Ranking the Dolphins Two Weeks Before the 2025 Draft by Needed Positions

As the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in a pivotal moment. After a promising 2024 season, the Dolphins are poised to make the necessary moves to become a legitimate contender in the AFC. With key players on both offense and defense, Miami’s coaching staff faces critical decisions that will shape the team’s future.

The draft is a unique opportunity for teams to fill gaps in their roster, add depth to key positions, and set the stage for long-term success. For the Dolphins, the draft comes at a time when there are several areas where improvements are necessary. With two weeks remaining before the big event, it’s time to break down the Dolphins’ most pressing needs and rank the positions by importance.

Team Overview: Miami Dolphins’ Strengths and Weaknesses

The Dolphins have a foundation of elite talent, notably in the passing game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and defensive stars like Xavien Howard and Bradley Chubb provide Miami with significant firepower. However, despite their strengths, there are areas that need bolstering to achieve sustained success. While the offensive and defensive lines have been the subject of much criticism, the team also faces challenges at key positions that could impact their playoff aspirations.

Ranking the Dolphins’ Positions by Need

1. Offensive Line (High Priority)

The offensive line is by far the Dolphins’ most pressing need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The team’s struggles protecting Tua Tagovailoa have been well-documented. Miami’s line was inconsistent last season, and injuries only exacerbated the issues. As Tua’s health is a major concern moving forward—particularly after his concussion issues—the Dolphins need to prioritize the protection of their star quarterback.

Tua’s success as a quarterback is heavily dependent on good pass protection, and without it, his performance—and the overall offense—suffers. The Dolphins are in desperate need of a top-tier tackle or guard to provide stability. Miami could look to draft a standout offensive lineman in the first round, with players like Joe Alt (Notre Dame), J.C. Latham (Alabama), or even Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn State) providing immediate contributions.

This draft is deep with offensive line talent, and Miami cannot afford to miss out on an opportunity to draft a future cornerstone for the protection of Tua. As such, the offensive line is the team’s most pressing need.

2. Running Back (High Priority)

While Miami’s passing attack is potent, the running game has been underwhelming in recent years. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have flashed at times, but neither has proven to be an every-down back that can dominate consistently. Given that head coach Mike McDaniel’s offensive system thrives on balance, a dependable running back could be the missing piece.

The Dolphins need a game-changing back that can complement the pass-heavy offense and offer a legitimate threat on the ground. The draft presents an opportunity to land a potential star running back. Players like Bijan Robinson (Texas) or Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) could fit Miami’s system perfectly, offering explosive playmaking ability and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Adding a dynamic ball-carrier to the fold would ease the pressure on Tua and improve the overall balance of the offense.

3. Edge Rusher (Moderate Priority)

Although the Dolphins have Bradley Chubb on one side of the defense, they lack a true second pass rusher who can consistently generate pressure. Chubb is a game-changer, but Miami needs someone to line up opposite him and create chaos in the backfield. The team has struggled with pass rush consistency in recent years, which has hindered their defense’s ability to stop high-powered offenses.

With several elite edge rushers available in this draft, Miami has a chance to add a difference-maker who could help take their defense to the next level. Players like Jared Verse (Florida State) and Will McDonald IV (Iowa State) provide high upside and could be immediate contributors. Adding another edge rusher would allow Miami to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and be more effective on defense.

4. Defensive Tackle (Moderate Priority)

While Christian Wilkins has been a stalwart on the Dolphins’ defensive line, the team could use more depth and talent alongside him. Miami needs a disruptive defensive tackle to bolster their interior and enhance their run defense. The Dolphins’ ability to stop the run has been an issue in recent seasons, and adding a high-caliber defensive tackle could go a long way toward improving the front seven.

In the 2025 draft, Miami could target players like Jalen Carter (Georgia) or Bryan Bresee (Clemson) to provide an immediate boost to their defensive line. A strong interior presence would complement Wilkins’ efforts and give the Dolphins a much-needed upgrade to their defensive line rotation.

5. Cornerback (Moderate Priority)

Xavien Howard remains one of the league’s top cornerbacks, but Miami’s depth at the position is concerning. Beyond Howard, the Dolphins’ cornerback room is thin, and they need a reliable second starter. Pairing another top-tier cornerback with Howard could give Miami one of the league’s best cornerback duos, helping them cover high-powered offenses in the AFC East and beyond.

The Dolphins could consider drafting a cornerback in the first or second round, with prospects like Kelee Ringo (Georgia) or Cam Smith (South Carolina) offering upside. Adding a cornerback who can contribute early would improve the secondary and provide more balance across the defense.

6. Tight End (Moderate to Low Priority)

The tight end position is another area the Dolphins could address, although it is less of an immediate need compared to others. Miami’s current tight ends have been underwhelming, and a reliable, dual-threat tight end could complement the offense’s existing skill positions. A dynamic tight end could be especially effective in short-yardage situations and help provide another weapon for Tua.

This draft class offers a few interesting tight ends like Michael Mayer (Notre Dame) and Dalton Kincaid (Utah). While not an immediate priority, the Dolphins may take a chance on a tight end later in the draft to add depth and versatility to the offense.

7. Wide Receiver (Low Priority)

With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle leading the way, Miami’s receiving corps is among the best in the league. However, depth could be a concern moving forward, especially if one of the stars were to miss time due to injury. While wide receiver isn’t a pressing need, adding a depth piece or a potential slot receiver could provide additional support to the offense.

There are numerous wide receivers in this draft who could fit Miami’s system, such as Zay Flowers (Boston College) or Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State). A receiver could be an option in the later rounds, but it isn’t a priority for the Dolphins.

8. Safety (Low Priority)

The Dolphins have a solid safety duo in Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones, with both providing stability on the back end of the defense. While depth at safety is important, it’s not as urgent of a need as some of the other positions. The Dolphins could use a late-round pick to add depth to the safety position, but it’s not likely to be a focal point in the draft.

9. Quarterback (Very Low Priority)

Tua Tagovailoa is firmly entrenched as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, and while backup quarterback is always a consideration, Miami doesn’t need to focus heavily on this position in the 2025 draft. The team may look to draft a developmental quarterback in later rounds, but they should focus their early picks on positions of greater need.

10. Kicker/Punter (Very Low Priority)

The Dolphins are set at kicker and punter, and unless an elite prospect falls into their lap, this position is unlikely to be addressed in the 2025 draft. Special teams are important, but the current setup doesn’t require significant changes.

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, the Miami Dolphins have a number of pressing needs they must address to contend in the AFC. The team’s most urgent needs—offensive line and running back—must be prioritized to support Tua Tagovailoa and the high-powered offense. Other positions, such as edge rusher, defensive tackle, and cornerback, are also critical for bolstering Miami’s defense.

With an eye on both immediate contributions and long-term success, the Dolphins should approach the draft with a balanced strategy that addresses their most glaring weaknesses while adding depth to other positions. The 2025 draft could be a pivotal moment in the Dolphins’ quest to return to the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl. If they can make the right picks, the future will be bright for Miami.