The calendar has flipped to April, which means the NFL draft is now within sight. Who should the Miami Dolphins target with their first-round pick?
Chris Grier has plenty of options throughout the draft with 10 picks, starting with the No. 13 overall selection. The Dolphins missed the playoffs for the first time in coach Mike McDaniel’s three seasons, and pressure is mounting to deliver with Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill.
Miami needs help on both the offensive and defensive lines, especially with tackle Terron Armstead’s future in question. They could also use a cornerback to start opposite Jalen Ramsey and a safety to replace Jevon Holland, who left in free agency.
The Dolphins addressed some of those issues by bringing in free agent guard James Daniels, safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu, and they’ve also added a backup quarterback in Zach Wilson. But there’s a bevy of rookie talent available in the Dolphins’ position of the draft, which starts April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Who will Dolphins pick in NFL draft?
Here’s a look at who NFL experts have Miami drafting 13th overall:
Kenneth Grant | Michigan DT
Sports Illustrated: “(Zach) Sieler is one of the Dolphins’ best players, but (Benito) Jones is a limited role player who shouldn’t be counted on too much. Grant, who is listed at 6-3, 339 pounds, would give the Dolphins a stout presence next to Sieler for the foreseeable future. However, Grant is also an excellent mover. He’s got the quickness to win as an interior rusher and the power to collapse the pocket. He could become much more than a run-stuffing nose tackle with some improvement to his pass-rush instincts.” – Donte Collinelli
NFL.com: “Just one look at the Dolphins’ roster makes it obvious that the defensive line is a must-draft position for them, one they should hit more than once. Grant is a big talent with upside who still needs polish.” – Lance Zierlein
Will Johnson | Michigan CB
ESPN: “I know the Dolphins must address their interior offensive line, but cornerback should not be overlooked. There is a big hole at CB2 in Miami opposite Jalen Ramsey, with Storm Duck and Cam Smith currently listed as options to start. Johnson has strong ball skills (nine career interceptions, including two pick-sixes in just six games last season) to pair with his great 6-foot-2 size. While there are some questions about his top-end speed, he’s a good example of a prospect who has enough tools to overcome any potential limitations.” – Field Yates
NFL.com: “There are big needs on both lines of scrimmage, but the Dolphins also don’t have a clear-cut starter opposite Jalen Ramsey at corner. Johnson could fit better in a man-heavier scheme, as Miami was a big Cover 2 team last season. That said, the Fins might be thrilled that he’s even available at No. 13; the pedigreed cover man would have been projected to go much higher had injuries not derailed his 2024 season.” – Eric Edholm
CBS Sports: “Will Johnson was one of the best NFL Draft prospects entering the 2024 season before being limited to six games this past fall due to a toe injury. But make no mistake: Johnson is still an elite NFL Draft prospect who would be a worthy complement to Jalen Ramsey.” – Kyle Stackpole
Kelvin Banks Jr. | Texas OT
USA TODAY: “Miami has already experienced many of the limitations left by its underperforming lines, so allotting early picks up front is imperative for general manager Chris Grier. A natural scheme fit for the Dolphins, Banks could slot in at guard while still providing flexibility if Patrick Paul has trouble taking over at left tackle.” – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
The Draft Network: “The Dolphins can solidify their offensive line with an instant starter here in Kelvin Banks Jr. He may begin his career at guard, but I believe he can play tackle at the NFL level. For now, he should be a high-level guard right away for Miami.” – Jaime Eisner
CBS Sports: “Banks gives the Dolphins stability at potentially two positions up front because of his guard-tackle versatility.” – Chris Trapasso
NFL.com: “With Terron Armstead pondering retirement, the Dolphins add a talented blind-side protector who started 42 games in his three seasons at Texas.” – Bucky Brooks
Malaki Starks | Georgia S
USA TODAY: “A team that’s lost so much beef from its trenches in recent years could always use more. Yet the Fins may have no more glaring need than on the back end after sterling FS Jevon Holland signed with the Giants. Starks can play deep, near the line or in the slot – and might be the ideal choice here for a team that probably needs to win immediately if HC Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier want to be back in 2026.” – Nate Davis
NFL.com: “The further we get into the evaluation process, the more teams I find that are in love with Starks’ game. He would be a plug-and-play replacement for Jevon Holland, with the versatility to play as a high safety or nickelback.” – Daniel Jeremiah
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Tyler Booker | Alabama OG
USA TODAY: “Booker has the size, girth and length to be an elite guard. He was arguably the best guard in college football in 2024. The Dolphins need help in the trenches to keep Tua Tagovailoa healthy.” – Tyler Dragon
CBS Sports: “It’s hard to think Tyler Booker has flown under the radar given his physical presence and his dominating style of play, but expect the Booker Train to pick up steam. He’s played mostly left guard at Alabama, and his athleticism and anchor in pass protection, coupled with his earth-moving ability in the run game, at times defies the laws of physics. He’s a plug-and-play starter on Day 1.” – Ryan Wilson
Walter Nolen | Ole Miss DT
CBS Sports: “When the Dolphins lost Christian Wilkins in free agency to the Raiders, the defense wasn’t the same. They need a player to go with Zach Sieler inside. They could also consider tackle or guard here as well.” – Pete Prisco
Fox Sports: “The injury to Tua Tagovailoa was obviously the biggest factor in Miami’s disappointing 8-9 season, but don’t overlook the loss of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free agency last offseason. The Dolphins could see similar attributes in Nolen, whose burst and agility make him the No. 1 DT on many teams’ boards.” – Rob Rang
Will Campbell | LSU OT
ESPN: “Campbell started at tackle in all three seasons at LSU, but his short arms (measured at 32⅝ inches at the combine, well below the NFL’s 34-inch standard) have tagged him as a player likely to move to guard. He has the poise and movement ability to mask his length issues at tackle. He’s a mauler with coachable upside at tackle or guard. Given how desperate the Dolphins are for a quality tackle, they’d be wise to try Campbell there first and move him to guard only if needed.” – Matt Miller
“Yes, Campbell’s arm length comes into question. He measured 32⅝ inches at the combine, which isn’t ideal for an NFL offensive tackle. But plenty of tackles start their careers at guard, and Campbell’s great footwork points to a successful career despite the length limitations.” – Mel Kiper Jr.
Nick Emmanwori | South Carolina S
33rd Team: “Nick Emmanwori’s explosive profile seems to fit the model Miami has pursued this offseason on defense after bringing in Ifeatu Melifonwu at safety and Willie Gay Jr. at linebacker — the Dolphins need more explosive athletes and versatility in the back seven and get the ultimate answer here.” – Kyle Crabbs
When is NFL draft 2025?
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place April 24-26 from Green Bay, Wisconsin. It will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network with streaming available on ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins mock draft roundup: Who NFL experts have Miami picking
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
