Daniel Jeremiah Changes Mock Draft to Send Guard to Dolphins: A Strategic Shift in Miami’s Draft Approach
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, Daniel Jeremiah, a leading NFL Draft analyst, has made some notable revisions to his initial mock draft. A change that stands out particularly is his decision to send a guard to the Miami Dolphins with their first-round pick. This alteration comes as a strategic shift, reflecting new insights into the Dolphins’ evolving needs heading into the draft. What does this change mean for the team, and why has Jeremiah altered his previous stance?
The Miami Dolphins, once again, find themselves on the brink of becoming true Super Bowl contenders. The team has assembled a strong roster under head coach Mike McDaniel, with a dynamic offense led by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, while the defense boasts emerging talents. But, despite their progress, the Dolphins have areas where they can still improve, and the 2025 draft provides an ideal opportunity to address them.
In this article, we’ll explore the implications of Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, which sends an offensive guard to Miami, and what it could mean for the Dolphins’ future trajectory. We’ll look at the strategic shift, the player involved, and how this pick could reshape the team’s approach for the 2025 season and beyond.
The Miami Dolphins’ Current Situation
The Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 season with a lot of promise. Their offense is one of the most potent in the NFL, with Tua Tagovailoa playing at a high level, supported by elite weapons in Hill and Waddle. The offensive line, however, is still a work in progress. While it has shown improvement, particularly with the addition of key pieces in previous drafts, it has not yet reached the level of consistency needed to fully protect Tagovailoa and ensure he has ample time to work with his talented receiving corps.
On the defensive side of the ball, Miami has a solid foundation, but certain areas still need upgrading, especially the defensive line and secondary. The Dolphins have struggled against the run and need to add a pass rusher who can make an impact consistently. The cornerback group, although solid, could use a true No. 1 corner to help elevate the secondary. Still, the offensive line’s continued evolution and protection of their franchise quarterback is crucial in ensuring Miami’s success in the near future.
The question then becomes: How do the Dolphins prioritize their needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Daniel Jeremiah’s Shift: Sending a Guard to the Dolphins
In his latest mock draft, Daniel Jeremiah has chosen to address the Dolphins’ offensive line issues head-on by sending Jared Rivers, an offensive guard from Ohio State, to Miami with their first-round pick. This represents a shift in strategy compared to Jeremiah’s earlier mock drafts, where the focus was primarily on defensive additions.
Rivers, a highly touted prospect, is known for his ability to dominate both in the run game and as a pass protector. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 315 pounds, Rivers has the size and strength to be an immediate impact player at the NFL level. His combination of power, balance, and quickness makes him an ideal fit for Miami’s offensive scheme under Mike McDaniel.
But why this change? Jeremiah’s decision is rooted in several key factors that have developed over the course of the draft cycle and Miami’s 2024 season.
The Evolving Offensive Line Needs
Miami’s offensive line, although improved in recent years, still presents some question marks. While Tua Tagovailoa has been highly productive when healthy, the Dolphins have had moments of inconsistency on the line, particularly in protecting the quarterback from interior pressure. Given Tagovailoa’s injury history, it is crucial that the Dolphins do everything in their power to strengthen the protection around him. Rivers would bring immediate stability to the interior of the offensive line, potentially filling a hole at the guard position that has been inconsistent over the years.
Jared Rivers’ ability to anchor against power rushers and handle quicker, more agile defensive linemen will provide Miami with the versatility it needs to compete against some of the top defenses in the NFL. As a pass protector, Rivers is known for his quick feet, allowing him to mirror defensive tackles and prevent pressure on the quarterback. His run-blocking prowess, on the other hand, would help create lanes for Miami’s running backs, allowing the offense to balance the pass and run game more effectively.
From a schematic perspective, Rivers fits well in the Dolphins’ zone-heavy blocking scheme, where his mobility and strength will allow him to excel in both reach blocks and pulling assignments. His adaptability and ability to work in space, combined with his strength to move defenders off the ball, make him an ideal fit for McDaniel’s offensive system.