An examination of the cornerbacks available to the Dolphins in the first three rounds, along with comments

To further analyze the cornerback prospects available to the Miami Dolphins in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, let’s dive deeper into the key attributes, skills, and potential fit for the Dolphins’ defensive scheme. In this extended breakdown, we’ll examine more players, look at specific strengths, weaknesses, and how they could complement the existing roster.

The Importance of Cornerback for the Dolphins

Before exploring individual prospects, it’s important to understand why cornerback is such a critical position for the Dolphins. Miami’s defensive backfield, while solid, could use a second elite corner to pair with Jalen Ramsey. The Dolphins already boast a strong secondary, but Ramsey, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams, needs a capable running mate. Although Kader Kohou has performed admirably, adding another top-tier cornerback would give Miami a more formidable defense and improve the team’s ability to cover high-powered offenses in the AFC East and beyond.

The Dolphins’ defense, under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, will likely employ a mix of man-to-man and zone coverages. This means that the cornerbacks Miami selects must possess excellent footwork, ball skills, and the ability to play tight coverage. Given the AFC’s offensive firepower—highlighted by top quarterbacks such as Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes—a versatile and physical cornerback would be a key asset to the team.

Analyzing More Top Cornerback Prospects

Let’s now break down more cornerback prospects that could be available to the Dolphins in the first three rounds.

1. Kalon Gervin, Notre Dame (Round 1 or 2)

Kalon Gervin is one of the most intriguing cornerback prospects in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 205 pounds, Gervin has a solid frame for a corner and plays with an aggressive mentality. He is known for his ability to play both press and off-coverage, which would allow him to seamlessly fit into Fangio’s defense. His 4.4 40-yard dash time shows his impressive speed and ability to recover when beaten off the line.

Strengths:

• Excellent physicality and strength at the line of scrimmage.
• Aggressive tackler who can make plays near the line of scrimmage.
• Strong ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball.
• Experience in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes.

Weaknesses:

• Needs to improve his technique in high-pressure situations.
• Occasionally struggles with more nuanced route running from shifty receivers.

Gervin would likely be a first- or second-round pick, depending on his combine performance and team preferences. Miami may consider him as a potential starter opposite Ramsey, especially if he is available with their second-round pick.

2. Dorian Williams, Tulane (Round 2 or 3)

Dorian Williams is one of the more underrated cornerbacks in the 2025 draft class. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, Williams offers great length and athleticism. He has played against a diverse range of offensive systems at Tulane, which has helped him develop adaptability as a corner. His playmaking ability in 2024 was a standout feature, and he has shown to be a threat with the ball in his hands.

Strengths:

• Excellent length and speed, making him a good fit for both man and zone coverage.
• High football IQ and shows the ability to track receivers through multiple routes.
• Physical at the line of scrimmage with solid tackler ability in space.
• Willing to come up and support the run game.

Weaknesses:

• Needs to refine his footwork in more complex defensive schemes.
• Can be caught out of position on deep routes.

Dorian Williams has a lot of upside and could be an immediate contributor to the Dolphins’ defense, especially if the team is looking for a cornerback with the physical tools to develop into a starter.

3. Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State (Round 1)

Forbes is another cornerback who has drawn a lot of attention. He is often projected as a first-round pick, and for good reason. Forbes has the speed and ball skills that could make him an immediate starter in the NFL. With the ability to track the ball in the air, Forbes is a threat to pick off passes, as evidenced by his interceptions during his college career.

Strengths:

• Strong playmaking ability; has a nose for the ball.
• Great speed and quickness, which would help him keep up with elite wide receivers.
• High football intelligence; can read the quarterback’s movements.
• Elite ball skills; can make contested catches and play in tight windows.

Weaknesses:

• Slightly underweight at 170 pounds; needs to bulk up to handle physical wide receivers in the NFL.
• Can sometimes get caught out of position or give up big plays if he’s too aggressive.

Forbes would be a great fit for a Dolphins defense that values creating turnovers. His ball-hawking ability would complement the aggressive pass rush that Miami is building.

4. Julius Brents, Kansas State (Round 2)

At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Julius Brents brings a rare combination of size and speed to the table. His ability to match up against both tall and quick receivers gives him a lot of versatility in Fangio’s defensive scheme. Brents is a physical player who isn’t afraid to challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage and also excels at playing off the receiver to anticipate throws.

Strengths:

• Exceptional size and physicality.
• Excellent at disrupting passes with long arms and physical coverage.
• Solid tackler, which makes him an asset in run support.
• Strong ability to play press-man coverage.

Weaknesses:

• Needs to improve his footwork when transitioning from press coverage.
• Can struggle against fast, agile receivers in off-man coverage.

Brents could be a real steal for the Dolphins in the second round if they’re looking for a big corner to complement the speed and athleticism of Ramsey. His size allows him to match up well against taller receivers in the NFL.

5. Jairus Sneed, Kansas (Round 3)

Sneed is a cornerback who could make a name for himself at the next level with his ability to make plays in both the passing and running game. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 205 pounds, Sneed is a physical player who also has great speed. His range allows him to make plays all over the field, and his football IQ is high for a player of his age.

Strengths:

• Solid tackler with the ability to come up and stop the run.
• Great speed, which allows him to cover a wide range of receivers.
• Quick decision-maker; excels in reading the quarterback’s eyes.
• Has shown the ability to defend multiple types of routes.

Weaknesses:

• Needs to refine his coverage skills in high-pressure situations.
• Inconsistent when dealing with elite route runners.

Sneed would be a solid third-round pick and could be a good developmental project for Miami. He could see significant playing time early on as a depth piece or in specific coverage schemes.

How These Prospects Fit into Miami’s Defensive Scheme

With Fangio at the helm of the defense, the Dolphins will run a scheme that mixes zone and man coverage, relying on cornerbacks to be versatile in both. This system places a premium on football IQ, agility, and the ability to read the quarterback and wide receiver’s movements. Cornerbacks who are strong tacklers, able to break on the ball, and possess the physicality to defend against both big and fast receivers will be highly valued.

Forbes, Brents, and Gervin are all physical cornerbacks who could thrive in Miami’s defensive system, particularly in press coverage. Williams and Sneed would bring speed and versatility, able to switch between man and zone coverage, fitting into a variety of roles within the secondary.

The Miami Dolphins have a unique opportunity to improve their secondary in the 2025 NFL Draft. With several top cornerback prospects available in the first three rounds, they can select a player who fits well within their defensive scheme. Whether Miami opts for a high-upside playmaker like Emmanuel Forbes or a physical, versatile cornerback like Julius Brents, the team’s goal should be to find a cornerback who can contribute immediately while also developing into a long-term starter. With a mix of experience and youthful potential, any of these cornerbacks could help the Dolphins elevate their defense to the next level in the upcoming season.