The Miami Dolphins took a step back in 2024. Once again, they had to go several games without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The team also loss other key players due to injury.
With players such as Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Austin Jackson due to return healthy, the Dolphins will be better in key areas, but approached the draft looking to get younger and add depth in other key areas that also included quarterback as the team needs a QB who could step in if Tua goes down again.
Miami Dolphins address top needs:
The Dolphins approached the draft needing help on both sides of the line, and they addressed those needs in their first three picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. They also used the middle of the draft to land players in the secondary who could help the team immediately in some capacity.
In all, a decent draft for the Dolphins as far as taking care of needs.
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Miami Dolphins:
Round 1, Pick No. 13 – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan: The Dolphins got more than a run stopper with the selection of Kenneth Grant, they got a player who can be dominant in the middle of their defensive line for years to come.
Overshadowed by Mason Graham while at Michigan, Grant is a force in the middle who can also get after the rusher. In Miami, he won’t have to be a pass rusher, but the speed the Dolphins have off the edge should present opportunities for Grant to push the pocket from the inside. At 6-foot-3 340 pounds, he will make an immediate impact on the defensive line due to his athleticism and power.
While it may take a few games for him to establish his niche along the line, there is no doubt Grant will be a starter and applying his dominance by mid-season for a Dolphins team looking to get faster and stronger on defense.
Round 2, Pick No. 37 – Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona: The Dolphins took care of a need in taking Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea with the No. 37 overall pick. In beefing up the trenches on the offensive line, the Dolphins get a versatile lineman who should take over at left guard.
Woth massive size and natural power, Savaiinaea has the upside to help stabilize the Dolphins O-line. As a team that likes to run the ball, Savaiinaea’s impact will come in his ability to get out in space into the second level and block. With his awareness as a blocker, the Dolphins rookie won’t stand out as an impact player, but his presence and competitiveness will help give Tagovailoa a little more time in the pocket.
Round 6, Pick No. 179 – Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State: Speaking of the running game, the Dolphins added another talented running back to the group with the selection of Ollie Gordon II with the No. 179 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
A big, bruising back, Gordon II should complement the speed of De’Von Achane and push Jaylen Wright for RB2 on the Dolphins depth chart. At 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, Gordon II rushed for 880 yards on 190 carries with Oklahoma State in 2024. That earned him an honorable mention for All-Big 12. With his burst and stiff-arm ability, Gordon II will earn carries with the Dolphins in Year 1 and perhaps turn back into the dominant back he was in 2023 when he led the nation with 1,732 rushing yards.
If he finds his mojo down in South Beach, Gordon II will be an absolute steal for the Dolphins as a late Day 3 pick.