Dolphins get Zach Sieler a running mate in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

In the latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft from CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, the Miami Dolphins fill a massive need in the middle of Anthony Weaver’s defense.

Before we get started, let me remind you of a phrase I live and die by:

“Mock drafts are like buttholes, everyone has one, and they all stink!”

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s break down Pete Prisco’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft, shall we? This time, however, the mock draft is a bit unique and has the Dolphins selecting a position of need, but maybe not necessarily a player who has been mocked to Miami in the past (There are three billion mock drafts, I’m sure there are a few).

But before we get into who Miami takes with the 13th overall pick, why Prisco made the selection, and our thoughts on the prospect, let’s take a look at the first twelve picks in the 2025 NFL Draft::::

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2. Cleveland Browns: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
3. New York Giants: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
7. New York Jets: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
9. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
10. Chicago Bears: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas
11. San Francisco 49ers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
12. Dallas Cowboys: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

My Thoughts:

Not a ton of surprises here, but I’d be very upset if the Cowboys draft Will Johnson — ONE PICK — in front of Miami. As of March 25th, 2025, he is the ideal pick for Miami (IMHO), and I wonder if Michigan alum, Stephen Ross, would agree?

Nevertheless, Johnson is now in Dallas with a star on the side of his helmet. This means, it’s time for the moment we’ve all been waiting for::::

With the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select:

Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss/Texas A&M

Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

HOMETOWN: MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

HEIGHT: 6 FT 4 IN

WEIGHT: 296

2024 STATS: 48 TOTAL TACKLES, 6.5 SACKS, 2 FUMBLE RECOVERIES, 2 PASS BREAKUPS

Here’s what Prisco had to say about the Dolphins selecting Nolen:

“When the Dolphins lost Christian Wilkins in free agency to the Raiders, the defense wasn’t the same. They need a player to go with Zach Sieler inside. They could also consider tackle or guard here as well.”

My Thoughts:

A lot could change between now and next month’s NFL Draft, especially if 38-year-old defensive tackle Calais Campbell decides to return this upcoming season. Miami is waiting patiently to see if he wants to play another season, and if he does, they’d be more than happy to have him back. In the meantime, they’ve watched talented players sign elsewhere. And if he were to hang up the cleats, they’d need to find someone else to man the battle station next to Zach Sieler in the middle of Miami’s defense.

So, I like the pick of Nolen, who I’ve heard nothing but good things about from people much smarter than me. That said, my biggest question is whether or not he’s better than Kenneth Grant or some of the other defensive line prospects in this loaded class. For example, could Miami draft Armand Membou here and then land Sieler’s tag-team partner on day two? Definitely something to consider.

Additionally, while it sucked to see Wilkins go, Campbell fell into Miami’s lap and helped ease the pain. Bentio Jones and some of the other role players also had a say in that. So it’s hard for me to fully agree with Prisco’s analysis that the defense was never the same. Obviously, it will never be the same as it was with salt and pepper playing next to one another. That said, it was awesome to see Campbell ball out in 2024. An encore would be ideal, but if he does call it quits, Miami would then be in dire need of a DT.

Making Walter Nolen a prime target for Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel in next month’s draft.

What are your thoughts on the Miami Dolphins selecting Walter Nolen with the 13th overall pick? What would you do if this is the way the board falls? Trade down? Select Nolen? Is there another player you fancy? Let us know in the comment section below!