The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and the Miami Dolphins have added eight new players to their roster. Originally armed with 10 picks, the Dolphins made several moves to trade up, ultimately walking away with eight selections. So how did they fare overall?
Kenneth Grant, DT – Grade: B
Miami used its first-round pick on Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, passing on higher-rated interior prospects like Walter Nolen and Derrick Harmon, as well as top tight end Tyler Warren. Grant will pair with Zach Sieler on the interior line, where he’ll often face double teams, a challenge he says he’s ready for. While addressing a major need, the decision to pass on higher-rated talent makes this pick solid but not spectacular.
Jonah Savaiinaea, G – Grade: B-
The Dolphins aggressively addressed their interior offensive line by trading up for Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea. While Savaiinaea fills a position of need, the price was steep: Miami surrendered the 48th pick, a 2025 third-rounder (No. 98), and a 2025 fourth-rounder (No. 135) to move up to No. 37 and snag a fifth-round pick. Savaiinaea also allowed four sacks last season, raising some questions about his pass protection at the next level.
Jordan Phillips, DT – Grade: D
Miami’s third pick of the draft was puzzling. The Dolphins spent a fifth-rounder on Jordan Phillips, a defensive tackle who posted no sacks and just 1.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. He also had no forced or recovered fumbles last season. This pick feels like a reach with limited upside based on his college production.
Jason Marshall, CB – Grade: C
Needing help at cornerback, Miami selected Florida’s Jason Marshall in the fifth round. Marshall is a steady and reliable player but lacks the game-changing ability that might have been expected from a pick at a position of such glaring need.
Dante Trader Jr., S – Grade: C-
The Dolphins selected Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. in the sixth round, although most projections had him going in the seventh round or possibly undrafted. Trader is undersized but has good instincts, recording 59 tackles last season, including 37 solo stops. He’s a tough, relentless run defender with decent ball-tracking skills but inconsistent hands.
Ollie Gordon, RB – Grade: A
One of Miami’s best value picks came in the seventh round with the selection of Ollie Gordon, a former Doak Walker Award winner as the nation’s top running back. Although his production dipped last season, Gordon led the FBS in rushing yards and was second in rushing touchdowns in 2023. He’s a powerful, downhill runner with strong receiving ability and the frame to develop into a capable pass blocker. Landing a player of his caliber this late is a major win.
Quinn Ewers, QB – Grade: B+
With the 231st pick, Miami took a flier on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. It’s a low-risk move with potential high reward. Ewers has thrown 53 touchdowns over the past two seasons while keeping interceptions low. Sitting behind Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson will give him time to develop. Ewers has the arm talent and poise to eventually push for a starting job, but his future will largely depend on his work ethic and ability to adjust to the NFL game.
Zeek Biggers, DT – Grade: C
Miami closed out its draft by selecting Georgia Tech defensive tackle Zeek Biggers. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Biggers has intriguing size and a knack for blocking kicks. He plays with good power but will need to work on maintaining a lower pad level and shedding blocks more effectively to become a consistent force in the middle.
Overall Grade: C
The Dolphins found great value toward the end of the draft with players like Gordon and Ewers. However, they may have overpaid to acquire Savaiinaea, and their first-round decision to bypass higher-rated prospects leaves lingering questions. While there’s potential among the group, this draft class feels like a mixed bag overall, resulting in an overall grade of C.
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