We're now finally starting to get closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, as the calendar has finally turned over into April.  

As such, the final stretch for evaluations and building draft boards is taking place over the coming weeks.  

For the Dolphins, three players from one school should be in play for them in the first round- the University of Michigan.  The Wolverines' vaunted defense has a trio who all project as first round picks, and they should all be under consideration by the Dolphins.  Here's how I categorize each of them. 

The pipe dream (but home run): DT Mason Graham

Graham is the best possible option the Dolphins could snag on the defensive side of the ball in this draft, both for his abilities and the roster need he'd address.  

With Calais Campbell passing on the Dolphins' contract offer in favor of his first NFL team – the Arizona Cardinals – the Dolphins are left with a defensive line rotation of Zach Sieler, Benito Jones, Matt Dickerson, and Neil Farrell.  Jones is serviceable next to Sieler, but that's a very weak group behind Sieler. 

Graham would be a major upgrade on day one and would provide a strong one-two punch next to Sieler for years to come.  He's the total package at the position and would help produce a strong rush up the middle in tandem with Sieler.  

Of course, good luck getting in range for him if you're the Dolphins.  If he starts to slide towards maybe the 8-9 range, he'd be worth considering making a move up if you're Miami.  Because he's not going to fall to 13. 

The blanket: CB Will Johnson

Miami surely needs help in the middle of both sides of the line of scrimmage at both guard and defensive tackle.  But on the edge, they still need to find a starter opposite Jalen Ramsey as well. 

Johnson has the size you want in an NFL boundary cornerback at 6'2", 195 pounds.  Teams didn't throw at him all that often, but when they did, he made them pay, with 9 interceptions and 7 passes defended in 113 targets over his career.  The Dolphins need to generate more interceptions, and having a ballhawk like Johnson would only help. 

If the Dolphins don't look to address the interior on Thursday to open then draft, Johnson would make a lot of sense. 

The reality: DT Kenneth Grant

If I had to take a guess at who the Dolphins end up taking out of the trio, it would be Grant, and it wouldn't be a bad pick either, although it's likely someone they could trade back and still have on the table as an option. 

Miami needs size and run-stopping ability inside, and Grant is an anchor at 6'3", 340 pounds.  He also moves very well and has good athleticism for his size, which has been evident in pass rushing situations.  While not as polished as Graham as a pass rusher, the tools are there to work with to develop into a solid one at the NFL level. 

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