The Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear priority: fix the trenches. Four of their eight selections went to either the offensive or defensive line, adding at least two starters and some much-needed depth.
Overall, it was a mixed haul. Miami found strong value early with Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea but made some questionable decisions in the middle rounds. However, the team rebounded late with excellent value picks like Ollie Gordon II and Quinn Ewers, who could become key depth pieces down the line.
Reviewing the Miami Dolphins 2025 NFL Draft
Round 1, Pick 13 – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan: The Miami Dolphins addressed a glaring need on the defensive line with the selection of Kenneth Grant. With only one reliable starter and minimal depth at the position, Miami spent three total picks on the defensive line, starting with this one. Grant, a 6-foot-4, 331-pound force from Michigan, excels at stuffing the run and anchoring the interior. He's more than just a space-eater—he’s posted at least three sacks in each of the past two seasons, making him an underrated pass-rushing presence as well.
Round 2, Pick 37 – Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona: The Dolphins continue to invest in the trenches with the selection of Jonah Savaiinaea, a versatile offensive lineman from Arizona. Savaiinaea brings experience at both tackle and guard, but projects best on the interior at the next level. He’ll immediately compete with Liam Eichenberg for the starting left guard spot, giving Miami a much-needed injection of depth and flexibility up front.
Round 5, Pick 143 – Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland: This pick feels like a bit of a reach for Miami. Jordan Phillips, a defensive tackle out of Maryland, has intriguing traits but underwhelming production—he failed to record a sack in college and finished with just 2.5 tackles for loss. His technique is raw, and it shows on tape. That said, he flashes solid explosiveness off the snap and is only 20 years old, so there’s some developmental upside with Phillips
Round 5, Pick 150 – Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida: It’s surprising the Dolphins waited until the fifth round to address a clear need at cornerback. They needed a potential starter, but instead took a flier on an inconsistent prospect in Jason Marshall Jr. His production is a major red flag—seven touchdowns allowed and zero interceptions over the past two seasons. That said, he has the physical tools: solid size and fluid hips that allow him to stay tight in man coverage. He’ll need strong coaching to become more than just a traits-based gamble.
Round 5, Pick 155 – Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland: Miami overhauled its safety group this offseason with the additions of Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis, but depth was still a priority heading into the draft. The Dolphins addressed that by selecting Dante Trader Jr. out of Maryland. Trader offers versatility—capable of playing both free and strong safety—and should carve out an immediate role on special teams while developing as a rotational piece on defense.
Round 6, Pick 179 – Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State: The Dolphins may have landed their best value of the draft with the selection of Ollie Gordon II in the sixth round. Once considered a potential first-rounder after winning the Doak Walker Award with 1,732 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, Gordon saw his stock fall due to a dip in production, largely the result of a weak supporting cast. He brings a physical, downhill running style that will perfectly complement the speed and explosiveness of De'Von Achane in Miami’s backfield.
"Ollie Gordon II had bad quarterback play, a subpar line and every defense was keyed on stopping him. Just watch his 2023 tape and skip 2024."NFC Scout to NFL.com
Round 7, Pick 231 – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas: Another late-round pick Miami made that I like is Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, as I had a fourth-round grade on him. What stands out is his football IQ and how effortlessly he spins one of the prettiest balls in the 2025 draft class. If he can stay healthy and improve his rhythm and timing as a passer, he has the upside to develop into a quality NFL backup.
Round 7, Pick 253 – Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech: With their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dolphins selected another defensive tackle in Georgia Tech’s Zeek Biggers. At 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, Biggers adds more size to the interior but is unlikely to contribute much on defense early on. However, he should be a day-one impact player on special teams, particularly on the field goal block unit, where he blocked four kicks during his college career.