The Four Most Important NFL Draft Needs for the Miami Dolphins and the Candidates Who Can Meet Them
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Miami Dolphins are positioned to address key areas of their roster that could propel them into serious contention for a Super Bowl. While the Dolphins have made significant strides under head coach Mike McDaniel, they have some glaring needs that need to be addressed in order to sustain their offensive firepower, bolster their defense, and continue their success. With the right moves in the draft, the Dolphins can elevate their team to new heights.
Here, we break down the four most important draft needs for the Dolphins and provide a list of potential candidates that can fill these gaps and help Miami move forward as a playoff contender.
1. Offensive Line: Protecting Tua Tagovailoa
The most pressing need for the Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Draft is likely their offensive line. The success of the offense, especially quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, is highly contingent on the performance of the offensive line. Tagovailoa is at his best when given time to survey the field and make accurate throws, but Miami’s offensive line has been inconsistent at best, with issues in both pass protection and run blocking.
The Dolphins have invested in some players to shore up the offensive line, but they still need more talent to protect Tagovailoa from injury and provide a more balanced offensive attack. For the Dolphins to become a true Super Bowl contender, they must focus on improving the line in this draft.
Key Candidates for Offensive Line:
- Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame)
Joe Alt is a prototypical left tackle with excellent size, quickness, and technique. He excels in both pass protection and run blocking and would be an immediate starter for the Dolphins. His length and physicality make him a dominant force on the left side of the line, an area that has been a problem for Miami in recent years. - Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT, Penn State)
Fashanu is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft class. He has the ideal frame to protect Tagovailoa’s blindside, and his ability to anchor against power rushers while maintaining balance and athleticism is impressive. He would provide stability to the Dolphins’ offensive line and help with both pass protection and opening running lanes for Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.. - Drake Nugent (C, Stanford)
While the Dolphins already have Connor Williams at center, Nugent could be a versatile addition to the interior of the offensive line. He’s excellent in pass protection and is quick off the ball in the run game, making him an upgrade over some of Miami’s current depth players. - Parker Washington (OG, Penn State)
Washington is a strong interior lineman with good agility and quickness. If Miami looks to add depth and flexibility on the inside of the line, Washington would be an excellent choice. He can play multiple positions along the interior and bring much-needed power in short-yardage situations.
2. Defensive Line: More Pass Rush and Depth
While the Dolphins’ defense has improved in recent seasons, there are still areas in which they can significantly improve, particularly along the defensive line. Despite having standout players like Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Christian Wilkins, Miami has lacked consistency and depth in their pass-rush game. The Dolphins need another impactful pass rusher who can take the pressure off of Chubb and Phillips, especially if they want to consistently get after quarterbacks and make life difficult for opposing offenses.
The Dolphins have historically struggled against the run, and adding more talent along the defensive line would help solidify their defense. A player who can create interior pressure and consistently disrupt the pocket would be a key piece for Miami’s defense moving forward.
Key Candidates for Defensive Line:
- Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
Verse is a dynamic pass rusher who can immediately contribute to Miami’s defense. His ability to generate pressure off the edge and disrupt passing lanes would make him an ideal complement to the existing Dolphins pass rush. Verse is explosive, quick off the snap, and capable of both setting the edge in the run game and creating havoc in the pocket. - Mason Smith (DT, LSU)
Mason Smith is a massive defensive tackle with a rare combination of power, athleticism, and explosiveness. He has the ability to collapse the pocket from the inside and create consistent pressure on the quarterback. Adding Smith to the interior of the Dolphins’ defensive line would help solidify the pass rush and allow other players like Chubb and Phillips to focus on the edges. - Keion White (EDGE, Georgia Tech)
White is a raw, powerful defensive end with exceptional length and burst. His ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end allows him to be a versatile weapon along the defensive front. His upside is through the roof, and his potential as a pass rusher would give the Dolphins a much-needed weapon to complement their edge rushers. - Tuli Tuipulotu (EDGE, USC)
Tuipulotu is another edge rusher with impressive strength and a relentless motor. He’s highly effective at creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and can make plays in both the passing and running game. His versatility and ability to play in multiple defensive fronts would make him an excellent fit in Miami’s defensive scheme.
3. Running Back: Adding a Dynamic Playmaker
While the Dolphins have solid running backs like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., adding a more dynamic playmaker to the backfield could help improve Miami’s rushing attack. The Dolphins’ offense relies heavily on their passing game, but they need a more balanced offense to stay competitive in the AFC. A playmaking running back could help take pressure off of Tua Tagovailoa and create more opportunities in the play-action game.
The Dolphins would benefit from a back who is capable of catching passes out of the backfield and making big plays in space. With the offensive line needing improvement as well, adding a running back with the ability to break tackles and find holes will go a long way toward improving Miami’s offensive balance.
Key Candidates for Running Back:
- Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
Allen is a bruising running back with ideal size and power. He has the ability to move piles and break through tackles. His straight-line speed and vision make him a threat on every carry, and he could be a difference-maker in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Adding Allen to the Dolphins’ backfield would give them a running back who can pound the ball between the tackles while also being a threat in the passing game. - Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Alabama)
Gibbs is a dynamic running back who excels in both the running and passing game. He has exceptional burst and agility, making him a weapon in space. Gibbs has the ability to be a three-down back and would immediately upgrade the Dolphins’ passing attack with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His versatility and explosiveness make him a perfect complement to Miami’s offensive scheme. - Zach Evans (RB, Ole Miss)
Evans is a powerful and quick running back with great vision. He is a one-cut runner who excels in zone running schemes and has the ability to break off long runs. Evans is also capable of catching passes out of the backfield and creating mismatches against defenders. His combination of speed and power would give the Dolphins a dynamic option in the backfield. - Tank Bigsby (RB, Auburn)
Bigsby is another strong, durable running back who has a well-rounded skill set. He is a north-south runner with the vision and quickness to make defenders miss. Bigsby also has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, adding another element to the Dolphins’ offense. His ability to move the chains and wear down defenses would be a huge asset for Miami’s offense.
4. Cornerback: Strengthening the Secondary
While the Dolphins have invested in their secondary in recent years, their cornerback position still has room for improvement. Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard are both elite players, but both are aging, and depth in the position is needed. The Dolphins must continue to develop their secondary and add youth and talent to keep up with the high-powered offenses in the AFC.
As the NFL becomes more pass-heavy, having elite cornerbacks who can lock down receivers and play physical football is a must. Miami’s defense could take a significant step forward by adding a cornerback with great ball skills and the ability to cover top-tier receivers.
Key Candidates for Cornerback:
- Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)
Ringo is a physical, aggressive cornerback with great size and speed. He’s capable of covering top receivers and excels at making plays on the ball. His physicality at the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt passes make him an ideal candidate to strengthen the Dolphins’ secondary. Ringo would be an immediate contributor in Miami’s defense. - Eli Ricks (CB, Alabama)
Ricks is an excellent cover corner with impressive technique and quickness. He’s capable of matching up against any receiver and has good ball skills to make plays. Ricks would help solidify the Dolphins’ depth at cornerback and provide an extra playmaker in the defensive backfield. - Clark Phillips III (CB, Utah)
Phillips is a tenacious and highly skilled cornerback who excels in man-to-man coverage. His quickness, football IQ, and ability to read the quarterback make him a solid option for the Dolphins. He would be a great fit in their system and add depth to their secondary. - Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State)
Porter Jr. has the size and physicality to compete against larger receivers in the NFL. His ability to read routes and his excellent positioning make him a solid cornerback. Adding him to the Dolphins’ secondary would give them a young, physical corner who can make an impact.