Chris Grier Must Nail the 2025 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins have put themselves in a precarious situation, one that has the job security of both Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel in question. The Miami Dolphins cap situation and contracts to ageing stars have left them with the need to draft players that make an immediate impact, if not Chris Grier may soon be out the door.

This year’s NFL Draft is deep, especially at Miami’s positions of need (CB, G, IDL, S, & TE).

*Here are some other articles to prepare you for the NFL Draft*

Get to Know Nick Emmanwori: The Rising Safety Prospect Miami Could Target

Will Johnson: The Cornerback Miami Can’t Overthink at Pick 13

Who to Pair with Zach Sieler? 2025 NFL Draft Interior Defensive Line Outlook

Dolphins’ Cornerback Search: Ranking 2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Pair with Jalen Ramsey (Written before Ramsey trade news).

Tyler Warren at 13? Why the Dolphins Should Look Elsewhere

Elite Picks at No. 13

These players would not only fill pressing needs but have Pro Bowl ceilings and could make a Day 1 impact.

• Mason Graham (IDL, Michigan) – A disruptive force with elite quickness and technique. Would solidify the defensive interior alongside Zach Sieler and bring much-needed energy to an empty position group. Rumors are he could fall to Miami at 13 and if he does Miami must take him.

• Will Johnson (CB, Michigan) – Long, athletic, and sticky in man coverage. Johnson could be Miami’s future CB1 — a need with Jalen Ramsey rumors and the inexperience of the current group.
• Jahdae Barron (CB/Nickel, Texas) – One of the best nickel defenders in the draft. With the NFL shifting to three-receiver sets, having a versatile, physical corner like Barron is a game-changer.

Great Picks at No. 13

These players have All-Pro potential but may come with slight projection concerns or positional overlap.

• Walter Nolen (IDL, Ole Miss) – Powerful and explosive, though raw. If developed properly, he could be a major presence in the trenches for years.

• Kenneth Grant (IDL, Michigan) – Huge and athletic with surprising agility for his size. A great option to rotate and eventually start on the defensive line.

• Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas) – Could play guard but Banks would likely take over Patrick Paul’s spot at tackle.

Good Picks at No. 13

These prospects are talented but might be better suited for a trade-down scenario or come with development needs.

• Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State) – A versatile tight end who can block and contribute in the passing game. He’s rising up boards and is a great player, but not in Miami’s biggest need.

• Malaki Starks (S, Georgia) – Athletic and instinctual, Starks is a playmaker but still raw in coverage. Would add youth and speed to the secondary.

• Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina) – A physical, hybrid safety who fits Miami’s style. Might be available in a trade-down, but would help immediately in the box.

• Derrick Harmon (IDL, Oregon) – Not as flashy but incredibly solid and reliable. A strong motor and football IQ make him a safe pick with starter upside.

Miami will likely address a combination of corner, defensive tackle, and offensive linemen with their first three picks, but is there a way to ensure Chris Grier doesn’t mess this up?

Trade-Down Scenario: The Smart Play

Unless one of Miami’s blue-chip prospects are there at 13, trade down, and acquire some more picks.

Some of these prospects — particularly from the “Good” tier — could be available later in Round 1. A suggested move: trade down to a pick in the 20s (Denver at No. 20 has come up in mock scenarios). Doing so would likely give Miami an extra pick in the top 100, creating more flexibility and lessening the risk if others picks don’t immediately hit.

Rounds 2 and 3 are where good front offices separate themselves. Miami has to hit on these picks — not just to build depth, but to patch real holes in the starting lineup. With needs all over the secondary, interior offensive line, and defensive front, there’s no excuse for missing in such a crucial draft.

Round 2 Targets

• Jonah Savaiinaea (OL, Arizona) – A physical and experienced lineman who can play both guard and tackle. Offers versatility and a plug-and-play attitude that fits Miami’s win-now needs.

• Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State) – A mauler in the run game with great athleticism. Has the pedigree and polish to compete for a starting spot immediately on the interior.

• Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State) – Long, fast, and rangy. A wide receiver turned corner who can fly on special teams and develop into a great defensive back.

• Shavon Revel (CB, ECU) – One of the best small-school corners in the class. Long arms, aggressive at the catch point, and a sleeper who plays with swagger. He is coming off a knee injury and could even slide into round one for the 5th year option.

• Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss) – Solid technique and SEC experience. Would be thrown into competition to start on the boundary.

• Mason Taylor (TE, LSU) – Son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, but he’s carving out his own name. A true two-way tight end with sure hands and blocking ability. The bloodlines don’t hurt, either.

• Alfred Collins (IDL, Texas) – Has flashed elite traits but needs consistency. Huge size, 6’6. 330.

• Tyleik Williams (IDL, Ohio State) – Quick, disruptive, and powerful. Would thrive in a rotation and eventually develop into a high-volume starter.

Round 3 Targets

• C.J. West (IDL, Indiana) – Underrated but explosive. A strong motor and violent hands make him a potential late-round steal with starter upside.

• Deone Walker (IDL, Kentucky) – A huge body with rare movement skills. Scheme-versatile and would thrive in Miami’s hybrid front — but needs to refine technique and pad level.

• Kobee Bryant (CB, Kansas) – Competitive and instinctual with strong ball skills. Could challenge for playing time early in an inexperienced Miami secondary.

• Miles Frazier (OL, LSU) – A strong interior lineman with upside and experience. Might need a year to develop but has the traits to eventually start at guard and would immediately compete with Liam Eichenberg.

There are many other options available in round three, but these our guys I believe could immediately compete as starters. 

Bottom Line

This draft is loaded with talent at the exact positions Miami needs to fix — cornerback, interior defensive line, and guard. Whether it’s the elite cornerback duo of Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron, disruptive interior linemen like Mason Graham and Walter Nolen, or plug-and-play guards such as Donovan Jackson and Jonah Savaiinaea, the Dolphins are staring at a golden opportunity to reload. Chris Grier cannot afford to get cute or overthink these selections — not with job security on the line and holes that must be filled immediately. Ignoring these core needs in favor of luxury picks or long-term projects would be malpractice in a draft class this deep and aligned with Miami’s deficiencies. The blueprint is simple: fill the trenches, fix the secondary, and don’t miss.