As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Miami Dolphins as they look to strengthen their roster and continue their push toward becoming a legitimate playoff contender in the AFC. After an offseason of key acquisitions and a solid 2024 campaign, the Dolphins are in a position where they need to make the most out of their draft picks. Miami enters this draft with several positions of need and will be looking for talent that can make an immediate impact, help improve the overall depth of the roster, and add to their playoff hopes. Given the team’s current roster makeup and needs, experts have weighed in with a variety of projections and mock draft picks for the Dolphins. Here, we’ll look at the latest mock draft predictions for the Miami Dolphins and assess how these potential picks could impact the team’s future.
Miami’s draft strategy in 2025 is shaped by several factors, including the stability of their quarterback position with Tua Tagovailoa, the need to bolster both the offensive and defensive lines, and the desire to add more playmaking talent at key positions. With the Dolphins coming off a promising season, they don’t have the luxury of making drastic overhauls. Instead, Miami will be looking to add pieces that can contribute immediately while continuing to build a roster capable of contending for an AFC title.
One of the most talked-about needs for the Dolphins heading into the draft is strengthening their defensive line. While the team has several talented defensive players, including standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and emerging pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips, the front seven still requires additional depth and consistency. Miami’s defense often struggled to generate consistent pressure against the league’s top quarterbacks, and adding another high-quality edge rusher or defensive lineman could make a significant difference. With that in mind, many experts have predicted the Dolphins will target a pass rusher early in the draft.
In one mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the Dolphins are projected to select defensive end Jalen Carter from Georgia with their first-round pick. Carter is one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in the 2025 draft, and his combination of strength, speed, and technical skill would immediately elevate Miami’s defensive front. Known for his ability to disrupt the pocket, Carter has been a dominant force for Georgia, helping to anchor one of the nation’s top defenses. His ability to play both as a pass rusher and as a run defender makes him an ideal fit for Miami’s defensive scheme. Pairing Carter with Wilkins and Phillips would give the Dolphins one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the NFL.
However, not all mock drafts have Carter as the Dolphins’ pick. In another projection from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, the Dolphins are expected to select offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State. Miami’s offensive line has been a point of concern in recent years, and while they’ve made strides in improving the unit, the addition of a talented and versatile offensive tackle could solidify their protection for Tua Tagovailoa. Johnson is a dynamic offensive lineman known for his strength and mobility, making him a perfect fit for the Dolphins’ zone-blocking scheme. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for Miami’s backfield would be invaluable. With the Dolphins looking to build an offense that can compete with the best in the league, Johnson would be a major upgrade to their offensive line.
Another common theme in mock drafts for the Dolphins is the desire to bolster the secondary. Miami has one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Xavien Howard, but there are concerns about the depth and overall talent in the secondary. The Dolphins could look to address this need by adding another high-caliber cornerback or safety in the draft. In a mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Dolphins are projected to select cornerback Kelee Ringo from Georgia. Ringo is a physical, ball-hawking cornerback who has shown the ability to shut down top receivers and make plays on the ball. Pairing Ringo with Howard could give Miami one of the top cornerback tandems in the NFL, significantly improving their ability to defend against high-powered passing offenses in the AFC.
Ringo is an intriguing option for the Dolphins, especially given his potential to make an immediate impact. His combination of size, speed, and instincts would help shore up the Dolphins’ defense and allow them to play more aggressively against opposing passing attacks. Additionally, his versatility would give Miami’s defensive coordinator the ability to move players around in the secondary, providing more flexibility in their game plans. With the Dolphins’ defense needing to improve against some of the league’s top quarterbacks, adding a player of Ringo’s caliber could be a game-changer.
In yet another mock draft from CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson, the Dolphins are projected to select wide receiver Quentin Johnston from TCU with their first-round pick. While Miami’s receiving corps is already one of the best in the league, adding another playmaker like Johnston would give the offense even more firepower. Known for his size, speed, and ability to make plays down the field, Johnston would be an ideal complement to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders would help open up more opportunities for the Dolphins’ offense. With the Dolphins looking to build one of the most potent passing attacks in the league, adding a dynamic receiver like Johnston would keep the offense among the best in the AFC.
As the mock drafts show, the Dolphins have several avenues to explore in the first round, and many of the picks are tied to areas of need that could significantly improve the roster. Whether it’s adding a pass rusher to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, bolstering the offensive line to provide better protection for Tua Tagovailoa, or adding another playmaker on the outside, the Dolphins are in a position where they can go in many directions.
Beyond the first round, the Dolphins are expected to continue adding depth at various positions. With their focus likely on improving the defensive line and secondary, Miami could look to add more talent in the later rounds. Many analysts believe the Dolphins will target defensive tackles, linebackers, or more offensive line prospects to continue building a balanced and competitive roster.
Overall, the Miami Dolphins have a critical draft ahead of them. The team has made significant strides in recent years but is still in need of key upgrades to push them into contention for a deep playoff run. Whether they go for a defensive stud like Jalen Carter, an offensive lineman like Paris Johnson Jr., or a dynamic playmaker like Quentin Johnston, the Dolphins are in a position to make a significant impact with their picks. With a solid roster in place and a few key additions in the draft, Miami could soon find themselves as one of the most well-rounded teams in the AFC. The coming draft is a pivotal moment for the Dolphins, and how they approach it will likely have lasting implications on their championship hopes for the future.