to coach. The only thing Downs needs to work on is adding more muscle to his flame. He currently stands at 6-foot-0, 205 pounds. Given his age, he’ll fill out and given what he would bring to the Dolphins’ secondary, sky’s the limit for one of the top projected prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Impact players on offense
Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
Other than the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins will be looking to get another weapon for Tua Tagovailoa. One name to watch is Auburn’s Eric Singleton Jr. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound wide receiver caught 56 passes for 754 yards and 3 touchdowns last season with the Auburn Tigers and enter the 2025 season as one of the top wide receiver prospects.
Similar in size to Tyreek Hill, Singleton could be the answer to replacing the veteran who seems to be talking his way out of South Beach. With strong hands and great footwork, Singleton already has NFL scouts raving with his route running ability and track speed, like that of Hill. By the end of 2025, he could be considered a high first-round pick but if the Dolphins are looking for another explosive playmaker to compliment Jayden Waddle, Singleton may and should be high on their list.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The Dolphins should also consider upgrading the tight end position. The team traded away Jonnu Smith as part of the Ramsey trade and acquired Darren Waller from the New York Giants. Waller is a proven pass-catching tight end, but he did not play in 2024. Even if he regains his effectiveness as a tight end target, the Dolphins should be paying attention to Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers.
In leading a tight end class not as strong as the 2025 NFL Draft class, Stowers stands elite. Last season at Vanderbilt, Stowers hauled in 49 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns. With good size, Stowers is an explosive vertical threat who can go up and get the ball at its highest point. He would be considered as a more athletic, quicker version of tight ends like Smith and Mike Gesicki who were effective in the Dolphins’ offense. As of now, Stowers could be an early Day 2 option for the Dolphins.