NFL Draft Notebook: Dillon Gabriel would be an ideal fit with the Dolphins

Following the Dolphins' loss to the Texans on Sunday, the team's front office will shift its focus toward building a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl next season. One critical area they need to address is the backup quarterback position. In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we explore why Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel could be an ideal fit for this role. Additionally, this week’s article highlights the top five middle linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft, a standout quarterback who will return to school and likely be an early pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and much more.

Miami Dolphins draft target Dillon Gabriel 

Now that the Miami Dolphins have been eliminated from playoff contention, it's time to evaluate their season and determine what steps they need to take this offseason to avoid a similar fate next year. One of their top priorities should be securing a quality backup quarterback for Tua Tagovailoa. Given his history of concussions, Tagovailoa’s health has been a significant concern, and his early-season absence put the Dolphins in a deep hole they couldn't climb out of.

The key challenge is how the team, with limited salary cap space, can address this need. The most practical solution appears to be the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Dolphins could use one of their two third-round compensatory picks to target a promising prospect. One player who stands out as a potential fit is Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, aligns well with Miami’s offensive scheme. The Dolphins rely heavily on a short-to-intermediate passing game, requiring a quarterback with exceptional accuracy. Gabriel has demonstrated this trait throughout his career, completing over 69% of his passes in each of the past two seasons. His ability to hit receivers in stride is another valuable attribute that complements the Dolphins’ system.

Beyond his accuracy, Gabriel’s ability to protect the football is another reason he’d be a strong fit for Miami. Over the past three seasons, he has thrown an impressive 83 touchdown passes while limiting interceptions to just 18. His ball security, combined with his high football IQ, makes him an excellent candidate to thrive in head coach Mike McDaniel’s diverse passing offense. Additionally, as a left-handed quarterback like Tagovailoa, Gabriel’s throwing motion would match the team's current setup, providing continuity for receivers accustomed to catching passes from a lefty—a small detail that can have a meaningful impact.

Drafting Gabriel in the third or fourth round would also allow the Dolphins to address more pressing needs earlier, such as strengthening their interior offensive and defensive lines. All things considered, Gabriel seems like a logical and strategic pick for the Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Top five middle linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft 

1. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon

Jeffrey Bassa from Oregon is one of the more underrated prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. While some media outlets project him as a fourth-round pick, NFL Draft Notebook grades him as a second-round talent. Bassa's standout trait is his elite athleticism, which, combined with his strong awareness in zone coverage, makes him one of the top coverage linebackers in this draft class. He’s also a force against the run, playing downhill with authority and delivering powerful hits.

2. Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Alabama’s Deontae Lawson faces questions heading into the offseason after suffering a season-ending leg injury against Oklahoma. Despite the injury, Lawson has starting potential in the NFL if he declares for the draft. Known for his physicality and dominance against the run, Lawson recorded 76 tackles this season and earned an impressive 83.7 Pro Football Focus grade for his run defense. His draft stock will largely depend on how teams evaluate his recovery and long-term durability.

3. Cody Simon, Ohio State

Cody Simon of Ohio State is another linebacker that NFL Draft Notebook ranks higher than many other analysts. Simon’s exceptional range allows him to excel as a sideline-to-sideline defender. His speed makes him effective in coverage against tight ends and running backs, while his high football IQ ensures he's rarely out of position in his run fits. This awareness helped him achieve a stellar 90.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.

4. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham could benefit from staying in college another year to refine his game. After transferring from Maryland, Barham struggled to adapt to Michigan’s defensive scheme but showed flashes of his potential. With his size, strength, and speed, he could elevate his draft stock to an early Day 2 selection in 2026 if he improves his grasp of the system and consistency on the field.

5. Shemar James, Florida

There’s speculation that Florida’s Shemar James may return to school, but if he declares, he’s likely to be a Day 3 selection. James’ most impressive trait is his speed, which allows him to track plays sideline to sideline. His versatility is another asset, as he has the skill set to play either inside or outside linebacker at the next level. If he enters the draft, teams will value his adaptability and athletic profile.

