As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in an intriguing position. Coming off a season where they showed flashes of brilliance, the Dolphins are looking to solidify their roster and take the next step toward becoming legitimate contenders in the AFC. With key roster spots still up for grabs and certain areas of the team in need of upgrades, Miami is leaving no stone unturned in their search for future stars.
One of the most effective ways for NFL teams to ensure they are making the right selections in the draft is through pre-draft visits, where they meet with potential prospects to evaluate their skills, personalities, and fit for the team. For the Dolphins, these visits are crucial as they attempt to address specific needs on both sides of the ball. In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dolphins have scheduled visits with three intriguing prospects, each of whom could play a key role in their future success. These three players are expected to be a part of the conversation for Miami’s draft strategy.
The Importance of Pre-Draft Visits for the Dolphins
Before diving into the prospects themselves, it’s important to understand why these pre-draft visits are so significant for the Dolphins.
First, pre-draft visits allow teams to gather a more detailed understanding of a player’s personality, work ethic, and mental approach to the game. While scouting reports and film provide an idea of a player’s physical attributes and skill set, a personal visit helps teams gauge whether a player fits their culture and long-term vision. These meetings also provide the coaching staff and front office a chance to ask specific questions regarding the player’s background, character, and desire to succeed at the next level.
Second, these visits are often used to address potential red flags in a prospect’s game or personal history. If a team has concerns about a player’s injury history, academic background, or off-field behavior, a pre-draft visit is the ideal opportunity to address those issues face-to-face. This makes the visit an important part of the due diligence process.
Finally, with only a limited number of draft picks, it is vital that Miami selects players who can immediately contribute or have the potential to develop into significant contributors. The Dolphins’ coaching staff, led by Mike McDaniel, and their front office will use these visits to evaluate prospects with an eye on how they can fit into Miami’s current system and scheme.
The Three Prospects: Analyzing Their Fit for the Dolphins
The three prospects the Dolphins have lined up for pre-draft visits each bring unique qualities to the table. These players, who represent different positions of need for Miami, could help shape the team’s strategy on draft night. Let’s break down who these players are and how they could potentially impact the Dolphins.
1. O-line Prospect: OT Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)
One of the most significant areas of concern for the Dolphins over the past few seasons has been their offensive line. Despite flashes of brilliance from their skill players, the inability to consistently protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and open up running lanes for the offense has been a major hindrance. As the Dolphins look to fortify their offense for the 2025 season and beyond, Paris Johnson Jr., an offensive tackle from Ohio State, is a player who could play a pivotal role in solidifying the team’s front five.
Paris Johnson Jr. is regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and for good reason. At 6’6″ and 310 pounds, Johnson possesses the size, strength, and athleticism necessary to excel at the NFL level. His combination of length, balance, and mobility makes him a top-tier pass protector and a force in the running game. His experience playing both guard and tackle during his time at Ohio State gives him positional versatility that the Dolphins would certainly value as they look to build a more balanced offensive line.
Strengths:
- Pass Protection: Johnson has shown exceptional skills in pass protection, a critical area of focus for the Dolphins, especially with Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history. His ability to protect the blindside is an area where Miami needs immediate improvement. Johnson’s quickness and agility allow him to mirror defenders and prevent them from getting to the quarterback.
- Run Blocking: Johnson’s ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage makes him a dynamic presence in the run game. He has the strength to hold up against power rushers and the agility to pull and block on the move in zone schemes, making him a great fit for the Dolphins’ run-heavy offensive approach.
- Versatility: While he played primarily at tackle during his college career, Johnson’s experience at guard allows him to provide flexibility along the offensive line. His ability to play multiple positions gives the Dolphins more options in case of injury or roster movement.
Weaknesses:
- Refining Technique: While Johnson is physically gifted, his technique can sometimes be inconsistent. As he transitions to the NFL, his ability to refine his hand placement, footwork, and awareness will be crucial to his development.
- Anchor in Pass Protection: Though his athleticism allows him to move quickly and stay with defenders, there are times when he can struggle with maintaining a strong anchor against more powerful defensive ends. Refining his ability to anchor against bull rushes will be a critical area of focus.
How He Fits with the Dolphins:
Paris Johnson Jr. would be an immediate upgrade for the Dolphins’ offensive line, potentially stepping in as a starting right tackle or competing for the left tackle position if the team decides to move Austin Jackson or make other adjustments. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for backs like Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane would be crucial to the Dolphins’ offensive success in 2025. With the Dolphins focusing on keeping Tua Tagovailoa healthy and developing a more balanced attack, Johnson’s skill set would be a perfect fit for their offensive scheme.
2. Defensive Line Prospect: DT Bryan Bresee (Clemson)
While the Dolphins have a strong secondary, one area they could use more depth and improvement is the defensive line. The Dolphins already boast a solid pass rush led by Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, but adding another dynamic interior force would go a long way in enhancing their defense and creating more opportunities for disruption in the backfield. Enter Bryan Bresee, a dominant defensive tackle from Clemson.
Bresee is a physically imposing prospect at 6’5″ and 305 pounds, with the strength, quickness, and versatility to be a force in both the run and pass game. While his college career has been marred by injuries, his potential when healthy is undeniable. He has the tools to be a top-tier defensive tackle in the NFL, and Miami is certainly interested in his development.
Strengths:
- Power and Strength: Bresee is a powerful force at the point of attack. His ability to push offensive linemen back into the pocket allows him to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing lanes, making him a valuable pass-rushing threat. He can also be a force in stopping the run.
- Quickness and Explosiveness: Bresee is not just a power player; his quickness off the line of scrimmage allows him to beat slower offensive linemen and reach the quarterback with a burst of speed. His explosiveness makes him a difficult player to block in both the run game and pass rush.
- Versatility: Bresee has shown the ability to line up at multiple spots along the defensive line, making him a versatile piece that can contribute in various schemes. His ability to rush from the interior of the line would add a unique element to the Dolphins’ defense.
Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns: Bresee’s college career was hampered by injuries, including a torn ACL that cost him part of his sophomore season. While he has shown flashes of his potential, the injuries have raised questions about his long-term durability.
- Consistency: There have been times when Bresee has been inconsistent in his play. While he has dominated at times, his overall motor and technique can sometimes fluctuate, which is something the Dolphins will need to monitor closely.
How He Fits with the Dolphins:
Bresee would add an interior pass-rushing presence to the Dolphins’ defensive line, helping to further complement the edge rushers in place. His ability to disrupt the pocket and provide pressure from the interior would make life easier for Miami’s cornerbacks and linebackers. Additionally, his physicality would bolster the team’s run defense. If Bresee can stay healthy and develop more consistency, he could be a key contributor to Miami’s defensive front.
3. Wide Receiver Prospect: WR Jordan Addison (USC)
One of the most exciting positions for the Dolphins in recent years has been their wide receiver corps, featuring the explosive Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, adding depth to the receiver position is always beneficial, particularly with the Dolphins’ high-flying offense that relies heavily on speed and playmaking ability. Enter Jordan Addison, the standout receiver from USC, who could further elevate the Dolphins’ offensive potency.
Addison is a smooth and polished receiver with excellent route-running skills and the ability to make plays both deep down the field and underneath. His quickness and separation ability make him an intriguing prospect for a team like the Dolphins, which thrives on creating mismatches in the passing game.
Strengths:
- Route Running: Addison is one of the best route runners in the 2025 draft class. His ability to change direction with ease and create separation from defenders is one of his most impressive qualities. His technical proficiency could allow him to fit seamlessly into the Dolphins’ system.
- Playmaking Ability: Addison is a natural playmaker who can turn short passes into big gains. His speed and vision allow him to make defenders miss, and he has shown the ability to make big plays in critical moments.
- Versatility: Addison’s ability to play both inside and outside gives the Dolphins flexibility in how they deploy their receiving corps. He can create mismatches against both cornerbacks and safeties.
Weaknesses:
- Size and Physicality: While Addison is an excellent route runner, he is not the biggest receiver. His lack of size could limit his ability to fight through physical press coverage, though he more than makes up for it with his technique and speed.
- Strength and Blocking: Addison isn’t known for his blocking ability, and his slight frame may not allow him to be as effective as a run blocker. However, his ability as a pass catcher makes him a strong asset in the passing game.
How He Fits with the Dolphins:
Addison would provide another weapon in the Dolphins’ already explosive passing attack. His ability to run precise routes and make plays in space would complement Hill and Waddle perfectly. While the Dolphins already have a high-powered offense, Addison’s addition would give them an even more dynamic set of weapons for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If the Dolphins decide to add another receiver, Addison would give them another player capable of stretching the field and making plays after the catch.
The Dolphins’ Pre-Draft Strategy
The three prospects lined up for pre-draft visits—Paris Johnson Jr., Bryan Bresee, and Jordan Addison—represent areas of need for the Miami Dolphins, and each player could help fill an important role on the team. The Dolphins are clearly looking to add depth and talent to key areas, including the offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver corps, as they aim to improve their roster for the 2025 season. How the team handles these visits and the decisions they make on draft night will be crucial in shaping their future success. As the Dolphins prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the best talent available.