Who should the Miami Dolphins select in the 2025 NFL Draft?
We are back again with another mock draft ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and this week, the powers-that-be gifted the Miami Dolphins another draft pick in the form of an additional compensatory 7th round selection. This brings Miami’s total number of draft picks in the upcoming draft to a whopping 11 selections — which means my latest mock draft is a super sized edition!
Another reason why my latest mock draft is different than the previous three is because this version is the first mock I’ve done since the NFL’s free agency period began, which means there have been some needs addressed by Chris Grier and the Dolphins’ front office since we last ran the old simulator.
As a reminder, once a week, every week until the 2025 NFL Draft, I’ll be doing a full 7-round mock, and then giving you a chance to grade my results. Each draft will look slightly different, because, let’s be honest, the Dolphins have a ton of needs and can go in a million different directions come late April when the actual NFL Draft kicks off.
This exercise will allow us to examine different pathways to success for our beloved South Florida franchise, while hopefully having some fun in the process!
So, without further adieu, let’s unwrap my latest mock draft!
ROUND 1 – Pick #13
Tyler Warren — TE — Penn State
What the experts are saying:
The ultimate “whatever, whenever” player in the 2025 draft with the size, athleticism and competitive spirit to make good on his intentions. Warren plays with swagger and “best player on the field” energy. He imprints on games with alignment versatility, allowing opportunities for play-callers to stress the defense. Despite his size, he’s quick enough to beat man coverage underneath and plays with good recognition of holes in coverage. He has the ball skills and toughness to win contested catches and withstand punishing contact. He’s very capable as a lead/move blocker but will need a little improvement at sustaining blocks when blocking in-line. Warren can access all three levels of the field but is best served short and intermediate. He possesses elite football character and plays with a confidence that can be contagious. He has a chance to become one of the best tight ends in the league. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
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ROUND 2 – Pick #48
Azareye’h Thomas — CB — Florida State
What the experts are saying:
Florida State Seminoles cornerback Azareye’h Thomas is a physically gifted developmental cornerback who has the ability to become a quality starter in the NFL. Thomas has a valuable blend of length, fluidity, and physicality to play in space on the perimeter.
With quality NFL coaching, can eventually become a disruptor in coverage. Thomas played mostly in man coverage and quarters this past season at Florida State and experienced opportunities to play with eyes on the quarterback and straight man coverage. He’ll need to develop his press technique and his sense of when the ball is in the vicinity to reach his ceiling, but he offers a baseline ability for life on the outside. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 3 – Pick #98
Shemar Turner — DT — Texas A&M
What the experts are saying:
Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle Shemar Turner projects as a starting defensive tackle at the NFL level. Turner boasts excellent punch power and upper-body strength, illustrating some ideal reps as a lock, peek & shed point of attack defender.
There are some consistency issues that need to be ironed out, but Turner looks and feels like an eventual starter. Turner has flashed some versatility but should be generally considered a B-gap defender in the NFL. There are baseline traits present to be a dangerous pass rusher, but he’s more proficient and ready to contribute on early downs to help control the point of attack against the run. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 4 – Pick #116
Jackson Slater — OG — Sacramento State
What the experts are saying:
Slater plays with good core strength and firmness into contact. He’s well-schooled but might lack the desired foot quickness to keep defenders in front of him once he makes the jump in competition. Slater is smooth in his sets and utilizes independent hands but will have trouble recovering once he’s behind. Proving he has position flexibility at guard and center will help, but Slater appears to have a limited ceiling. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
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ROUND 4 – Pick #135
Jeffrey Bassa — LB — Oregon
What the experts are saying:
Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa projects as a developmental starter at the NFL level. Bassa is a former safety who converted to linebacker during his freshman season with the program, leaving him with promising continued room for growth as a stack linebacker.
Bassa is a fast, fluid, and dynamic athlete who has appeal as a man or zone coverage defender. His ability to improve attacking blocks and gaps alike in the run game will determine if he reaches his potential ceiling as a pro. In the event his transition does require added time, Bassa sports a notable special teams resume and should be a viable contributor in these phases to support his 53-man roster spot. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 5 – Pick #150
Jordan Phillips — DT — Maryland
What the experts are saying:
Maryland Terrapins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips projects as an athletic starting nose tackle at the NFL level. This is a young talent who, as a redshirt sophomore, posted impressive tape as a point-of-attack defender with lateral range and the anchor ability to hold the point and protect his linebackers.
There’s enough athletic upside with Phillips to warrant consideration for a long-term role that is more diverse and impactful on passing downs, too. He has a good first step and heavy hands that can create momentum for power rushes back into the lap of the quarterback. Phillips is built squatty and low to the ground, which affords him ample natural leverage to anchor double teams. He also shows good technique in dropping a knee and eating combo blocks to clog the interior. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 5 – Pick #155
Kyle McCord — QB — Syracuse
What the experts are saying:
Pocket passer with good size who played in a high-volume, pro-passing scheme that should give him a head start as a pro. McCord was too inconsistent at Ohio State, relative to the talent around him, but he proved to be confident and productive last season at Syracuse without that same level of supporting talent. His fundamentals are usually solid and he plays with adequate poise in the face of pressure. He has enough arm to make window throws and push the ball around the field. McCord seeks to attack coverages vertically instead of operating as a “Checkdown Charlie.” While he can hit chunk throws, his decision-making and ball placement aren’t always good fits for his gunslinger mentality. His mobility inside and outside the pocket is average. McCord has good size, adequate talent and commendable resilience. He could find a home as a backup quarterback with modest upside. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
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ROUND 7 – Pick #224
Devin Neal — RB — Kansas
What the experts are saying:
Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal projects as a potential NFL starting running back. He has been an ascending talent with his passing game contributions to complement good vision, physicality, ball security, and competitive toughness as a primary runner.
Neal lacks ideal burst and foot speed for consistent explosive plays in the open, but his contact balance and well-built frame will create challenges for tacklers on the second level. He illustrates a savvy feel for navigating backfield pressure and contact, finding ways to slip through creases and optimize his run opportunities. Neal has been an efficient and effective short-yardage player who illustrates growing passing game appeal. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 7 – Pick #231
Jackson Hawes — TE — Georgia Tech
What the experts are saying:
Hawes is a thump-and-drive tight end with the technique and fire to help make a difference in the run game as both a lead/move blocker and at the point of attack. Hawes proved he could move from the Ivy League to the ACC and fit right in despite the step up in competition. There are correctable areas as a run blocker but his demeanor and size make it easier to project his move to the NFL in that area. He’s limited as a route runner and pass catcher, so a roster spot will need to be secured with a steady diet of physicality. Hawes has Day 3 value with a chance to earn NFL snaps. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
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ROUND 7 – Pick #253
Barryn Sorrell — EDGE — Texas
What the experts are saying:
Texas Longhorns edge defender Barryn Sorrell projects as a successful piece of a defensive line rotation at the NFL level. He appears to have the baseline skills of an early-down defender, thanks to his active hands and good leverage to the play side, while also sporting good motor as a second-effort pass rusher.
He’s an instinctive player who processes block keys well and boasts a good reflexive shedding technique. You do wish he offered an extra gear of explosiveness to be a viable impact player, but he should be a high-floor defender who has some more room for production in a different scheme. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 7 – Pick #256
Kai Kroeger — P — South Carolina
What the experts are saying:
South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger is aiming for an NFL opportunity after five standout seasons with the Gamecocks. Known for his strong leg and consistency, he also brings versatility with his ability to execute fake punts, having completed multiple passes for touchdowns in his career. (Pro Football & Sports Network)
