The Miami Dolphins have discovered that there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
Their speed-based attack burst onto the scene when Mike McDaniel arrived in South Beach, torching defenses with a unique pair of burners in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at receiver. With running backs that matched that skillset, Miami resembled more of a track team than one typically seen on the gridiron.
Yet that finesse approach had its limits, especially in the postseason. They're no longer the only show in town.
The league has caught up and Mike McDaniel's team needs to adjust to keep pace.
Now the Dolphins are stuck picking up the pieces in what's been an interesting offseason. Trade rumors and drama have surrounded Hill. The trenches are in need of some significant maintenance, especially after their star left tackle, Terron Armstead, opted for retirement.
With plenty of draft picks to work with, this can be a transformative trio of days for the Dolphins – if their selections pan out.
Here's what to know about the Dolphins' picks in the 2025 NFL draft.
Dolphins 2025 NFL Draft picks
The Dolphins are slated to make 10 picks in the draft, prior to making any further trades during the three days.
Here's the complete list:
- Round 1, Pick 13: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
- Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis:TheFinsgo for some needed toughness in the trenches, enlisting a massive (6-4, 331) and nimble man who might have far more upside than former Wolverines teammate Graham. Grant, who had 6½ sacks the past two seasons, effectively replaces DT Christian Wilkins, who left in free agency a year ago. Throwing around his weight inside, Grant had 23 hurries last season.
- Round 2, Pick 37 (from LVR): Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona
- Analysis from USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis: The Fins move up for a 6-4, 324-pounder to safeguard QB Tua Tagovailoa (and Savaiinaea ran a sub-5 second 40-yard dash at the combine despite his size). As much as Liam Eichenberg has struggled, good chance Savaiinaea moves in as the starting left guard here.
- Round 5, Pick 143 (from LV): Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
- Round 6, Pick 179 (from Houston): Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
- Round 7, Pick 231: Quinn Ewers, Texas, QB
- Round 7, Pick 253 (compensatory): Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech
Dolphins 2025 NFL draft needs
Defensive line
The Dolphins head into the draft with just four defensive lineman on their roster. Adding depth to that line, especially to the interior, is a must.
Offensive line
As always, the focus when it comes to the Dolphins is on the health of Tua Tagovailoa. Protecting the quarterback is an obvious need for Miami. For a team that wants to run the ball, they need some guys that can start moving bodies up front. If the Dolphins want to get back to the playoffs, the trenches on both sides of the ball can no longer be ignored.
Pass-catcher
It's somewhat surprising to list pass-catcher as a need for a team that employs Hill, for now, and Waddle. However, Miami desperately needs a third option behind those two, especially if Hill is eventually traded. Whether it comes in the form of another tight end alongside Jonnu Smith or a receiver, the Dolphins need another piece to reunlock the offense.
Dolphins 2025 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Dolphins could do come draft night, according to USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly:
- Round 1, Pick 13: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
- The Dolphins pick the best player available who should shore up the secondary at outside cornerback. In a conference with prolific passers, Johnson should help the defense keep up. Defensive and offensive line were in play here but there will be value picks to be had later on.
- Round 2, Pick 48: DT Alfred Collins, Texas
- Miami's very thin at defensive line and could use an imposing presence on the interior. Collins' size and length will be welcome against the run.
- Round 3, Pick 98: DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska
- Round 4, Pick 116: QB Quinn Ewers, Texas
- Round 4, Pick 135: IOL Miles Frazier, LSU
- Round 5, Pick 150: OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State
- Round 5, Pick 155: WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
- Round 7, Pick 224: DT Simeon Barrow Jr., Miami
- Round 7, Pick 231: LB Jay Higgins, Iowa
- Round 7, Pick 253: TE Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
2025 NFL draft: Every team's picks
- AFC East:Bills|Dolphins|Jets|Patriots
- AFC North:Bengals|Browns|Ravens|Steelers
- AFC South:Colts |Jaguars|Texans|Titans
- AFC West:Broncos|Chargers |Chiefs|Raiders
- NFC East:Commanders|Cowboys |Eagles|Giants
- NFC North:Bears|Lions|Packers|Vikings
- NFC South:Buccaneers|Falcons|Panthers|Saints
- NFC West:49ers|Cardinals|Rams|Seahawks
