We're here, Dolphins fans.  NFL Draft week.  After months of scouting events, speculation, and endless mock drafts, pen finally gets put to paper with players and their new NFL homes this weekend in Green Bay, Wisconsin, host of this year's draft. 

I've done previous mock drafts, but this time I'm going to take a shot here after all the pre-draft workouts and visits.  And yes, I'm drafting largely for need because this franchise cannot go into 2025 without massive upgrades at some key areas. 

Here we go. 

Round 1, pick 13 – Michigan CB Will Johnson

This pick is based on two things – Miami has a ridiculous need at corner, with one starting boundary spot already needed before the Dolphins announced their mutual agreement to move on from Jalen Ramsey.  It's also based on my feeling that both OL Will Campbell and Armand Membou will be off the board by 13. 

As such, the talented Michigan defender is the pick here – provided the Dolphins stay put and don't move back, which is something they should honestly be looking to do on Thursday, if possible. 

Round 2, pick 48 – Texas DT Alfred Collins

I feel like this could be a bit of late spot for him, but you never know how things will fall on draft day.  A run on corners, running backs, and wideouts in round two could settle the draft board in Miami's favor here. The Texas standout, who visited the Dolphins during the pre-draft process, took a big step forward in 2024 with career highs in combined tackles (55), tackles for loss (6), and passes defended (7). 

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

I debated guard vs. safety here, but given the Dolphins appear interested in the former Nittany Lion – another player they brought in for a pre-draft visit – I'm more inclined to lean towards safety here. Winston, Jr. is a hard hitter who can bring some physicality and attitude to a team that needs it. 

Round 4, pick 116 – Texas TE Gunnar Helm

After missing out on Mason Taylor, Harold Fannin, and Elijah Arroyo, all of whom should be gone by the time Friday has come and gone, Miami adds to its tight end room with the former Longhorn, their second of this mock. Helm set the Texas single-season school record for a tight end with 60 catches for 786 yards last season to go with 7 touchdowns. 

Round 4, pick 135 – Miami OL Jalen Rivers

Finally, a guard comes off the board for the Dolphins, who still need a starter at one of the two spots. Rivers has that important trait of positional flexibility, and boy, how did he last year. Rivers split time during games between left tackle and left guard for the Hurricanes, flipping sometimes from series to series.  He's someone the Dolphins could use as a potential starter at guard that would also serve as another tackle option. 

Round 5, pick 150 – Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel

I like Syracuse QB Kyle McCord more, but I don't think he'll still be there in round five.  As such, I'll go with the Heisman Trophy finalist in Gabriel, who was one of college football's best players in 2024 and set an FBS record for career touchdown passes during the playoff last year. 

Round 5, pick 155 – Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon, Jr.

I had him as one of my draft crushes, and the Dolphins appear interested in him too, as they brought him in for a visit. He was one of college football's best runners in 2023, earning first-team All-American honors. That's worth banking on at the next level.

Round 7, pick 224 – San Jose St. WR Nick Nash

I've been banging the Nash drum this offseason for Miami, but it doesn't appear as though they've met with the 2024 FBS leader in touchdown catches. The big wideout brings a high level of college productivity and good physical tools. 

Round 7, pick 231 – Rutgers DT Kyonte Hamilton

Hamilton got some run from the Dolphins this offseason, coming to the team's facility for a top 30 visit. He posted a 4.9 40-yard dash and 1.70 10-yard split at his Pro Day, showcasing very good speed for the position. Some depth/rotational help with upside late in the draft.

Round 7, pick 253 – UCF CB B.J. Adams

I took another corner with the last pick, as it's someone again that Miami kicked the tires on and addressed a serious roster shortcoming. Adams has some questionable issues with penalties, but the size (6'2", 190), wingspan, and physicality make him an intriguing player – if Miami's coaches can shore up his technique and footwork. 

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