The first week of the 2025 NFL Free Agency has come and gone, and the Dolphins made a number of moves, although most of them were for short durations and low dollars. 

That puts a big emphasize on the importance of the 2025 NFL Draft for this franchise.  I took a swing at how I could see things playing out next month in Green Bay when the Dolphins are on the clock. 

Round 1, pick 13: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

The Dolphins have a glaring hole at corner after the first week of free agency, and the Michigan standout could fit that bill.  With good size and terrific work ethic, he should step in and start from day one opposite Jalen Ramsey. 

Round 2, pick 48: OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia

The Dolphins still need one starter at guard after signing James Daniels in free agency.  Ratledge is a plug and play starter who will bring a level of physicality and nastiness to the offensive line.  Something they could obviously use after getting pushed around in 2024. 

Round 3, pick 98: S Kevin Winston, Jr., Penn State

At 6'2", 205 pounds, Winston, Jr. is a presence in the secondary.  Aside from being a hard hitter, Winston, Jr. mostly was solid in coverage during his time in Happy Valley, which ended prematurely this season with a partially-torn ACL against Bowling Green.  Provided Miami would be happy with his medicals, he's a potential first-round talent available on a discount at a position of need for the future. 

Round 4, pick 116: DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee

Criminally underused by Tennessee, Norman-Lott has the upfield explosiveness to be a force up the middle on passing downs, something Miami has been missing since Christian Wilkins left town. 

Round 4, pick 135: DE Tyler Baron, Miami

Baron had flashes in 2024, but when he was on, he looked terrific.  If the Dolphins can harness that talent, Baron has the skills to serve as a solid rotational pass rushing piece, at minimum. 

Round 5, pick 150: QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse

I don't care that the Dolphins signed Zach Wilson. This team needs to find and develop a good young quarterback, and McCord has the tools to fit that bill. He looked every bit of one of the better quarterbacks in the country for the Orange in 2024. Certainly one of the most underappreciated.

Round 5, pick 155: TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson

I wrote about Briningstool before, but he's a potential weapon in the passing game and could be a longer-term answer than what the Dolphins have with Jonnu Smith, who's on the final year of his deal in 2025.  Mike McDaniel proved he can scheme up things for the tight end in his offense, so now it's time to find some playmakers for the future. 

Round 7, pick 224: RB Ollie Gordon, Jr., Oklahoma State

Gordon, Jr. had a drop off in 2024, but then again, so did the entire Oklahoma State team.  His 2023 season was legendary.  1732 rushing yards (tops in the Big 12) and 17 rushing scores (tops in the nation) earned him First-Team All-American honors.  That ceiling could have him gone before now, but I'm rolling the dice and saying Miami lands a steal in the final round. 

Round 7, pick 231: WR Nick Nash, San Jose State

Nash led the Mountain West in catches (104) and receiving yards (1382) and led all of college football with 16 touchdown catches.  A good man coverage beater and with decent size at 6'1", Nash would be an intriguing and different option in Miami's WR room. 

Round 7, pick 253: DT Jay Toia, UCLA

At the end of the draft, it's about taking fliers on guys with tools that, if you can harness them, can turn into steals.  I like that here with Toia, who at 6'3", 330 pounds can move well off the snap for his size.  Miami needs size and production inside on defense, so it's worth taking a shot here. 

Ranking the Miami Dolphins’ top five moves through the first week of 2025 NFL Free Agency

The Dolphins have been shopping on a budget this offseason