2025 Draft Grade: BThe Dolphins had a clear strategy for the 2025 NFL Draft, and that was to beef up the trenches. At 331lbs, Michigan's Kenneth Grant certainly adds size to a defensive line in need of bigger bodies. Grant is much more than a run-stuffer, however. In addition to Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers were added to the D-line in later rounds and both should see plenty of playing time this season.
Day 2 saw the Fins focus on the offensive line. They traded up 11 places to select Jonah Savaiinaea to fill the vacant right guard spot. Savaiinaea brings much-needed toughness to a much-maligned O-line. For a team criticized for being soft, sometimes by their own players, this was another sign of favoring size over speed. Following the blueprint of the champion Eagles is surely a smart move.
Ollie Gordon II is my favorite late-round pick. Gordon could be the
short-yardage, bigger-bodied back that Miami have desperately needed in recent years. Gordon fell to the later rounds after a disappointing 2024 campaign but, if he can rediscover the form he showed in 2023, the Dolphins could have one of the steals of the Draft.
I have to mention the selection of Quinn Ewers. The former Longhorn was clearly disappointed at dropping to RD7, but he has a great chance to forge a long career in Miami. Those who have already written off Tua are already crowning Ewers as the heir apparent. Overall, a solid, if unspectacular, draft weekend for the Phins.
Looking ahead - 2026 DraftIf Miami want to be taken seriously, they need to get rid of all their overpaid attention seekers. Jalen Ramsey is to be traded after checking out of games late in 2024. I'll be happy to see the back of Ramsey, but it leaves the team woefully short at corner. Miami will have to add a couple of veteran CBs before the season starts, but they may only be on one-year deals. So, corner is the biggest need, but we could add left tackle if Patrick Paul struggles, along with safety, and receiver if Tyreek leaves in 2026.
- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst