The Splash Zone 3/3/25: Which quarterback in the draft is a good match for the Dolphins?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in an interesting position. With the team showing promising signs under the leadership of head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have emerged as serious contenders in the AFC. However, with the uncertainties surrounding Tua’s health and longevity, it’s important for Miami to keep one eye on the future. This brings us to the looming question: which quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft would be the best fit for the Miami Dolphins?

To answer this, we must evaluate several factors including the Dolphins’ current roster and offensive scheme, the skill set of the quarterbacks available in the draft, and how these prospects could fit into McDaniel’s system. In this article, we will break down the potential quarterbacks available in the draft, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they could mesh with the Dolphins’ offensive structure.

1. The Miami Dolphins’ Current Quarterback Situation

Before diving into the 2025 quarterback class, it’s essential to understand the current state of Miami’s quarterback position. Tua Tagovailoa has been the starter for the Dolphins since being drafted in 2020. Tagovailoa showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, leading the Dolphins to the playoffs, and has a dynamic connection with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, the biggest question mark with Tua is his durability. The former Alabama star has suffered multiple concussions, which is a serious concern for both his long-term health and the team’s stability at the quarterback position.

The Dolphins are currently stuck in a tricky spot. Tua’s upside is undeniable, but there is a growing sense that they may need to have a contingency plan if injuries continue to be a problem. Miami has invested heavily in its skill position players and has one of the fastest and most potent offenses in the league. If Tua remains healthy, the team can go far. But if injury concerns continue to linger, it would be wise for the Dolphins to plan for a future without him.

2. The Dolphins’ Offensive Scheme Under Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel, the offensive mastermind who took over as head coach in 2022, has completely reshaped the Dolphins’ offense. The team’s attack revolves around speed, motion, and quick decision-making, particularly in the passing game. McDaniel is a former Shanahan disciple, and his offense is heavily inspired by the West Coast and zone-running systems. The quarterback in McDaniel’s system needs to be capable of executing quick throws, reading defenses, and maintaining accuracy, especially on shorter to intermediate routes.

The ability to throw on the run is also a key element of McDaniel’s scheme. The offensive line has struggled at times, and having a quarterback who can make plays outside of structure—especially when plays break down—would be invaluable. Mobile quarterbacks are often a key feature in McDaniel’s playbook, as they can extend plays and create opportunities downfield when the primary design fails.

Considering the team’s offensive style, the next quarterback of the Dolphins would need to align well with these elements. Accuracy, mobility, and a quick release would be paramount, but so would the ability to function within the timing-based, play-action-heavy system McDaniel has built.

3. Quarterback Prospects in the 2025 Draft Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a highly intriguing class for quarterbacks. While it’s still early, several intriguing prospects have emerged who could fit well into Miami’s offensive scheme. Below are some of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class and how they might mesh with the Dolphins’ system.

3.1 Caleb Williams – USC

One of the most talked-about prospects in recent memory, Caleb Williams from USC is widely considered to be the top quarterback in the 2025 class. Williams possesses exceptional talent, with a unique blend of arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism. He is often compared to Patrick Mahomes for his ability to make off-platform throws and extend plays with his legs.

Strengths:

• Mobility: Williams is an elite athlete with the ability to create plays outside the pocket, a perfect fit for McDaniel’s play-action and bootleg-heavy offense.
• Arm Strength: He can make every throw on the field, from quick slants to deep bombs, and has the ability to throw accurately on the run.
• Playmaking: Williams thrives in chaotic situations, often turning broken plays into spectacular ones. This type of improvisation could be invaluable in Miami’s high-speed offense.

Weaknesses:

• Over-reliance on improvisation: While his ability to make plays outside the pocket is remarkable, there are times when Williams can get a bit too reliant on it, forcing plays when a more methodical approach might be better.
• Turnovers: At times, Williams has been prone to making risky throws, leading to turnovers. While his playmaking ability is undeniable, he will need to rein in some of his more aggressive tendencies at the next level.

Fit with the Dolphins: Williams is an ideal fit for McDaniel’s offense. His mobility and arm strength would allow him to thrive in the quick-hitting passing game, and his ability to create plays outside the pocket would mitigate any issues with the offensive line. He would also develop a strong connection with Miami’s explosive wide receiver duo, Hill and Waddle, in a system that emphasizes vertical passing and deep shots.