NFL Draft news and notes

One of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier announced last week that he will return for another season, positioning himself as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Nussmeier delivered a strong first season as the Tigers’ starter, completing 63% of his passes for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns. Heading into the offseason, his primary focus will be improving his deep-ball accuracy, an area of needed growth after connecting on just 35% of his passes beyond 20 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. With another year to refine his game, Nussmeier has the tools and potential to emerge as a possible first-round pick in 2026.

"Since a young kid, all I have ever wanted was to grow up and play in the NFL. God brought me to LSU for a reason. I had to observe and trust in his timing and his plan for me time and time again. I stayed at LSU because of that reason, and again, I feel like my time at LSU is not over."

Garrett Nussmeier

Record breaker: While Boise State's Ashton Jeanty didn’t win the Heisman Trophy this season, he still put together an extraordinary campaign. Jeanty finished the regular season with an astounding 2,497 rushing yards, and with at least one game remaining, he’s on the brink of history. He needs just 131 more yards to surpass Barry Sanders' single-season FBS rushing record, and given his average of 192 rushing yards per game, the odds are in his favor. Jeanty also shattered several Pro Football Focus single-season records. He earned a rushing grade of 97.8, eclipsing the previous high of 96.2. His 1,882 yards after contact smashed the previous record of 1,355, and his 135 forced missed tackles obliterated the former record of 104. No matter how you analyze his performance, Jeanty has established himself as the top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft and one of the premier players overall.

The Belichick effect: One player who could significantly boost his NFL Draft stock by returning to school next year is North Carolina cornerback Marcus Allen. A key factor in this potential leap is the elite coaching he would receive from new head coach Bill Belichick and his staff. With refinement under their guidance, Allen’s raw talent could be molded into a more complete skill set, elevating his draft grade. Allen already possesses the physical traits coveted by NFL scouts, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds. He combines his ideal frame with impressive movement skills, showcasing the agility to break on passes—resulting in 15 pass breakups over the last two seasons—and the speed to stay with explosive receivers downfield. However, areas for improvement lies in his run defense and tackling consistency. By becoming a more physical presence against the run and a more reliable tackler, Allen could solidify his status as a day two prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Small school running back to watch: Last year we saw two small school running backs get drafted when South Dakota State’s Isaiah Davis went in the fifth round and New Hampshier’s Dylan Laube went in the sixth round. This year, Southern Utah’s Targhee Lambson is a name to watch as another potential draftee. Lambson had a standout 2024 season, leading the FCS in rushing with 1,922 yards and ranking second with 23 rushing touchdowns. As a prospect, he stands out for his compact build and powerful running style, showcasing his ability to break tackles with 80 forced missed tackles this season. However, Lambson currently carries a seventh-round grade due to some notable limitations. His lack of top-end speed and stiffness as a runner, coupled with minimal contributions in the passing game, have raised concerns among scouts. Despite these drawbacks, his production and power make him an intriguing late-round prospect.

All-Big Ten center returns: Iowa's Logan Jones has announced he will return to school for the upcoming season, delivering a major boost for the Hawkeyes. Jones earned first-team All-Big Ten honors this year with an impressive 98.7 efficiency rating from PFF, while allowing only one sack all season. As he heads into the 2025 season, Jones is poised to be one of the highest-rated centers in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sleeper of the week: This week’s sleeper of the week is Western Michigan cornerback and former Iowa Central Community College standout, Bilhal Kone. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Kone boasts ideal size for his position, allowing him to consistently challenge receivers both at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point. What sets Kone apart is his fluidity—uncommon for a player of his size. His loose hips enable him to transition smoothly out of breaks, contributing to his impressive 17 pass breakups over the past two seasons. In 2023, Kone allowed just 50% of passes thrown his way to be completed and earned a strong 79.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. If Kone can deliver a solid 40-yard dash time during pre-draft testing, he has a good chance of hearing his name called on day three of the NFL Draft.