Which positions do the Miami Dolphins need to address next month?
The NFL free agency rush is slowing, and rosters are starting to be finalized, with just the 2025 NFL Draft remaining to build for the regular season. The Miami Dolphins have had a relatively quiet free agency period, signing several solid players who can bolster the roster but not making the splash move that generates national headlines. In an offseason where salary cap concerns have hampered spending, Miami has done well to address their needs. But what remains for the team?
Miami’s fee agency class for 2025 includes the signing of several players who could have key roles during the season. Along with re-signing some of their own players, like linebacker Quinton Bell, safety Elijah Campbell, defensive linemen Matt Dickerson, linebacker Tyrel Dodson, guard Liam Eichenberg, and defensive lineman Benito Jones, the Dolphins added offensive lineman Larry Borom, linebacker K.J. Britt, tight end Pharaoh Brown, cornerback Artie Burns, guard James Daniels, safety Ashtyn Davis, running back Alexander Mattison, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, punter Ryan Stonehouse, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and quarterback Zach Wilson. Where do they need to look as the use their 10 allotted picks in this year’s draft?
Miami Dolphins 2025 Draft Picks
Pick 13 (1st Round)
Pick 48 (2nd Round)
Pick 98 (3rd Round – Compensatory)
Pick 114 (4th Round)
Pick 135 (4th Round – Compensatory)
Pick 150 (5th Round)
Pick 155 (5th Round – from Denver Broncos)
Pick 224 (7th Round – from Chicago Bears)
Pick 231 (7th Round)
Pick 253 (7th Round – Compensatory)
Miami Dolphins Draft Needs
1. Guard
Miami came into the offseason, likely needing to address their starting guard positions. The team’s offensive problems were not all guard-related, but it is definitely an area where the team needs to improve. Austin Jackson will man the tackle position on the right side and either Terron Armstead, if he does not retire, or Patrick Paul on the left. Aaron Brewer will handle the center, leaving the guard spots to be addressed.
The Dolphins signed Larry Borom and James Daniels, both of whom could find their way into the starting lineup as a guard, competing with the re-signed Liam Eichenberg. Those three might be solid options for Miami in 2025, but finding an immediate starter and long-term answer for the club would be the better move.
Guard is not a sexy position and does not typically warrant the 13th overall pick, but the Dolphins have to solve a problem they have made for themselves over the past several years, and it might take a first-round pick to find the answer.
2. Defensive Tackle
The Dolphins may find themselves in desperate need of filling a 6-foot-8, 310-pound hole on their roster if they cannot convince Calais Campbell to return for an 18th season and second in South Florida. They have to have someone to compliment Zach Sieler on the line, and, without Campbell, they do not have that right now. Benito Jones agreed to return to the team and will likely start at nose tackle, leaving one key position to be filled.
A run-stuffing player who can also pass rush is a high need here, even if the Dolphins look primarily to the linebackers to provide pressure. If Campbell were to return, maybe this need falls down the list a little, but the team still needs to add a younger player to be the eventual replacement for Campbell. Adding a defensive tackle early in the draft is close to being a requirement for the Dolphins this year.
3. Cornerback
Jalen Ramsey will start on one side, but who will man the other? What about the nickel position? Miami is likely looking at some combination of the newly signed Artie Burns, the tendered Kader Kohou, second-year player Storm Duck, or third-year player Cam Smith who has struggled to find any playing time in his first two seasons. Kohou is a good nickel cornerback who has been asked to start outside, but keeping him in the nickel plays to his strength. Someone needs to be added to this group.
4. Wide receiver
I have used my mock drafts and other posts to comment about Miami’s need to add a wide receiver, and it typically does not go well for me in the comments, but I firmly believe the Dolphins need to consider someone here this year. First, the team is built for speed; adding a big, possession-style receiver to be the third option would be a huge addition for the offense. Even considering tight end Jonnu Smith and running back De’Von Achane in the passing game, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a big target in the middle of the field or in the corner of the endzone would evolve the offense. Speed is going to be Miami’s top offensive weapon, but a big body who can fight for contested passes and give Tagovailoa a check-down option would open up possibilities.
5. Safety
The Dolphins like to find young, talented safeties in the draft, then replace them a few years later when a big free-agent contract is imminent. This year, they are in the replacement mode for Jevon Holland, who headed to the New York Giants. How will they fill the starting position on the roster Holland had held down? Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis were good additions, but Miami could draft a safety for one side then let Melifonwu, Davis, and Elijah Campbell battle for the other spot.
Honorable Mention – Running Back
This is another draft pick I have mocked to the Dolphins – specifically Cameron Skattebo from Arizona State – and fans have not liked the selection. But I will continue to believe the Dolphins need to get a power back into the lineup. Alexander Mattison, signed this year, could be the short-yardage option, but the Dolphins adding a runner like Skattebo would be a huge addition to the offense and, even if it is seen as a luxury pick, one that could be a difference maker this season.
