Miami Dolphins 3-Round Mock Draft: Examining Possible Selections in the Trenches and on Defense
The Miami Dolphins head into the 2025 NFL Draft looking to solidify key areas of their roster with selections that can help them compete for a Super Bowl. While their offense has some star power, particularly with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and running back Raheem Mostert, there are still significant needs on both the defensive side of the ball and in the trenches, particularly the offensive line.
In this mock draft, we’ll focus on potential selections for the Dolphins over the first three rounds of the draft, examining prospects who can help improve the defensive front, offensive line, and provide depth in critical areas.
Round 1 (No. 22): OT Blake Fisher (Notre Dame)
Position Need: Offensive Tackle
The Dolphins’ offensive line has been an area of concern for the past few seasons, and while there have been some improvements, their protection of Tua Tagovailoa remains inconsistent. Tagovailoa has struggled with injuries in his young career, with concussions being a major concern. Ensuring he has better protection, especially along the offensive line, will be a priority for Miami’s front office.
Blake Fisher is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft class. The 6’6″, 325-pound lineman from Notre Dame possesses excellent size, athleticism, and power. His ability to anchor in pass protection and open up running lanes for the Dolphins’ backfield makes him a perfect candidate for Miami’s first-round pick.
Fisher’s biggest strength lies in his ability to handle edge rushers in pass protection. He has the quickness to match speed rushers off the edge and the strength to battle against power moves. With Tua’s tendency to hold onto the ball for extended periods while waiting for receivers to break free, having a reliable blindside protector like Fisher would go a long way in reducing the risk of injury and giving him the time he needs to make plays.
Additionally, Fisher’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game would immediately improve the overall quality of the Dolphins’ offensive line. Adding him would bolster Miami’s front five, providing much-needed protection and versatility.
Round 2 (No. 52): DT Leonard Taylor (Miami)
Position Need: Defensive Line
The Dolphins have a strong defense led by the likes of edge rusher Bradley Chubb and cornerback Xavien Howard, but their interior defensive line is in need of a significant upgrade. Leonard Taylor, a homegrown talent from the University of Miami, could be the answer to this issue.
At 6’3″ and 305 pounds, Taylor has the size and strength to be a disruptive force on the interior. He is known for his ability to penetrate the offensive line and get into the backfield, whether it’s collapsing the pocket for a sack or clogging up running lanes. The Dolphins could use a player like Taylor who can generate consistent pressure from the interior of the defensive line, especially when they face opposing quarterbacks who have quick release times or mobile quarterbacks that can escape the pocket.
Taylor is also an excellent run defender. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and prevent running backs from breaking through the middle is something that the Dolphins need to improve upon. While the Dolphins have talented edge rushers, an interior presence like Taylor would help to free up the outside rushers and make life difficult for opposing offenses.
Another benefit of drafting Taylor is his familiarity with the area. Playing at Miami, he would be entering a system with a coach who is familiar with his strengths and weaknesses. This could result in a smoother transition to the NFL and a quicker impact for the Dolphins.
Round 3 (No. 85): CB Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)
Position Need: Cornerback
Although the Dolphins have one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Xavien Howard, their depth at the cornerback position remains a concern. The team struggled with consistency at the cornerback spot last season, and adding another high-level player could give defensive coordinator Vic Fangio more flexibility in his secondary.
Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State is a prototypical cornerback with the size and physicality that the Dolphins need. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 194 pounds, Porter is an imposing presence on the outside. He has the length to contest passes and disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. Porter’s ability to press receivers and his high football IQ make him a great fit for the Dolphins’ defense, which often plays a lot of man-to-man coverage.
One of Porter’s best attributes is his ability to match up against physical receivers. His length allows him to be effective in contested catch situations, and his strong hands make him tough to shake off when engaging with wideouts. With Howard aging and the potential for injury concerns, Porter would provide Miami with a long-term solution in their secondary.
Additionally, Porter’s ability to play both zone and man-to-man schemes will allow the Dolphins’ defense to remain versatile. Given Fangio’s reputation for utilizing a variety of coverages, having a cornerback with Porter’s skills would be beneficial for the defense as a whole.
Summary of Picks:
- Blake Fisher (OT, Notre Dame) – A strong, athletic offensive tackle who can protect Tua Tagovailoa and help improve the offensive line’s performance.
- Leonard Taylor (DT, Miami) – A disruptive force on the defensive line who can both stop the run and pressure the quarterback from the inside.
- Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State) – A physical, lengthy cornerback who would provide immediate depth to the Dolphins’ secondary and a potential long-term starter.
In this three-round mock draft, the Dolphins focus on improving their front lines, which is crucial to both their offensive and defensive success. The selection of Blake Fisher addresses the need for better pass protection and run blocking, especially to keep Tua Tagovailoa healthy. On the defensive side of the ball, Leonard Taylor provides the Dolphins with an immediate interior presence who can disrupt plays from the inside, while Joey Porter Jr. adds depth and physicality to the cornerback room, helping to shore up their defense.
By making these selections, the Dolphins address key areas of need with impactful players who can contribute right away and help the team compete for a playoff spot and possibly more. With a few strategic picks, Miami could position itself for sustained success and make a run at the Super Bowl in the coming seasons.
