Using the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have secondary options.

Miami Dolphins’ Secondary Options with the 13th Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 NFL Draft holding the 13th overall pick, a position that provides them with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their roster. While other areas such as offensive line and defensive front seven could be considered, addressing the secondary is a logical choice given the team’s current needs and the high level of competition in the AFC. With elite quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen continuing to dominate, investing in a premier defensive back would help Miami remain competitive.

Current State of the Dolphins’ Secondary

The Dolphins’ secondary has been a core strength over the past few seasons, but changes in personnel and lingering injuries have created a pressing need for reinforcements.

Key Departures and Concerns:

• Xavien Howard: Released after several seasons of elite play, leaving a major void at cornerback.
• Jalen Ramsey: Still an elite player but aging; needs a younger counterpart to maintain balance in the secondary.
• Jevon Holland: A promising safety but could benefit from a playmaking partner.
• Depth Concerns: Several backup defensive backs have been inconsistent, making depth a concern moving forward.

Given these factors, the Dolphins must make a strategic decision on whether to select a shutdown cornerback or an impact safety with their first-round selection.

Top Cornerback Prospects for Miami

1. Travis Hunter (Colorado)

• Height/Weight: 6’1”, 185 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Outstanding ball skills and instincts
  • Capable of playing both cornerback and wide receiver
  • Smooth and explosive in coverage
• Concerns:
  • Needs to add strength for NFL physicality
  • Aggressive style can lead to penalties
• Why Miami?
  • If Hunter falls to No. 13, the Dolphins should select him without hesitation. His ability to match up with top receivers and generate turnovers makes him an ideal fit.

2. Will Johnson (Michigan)

• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 202 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Physical press-man coverage specialist
  • High football IQ and elite awareness
  • Proven success against elite college competition
• Concerns:
  • Can be slightly stiff in transitions
  • Might struggle against shiftier receivers
• Why Miami?
  • Johnson’s ability to lock down outside receivers fits Miami’s defensive philosophy, making him an excellent candidate if Hunter is unavailable.

3. Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)

• Height/Weight: 6’0”, 190 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Quick reaction time in coverage
  • Versatile enough to play both inside and outside
  • Natural playmaker with multiple pick-sixes in college
• Concerns:
  • Struggles against bigger, physical receivers
  • Can improve consistency as a tackler
• Why Miami?
  • Hairston would be a good option if Miami trades down or misses out on their top two targets.

Top Safety Prospects for Miami

1. Malaki Starks (Georgia)

• Height/Weight: 6’1”, 210 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Ball-hawking instincts
  • Can cover slot receivers, tight ends, and running backs
  • High-end speed and physicality
• Concerns:
  • Sometimes too aggressive in tackling
  • Minor lapses in zone coverage
• Why Miami?
  • Starks and Holland would form one of the best young safety duos in the NFL.

2. Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)

• Height/Weight: 6’0”, 205 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Led college football in interceptions in 2024
  • Excellent at reading quarterbacks and anticipating throws
  • Solid tackler with range
• Concerns:
  • Not as physically dominant as other safeties
  • Might struggle against elite tight ends
• Why Miami?
  • Watts’ ability to force turnovers makes him an intriguing choice if Miami prioritizes a playmaking safety.

3. Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)

• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 215 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Versatile safety who can play deep, in the box, or cover tight ends
  • Strong tackler with a physical presence
  • Effective blitzer
• Concerns:
  • Still developing in man coverage
  • Can be overly aggressive
• Why Miami?
  • Emmanwori would provide a physical presence to pair with Holland.

Potential Draft Strategies for Miami

1. Draft the Best Available Cornerback (Preferred Option)

If either Travis Hunter or Will Johnson is available, Miami should select one of them immediately. A young, high-ceiling cornerback would give the Dolphins a formidable tandem with Jalen Ramsey.

2. Draft an Elite Safety

If both top corners are off the board, Miami should strongly consider Malaki Starks, who would solidify the back end of the defense.

3. Trade Down for More Picks

If the top defensive backs are gone, Miami could trade down into the late first round and still land Maxwell Hairston or Xavier Watts, while acquiring additional assets.

4. Surprise Pick (Offensive Line or Pass Rusher?)

If a top offensive lineman unexpectedly falls, Miami could pivot to address protection for Tua Tagovailoa instead.

 Miami Drafts a Cornerback

The most likely scenario for Miami is selecting a cornerback to replace Xavien Howard and bolster their defense.

Most Likely Pick: Will Johnson (Michigan)

• If Travis Hunter is available, Miami will draft him immediately.
• However, Johnson is a more realistic option at No. 13.

Backup Plan: Malaki Starks (Georgia)

• If the top corners are gone, Miami will take the best safety available.

Wildcard: Trade Down

• If Miami doesn’t love the available options, they may trade down and select Maxwell Hairston or Xavier Watts.

With the 13th overall pick, the Miami Dolphins have a golden opportunity to add an elite defensive back. Whether it’s a shutdown corner like Will Johnson or a playmaking safety like Malaki Starks, their pick will significantly impact the future of their defense.

By making the right choice, Miami can solidify its secondary and remain a legitimate contender in the AFC for years to come.