3.2 Drake Maye – North Carolina

Drake Maye, the 6’5″ signal-caller from North Carolina, is another highly touted prospect who has generated significant buzz. Maye is a more traditional pocket passer than Williams, but he possesses the ability to move when needed, and his play style has drawn comparisons to quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Matt Ryan.

Strengths:

• Arm Strength and Accuracy: Maye can make every throw and is particularly effective on intermediate routes, which would play well in McDaniel’s system.
• Pocket Presence: While not as mobile as some of the other top quarterbacks in the class, Maye has good footwork and awareness in the pocket, which helps him avoid pressure and maintain control of the game.
• Leadership: Maye is a leader on the field and has shown great poise in clutch moments, which could be a strong asset in Miami’s high-stakes AFC environment.

Weaknesses:

• Mobility: Maye is not the most dynamic athlete, and while he can move in the pocket, he lacks the speed and agility of some of the other top prospects.
• Limited Experience: While he has shown great promise, Maye doesn’t have quite the same level of high-profile competition under his belt as some other prospects.

Fit with the Dolphins: Maye would be a strong fit in McDaniel’s system, though he may not offer the same level of upside as Williams in terms of playmaking outside the pocket. He would be able to execute McDaniel’s timing-based offense with his accuracy and strong arm, especially on intermediate and deep routes. While he’s not as mobile as some of the other quarterbacks, he would still provide a steady presence under center and could thrive with the right supporting cast.

3.3 Quinn Ewers – Texas

Quinn Ewers is a name that has been flying under the radar in some respects, but the Texas quarterback has the physical tools to be a top pick in the 2025 draft. Standing at 6’3″ with a strong arm, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Longhorns.

Strengths:

• Arm Strength: Ewers has one of the strongest arms in the class and can make throws from any platform.
• Play-action: Ewers is well-suited for a system that features play-action heavily, as he has shown the ability to throw with accuracy on the move and can sell fakes effectively.
• Deep Ball: His ability to push the ball down the field makes him a potential deep-threat quarterback in McDaniel’s offense.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: Ewers has had some struggles with accuracy and decision-making at times, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities.
• Footwork: His footwork can be erratic, which can impact his accuracy, particularly on shorter throws.

Fit with the Dolphins: Ewers has the potential to be a solid fit in McDaniel’s system, particularly as a deep-ball threat. His arm strength and ability to execute play-action concepts align with what McDaniel likes to do in his offense. However, he would need to improve his decision-making and consistency to avoid costly turnovers at the NFL level.

3.4 J.J. McCarthy – Michigan

J.J. McCarthy from Michigan is an intriguing prospect who has a lot of upside. A dual-threat quarterback with solid mechanics and a high football IQ, McCarthy is known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.

Strengths:

• Mobility: McCarthy’s ability to make plays outside the pocket fits perfectly with McDaniel’s system, which thrives on improvisation and moving the quarterback.
• Football IQ: McCarthy has a high football IQ and has shown an ability to read defenses effectively, which would help him in McDaniel’s fast-paced offense.
• Accuracy: He has shown solid accuracy on short to intermediate throws, which would be key in McDaniel’s system.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent deep ball: McCarthy needs to improve his deep-ball accuracy, which could be an issue in an offense that prioritizes explosive passing plays.
• Inexperience: Though McCarthy has had a solid college career, he doesn’t have the same level of experience as some of the other top quarterbacks.

Fit with the Dolphins: McCarthy could fit well in McDaniel’s offense, particularly due to his mobility and ability to make plays on the run. However, he will need to continue developing his deep-ball accuracy and improve his consistency as a passer to reach his full potential.

 Who is the Best Fit?

Looking at the quarterbacks available in the 2025 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams stands out as the best fit for the Miami Dolphins. His mobility, arm strength, and ability to create plays off-script align perfectly with McDaniel’s offensive philosophy. His dynamic playmaking ability would mesh well with the speed and explosive potential of Miami’s offensive weapons, such as Hill and Waddle. While his tendency to improvise at times could lead to turnovers, his upside is too significant to ignore.

If the Dolphins were looking for a more traditional pocket passer, Drake Maye would be a solid choice. He could thrive in Miami’s timing-based passing attack and would be a more stable, if less explosive, option than Williams. However, given the nature of McDaniel’s offense, Williams’ dual-threat ability and playmaking capacity make him the ideal prospect for the future of the Miami Dolphins.