The Miami Dolphins have a few holes to fill if they want to climb back into the postseason mix and contend for the AFC East title in 2025. The good news for Miami is that the team has plenty of pick ammunition in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami has one pick in each of the first three rounds, beginning at No. 13 overall. On Day 3, Dolphins GM Chris Grier has two fourth-round picks, two in the fifth and three in the seventh to help bolster the depth or maneuver upward in earlier rounds with some extra trade fodder.
In this mock draft scenario, the Dolphins stand pat with their picks and make all their currently assigned selections. Here's one way the draft could play out for Miami.
First round: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson was ticketed much higher than this until injuries ruined his 2024 season. A shoulder injury bled into a toe issue that knocked out the All-American playmaking cornerback after playing in parts of just six games. Despite the limited playing time, Johnson notched two pick-sixes to build off a well-earned reputation as one of the most dangerous corners to attack that he carried over from the Wolverines' national championship season.
The toe injury is an ongoing concern; Johnson skipped Michigan's recent pro day, still not cleared to engage in full-speed activity. As long as the Dolphins staff is good with that risk level, adding Johnson as a ball-hawking outside corner with great closing burst and a panache for making big plays in the big moments feels like a no-brainer decision at No. 13 overall.
Second round: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
Sanders proved to be a crafty and versatile pass rusher for the Gamecocks, and his skills should translate well to Miami. There is power to his game and Sanders packs some violent hands, whether he's playing as a 1-tech or a 5-tech and anywhere in between. Bulking up to 297 at the combine (he played at SC at 290) makes Sanders a better fit with Zach Sieler up front for the Dolphins. His attention to detail in the run game is a nice bonus to the 4-6 sack potential Sanders brings right away.
Third round: Dylan Fairchild, IOL, Georgia
Fairchild started the last two seasons at left guard for Georgia and, if drafted here, would almost immediately become the best run blocker on the Dolphins roster. There are some inconsistencies in his game, but he's big, pretty athletic and plays with passion. Those qualities should endear him to the Miami staff as a more long-term solution at a position that has been problematic for a long time.
Fourth round (2 picks)
Jaylen Reed, S, Penn StateChase Lundt, OT, UConn
Reed and Lundt are each players who can come in as reserves with the potential to earn bigger roles sooner than later. Reed, ...
