The Miami Dolphins have a change to turn their 2024 NFL season around now that Tua Tagovailoa is back. Now at 4-6, Mike McDaniel’s squad as the chance to put together a string of wins to get back in the wild card race in the AFC. If they don’t do that, there could be changes coming in South Beach.
Beyond the concussion issues with Tagovailoa, a Dolphins team that started 2-6 are a team looking for an identity in key areas which has led McDaniel to demoting some of his veterans. A message to the team or is McDaniel trying to save his own behind as a mediocre season could lead to a head coaching change in Miami.
On the flip side, if things turn around for the Dolphins, the needs in the 2025 NFL Draft could change as far as what positional needs are a priority. But what is obvious in Miami is this is a team that will be drafting to secure younger talent and possibly replace some of those veterans who are underperforming.
Current state of the Miami Dolphins
2024 NFL season record: 4-6, 2nd in the AFC East
Team offense: Rank 22nd (319.0 yards per game)
Team defense: Rank 9th (308.0 yards per game)
2025 NFL Draft position: No. 12
Top positional needs: OT, S, EDGE, TE, QB
2025 NFL Draft outlook
The Dolphins could and probably should be on the market for a quarterback in this draft, but they don’t need to spend a top pick on one. Although the 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class isn’t considered an elite class, there is still a lot of solid talent in this class where a team like the Dolphins could find a good QB on Day 2.
Some of the top QB options that should be available on Day 2 include Garrett Nussmeier, Dillon Gabriel, Drew Allar and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke. If Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers or perhaps a Jalen Milroe are available when the Dolphins select at No. 12 Miami could have an interesting decision to make. But with a high pick in the first round, the Dolphins should secure a player who can come in and help right away. There will be some intriguing talent at tackle and edge rusher for the Dolphins and even at tight end depending on where they end up selecting in the draft.
Some other positions of need for the Dolphins will be at offensive guard, safety, and defensive line depth. Here is an mid-season look at what general manager Chris Greir and the Dolphins will do in this three-round NFL Mock Draft.
The Dolphins want and need more protection for Tagovailoa and they get that protection in LSU’s Will Campbell. As one of the top tackles entering the 2025 NFL Draft, it will be a surprise that he slips out of the top 10. As they say, one team’s loss is another team’s gain.
At 6-foot-6, 323 pounds, Campbell has great size, athleticism and quickness at the position which makes him a no-brainer for the Dolphins at this spot. Not only does he add youth and power to the offensive line, but he also has a high IQ at the position which should help secure the blind side of Tagovailoa.
Speaking of Tagovailoa, the Dolphins make an insurance policy pick at No. 46 by taking LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. A teammate of Campbell, Nussmeier has lit up college football this season throwing for 3,126 yards with 22 touchdowns. The interceptions have been up there with 11, but he is a solid pocket passer with a quick release like Tua. He also exhibits elite arm talent which will showcase itself throwing the ball to the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Again, this is a pick to secure a viable backup option in case Tua must miss any more time due to concussion issues or is forced out of the league due to his history with head injuries. At the very least, Nussmeier learns behind Tua and able to step in if the Dolphins decide down the road to move on from the veteran QB.
The Dolphins once again dip into the EDGE rush talent pool with the selection of Patrick Payton with the No. 98 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They drafted speed in the 2024 NFL Draft with the selection of Chop Robinson and with Payton they attempt to create their next great pass rush duo.
The ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, the 6-foot-5, 256-pound edge rusher out of Florida State is pure athleticism coming off the edge. His length, strength, and ability to also defend against the run makes him a possible steal in the draft at this spot.
The Dolphins stick with defense in their back-to-back picks with the selection of Iowa safety Sebastian Castro with the No. 99 pick in the draft. Castro was ranked a bit higher prior to the season, but still a solid pickup for any team looking for a safety in the draft.
A versatile defender with great zone coverage instincts, Castro is the type of player who can find his niche quickly in the NFL and become a starter in the league. His knack for finding the football and making plays seems like a natural fit for a Dolphins defense that plays quick and aggressive.