The Miami Dolphins entered Week 18 with an opportunity to qualify for the postseason. Without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa available due to injury, the Dolphins failed to help themselves, losing 32-20 to the New York Jets. They now enter the offseason with improvement at the forefront of their to-do list.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill essentially requested a trade in the locker room after the season finale. Tagovailoa's recurring injuries have led to questions at quarterback. The Dolphins own the No. 13 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. We've conducted a seven-round mock that addresses their offseason needs.
Round 1 (No. 13 overall): Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Jevon Holland is the most notable Dolphin scheduled for free agency. GM Chris Grier may balk at the sizable raise in pay Holland is about to command. If a like-for-like replacement is needed, Georgia safety Malaki Starks is among the best defensive back prospects in the draft with a similar skill set. Starks would quickly fill Holland's role as a do-it-all safety in Anthony Weaver's defense.
Round 2 (No. 48 overall): Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona
The interior of Miami's offensive line was a consistent issue this season. Robert Jones, Liam Eichenberg, and Isaiah Wynn are all slated for free agency. None of them were starting-caliber blockers in 2024. Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea has tackle-guard flexibility, but most projections have him kicking inside at the next level. Savaiinaea would immediately solve a problem up front for Mike McDaniel.
Round 3 (No. 98 overall): Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Injuries forced Tagovailoa to miss six contests this season. The Dolphins require a better plan at backup quarterback than Skylar Thompson and Tyler "Snoop" Huntley. With four picks scheduled in the top 100, Grier can afford to take a swing on a mid-round quarterback with higher upside than your typical backup QB found in free agency. Quinn Ewers has been inconsistent and has injury concerns of his own, but he has starter potential with natural arm talent and high-end football IQ.
Round 3 (No. 99 overall): Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU
Receiver will immediately become a big-time need if Hill is traded this offseason. Even if he rescinds his public request, he's turning 31 and will soon exit the prime years of his career. LSU's Kyren Lacy is an "X" receiver with big-play potential thanks to advanced route running, ball-tracking skills, and yards-after-catch ability.
Round 4 (No. 115 overall): Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
Left tackle Terron Armstead has mulled retirement in recent offseasons, and 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul struggled mightily in limited action as a rookie. The Dolphins should continue adding depth and competition to the position. Jack Nelson is a true tackle prospect with toughness, physicality, and size to boot.
Round 5 (No. 149 overall): Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Veteran off-ball linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. struggled in coverage throughout 2024 while playing on an expiring contract. Miami even brought in Tyrel Dodson midseason via a waiver claim to try and solve their woes at the position. Drafting a long-term solution is a better idea. Carson Scheswinger was a First-Team All-American this season, totaling 136 tackles, five pass breakups, and four sacks.
Round 5 (No. 156 overall): Yahya Black, DL, Iowa
Will Calais Campbell return to the Dolphins next season? Benito Jones and Da'Shawn Hand also combined for more than 1,000 defensive snaps in 2024 and may play elsewhere in 2025. Iowa's Yahya Black would give Weaver good snaps as a block-eating interior defensive lineman who gets backfield penetration and locates the football.
Round 7 (No. 224 overall): Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
Depth is needed at corner with an aging position room that still features Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller. Justin Walley has some inside-outside versatility. Walley had a career-high 12 pass breakups this season and leaves Minnesota with seven career interceptions.
Round 7 (No. 231 overall): Jalin Conyers, TE, Texas Tech
Jonnu Smith revived his career in 2024. Smith remains under contract, so this selection is about the competition for reps behind him. Jalin Conyers scored five touchdowns at Texas Tech this past season after previously playing at Arizona State (2021-23) and Oklahoma (2020).
Round 7 (No. 251 overall): Aiden Williams, OG, Minnesota-Duluth
The situation at interior offensive line is so bad that Grier should consider doubling down. Aiden Williams is a small-schooler from Minnesota-Duluth who's a draftable talent. The Dolphins will have an opportunity to assess Williams in person at this year's Shrine Bowl.
