Dolphins’ Cornerback Search: Ranking 2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Pair with Jalen Ramsey

Dolphins’ Cornerback Search: Ranking 2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Pair with Jalen Ramsey

The Miami Dolphins’ secondary requires reinforcement after the underwhelming signing of Kendall Fuller. With Jalen Ramsey anchoring one side and Kader Kohou excelling in the slot, the team seeks an outside cornerback to solidify the CB2 position. Young players like Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner show promise, but relying on them as starters in Week 1 could jeopardize a defense with playoff aspirations.​

Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver has revitalized Miami’s defense, drawing from his experience with the Baltimore Ravens. His scheme emphasizes aggressive, press-man coverage and frequent blitzing, requiring cornerbacks who can jam receivers at the line, excel in man-to-man situations, and contribute to run support. ​

The 2025 NFL Draft offers a deep class of cornerbacks, providing General Manager Chris Grier with options at picks 13 and 48. Delaying the selection risks entering a competitive free-agent market. Below is a ranking of prospects based on their abilities and fit within Weaver’s defensive system, prioritizing outside corners with press skills and ball production something Miami desperately lacked this past season.​

*Travis Hunter will not be on this list as Miami won’t be able to draft him*

1. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

• Size/Speed: 6’2″, 202 lbs, 4.39 40-yard dash​

• 2024 Stats: 14 tackles (12 solo), 2 interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), 3 pass breakups​

• Scouting Report: Johnson is a prototypical press-man cornerback with an exceptional blend of size, fluidity, and football intelligence. He excels in both man and zone coverage, demonstrating the ability to anticipate routes and make game-changing plays. His physicality and tackling prowess make him a versatile defender. While he needs to refine his press technique and reduce downfield contact, his potential as a CB1 is evident.​

• Dolphins Outlook: At pick 13, Johnson is a plug-and-play CB2, forming a formidable duo with Jalen Ramsey.

• My Outlook: If available at 13 Johnson is my pick, he will instantly start across from Rasmey and brings great instincts to a defense that lacked a ball-hawk this past season. ​

2. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

• Size/Speed: 5’11”, 200 lbs, 4.39 40-yard dash​

• 2024 Stats: 5 interceptions, 11 pass breakups​

• Scouting Report: Barron is a versatile defender with quick feet and strong tackling ability. He has experience both inside and outside, making him adaptable to various schemes. His instincts and physicality are assets in press coverage. While he has significant nickelback experience, his size and speed will allow him to compete on the outside as well.​

• Dolphins Outlook: Although primarily a nickelback, Barron’s skill set could make him a valuable addition at pick 13, especially if the Dolphins prioritize versatility in the secondary.

• My Outlook: Barron is another corner that will make an immediate impact in the NFL. Barron played a major role in the Longhorns great season and as showcased in the stat book has a knack for the football making him another great option. Barron or Johnson would be a great pick, but I give Johnson the edge to his presence on the outside.​

3. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

• Size/Speed: 6’2″, 194 lbs, 4.40 40-yard dash​

• Scouting Report: Revel is a long, athletic corner with exceptional recovery speed and physicality. He excels in press coverage and run support, showing a competitive edge. His 2023 season was impressive, but a 2024 ACL injury raises concerns. Despite limited starting experience, his traits suggest high upside.​

• Dolphins Outlook: At pick 13, Revel might be considered a reach; however, in a trade-down scenario, he presents a high-upside boundary corner with immediate sub-package potential. His recovery from injury will be a key factor in his draft stock.

• My Outlook: Coming off an ACL injury Revel will not be picked at 13 for the Dolphins as it would be a reach. It will be interesting to see how he falls on draft day as Miami could move up to get Revel in the second round (if they don’t go corner at 13).​

4. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

• Size/Speed: 6’3″, 195 lbs, 4.30 40-yard dash​

• Scouting Report: Porter is a converted wide receiver with elite speed and length. His athleticism is evident, but he remains raw with limited starting experience. He has shown promise on special teams and as a developmental cornerback.​

• Dolphins Outlook: Likely a target at pick 48, Porter is a high-ceiling project who could contribute on special teams while developing into a starting role under Ramsey and Weaver’s guidance.

• My Outlook: Porter is a freak athlete and has an unlimited ceiling. His elite speed combined with his size and length enable him to cover anybody. I rank Porter at 4 because of his pure upside. He makes plays all over the football field including three interceptions and five career blocked kicks. The only downsides are created due to his age (25 to start his rookie year), and his tackling in space. But this is a guy that you can take a chance on.​

5. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

• Size/Speed: 6’1″, 190 lbs, 4.43 40-yard dash​

• 2024 Stats: 3 interceptions, 13 passes defended​

• Scouting Report: Amos is a polished cornerback with experience in both press and off-man coverage. He demonstrates strong football IQ and positioning, though he may lack elite strength and zone coverage skills. His reliability makes him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes.​

• Dolphins Outlook: At pick 48, Amos offers a safe floor and could compete for snaps behind Ramsey, providing depth and experience to the secondary.

• My Outlook: Amos would be a great addition and with the pressing need for a starting corner across from Ramsey would be a great selection at 48. ​

6. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

• Size/Speed: 6’1″, 190 lbs, 4.28 40-yard dash​

• 2024 Stats: 1 interception, 4 passes defended, 5 interceptions in 2023

• Scouting Report: Hairston boasts elite speed, making him effective against deep threats. He has shown playmaking ability but may struggle against physical receivers due to his lighter frame. His agility aids in press coverage, but he needs to add strength for a more complete game.​

• Dolphins Outlook: A developmental prospect with elite athleticism, would be a good option at 48 or once again in a trade up or down scenario.

• My Outlook: The athleticism jumps right at me yet I have a little concern with his weight when guarding more physical receivers. But learning behind Jalen Ramsey would be huge for Hairston. He needs some work on tackling as well but should be a fun prospect to watch.

7. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

• Size/Speed: 6’0″, 190 lbs, 4.39 40-yard dash
• 2024 Stats: 20 tackles, 3 passes defended before hip injury which required surgery
• Scouting Report: Another possible day-1 starter, Morrison’s quick processing and short-area agility make him effective in man coverage. His ball skills are notable, concerns about his frame and recent surgery may affect his draft positioning.
• Dolphins Outlook: Morrison would be a great pick but a reach at 13 and near impossible to drop to 48. Miami would have to acquire more draft capital in order to draft Morrison.
• My Outlook: The reason Morrison is at seven is because I don’t believe the Dolphins will like the hip injury, nor will he really be available in a situation for Miami to pick him. I have Revel Jr. as a similar prospect who also may not fall into the Dolphins lap.

8. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

• Size/Speed: 6’2″, 200 lbs, 4.58 40-yard dash​

• 2024 Stats: 1 interception, 4 passes defended, 50 ​

• Scouting Report: A long, fluid defensive back with rare quick-twitch athleticism, he combines advanced route recognition and natural mirroring ability to close windows in coverage and consistently challenge receivers at all levels. While his press technique still needs refinement for accuracy, his size, speed, and competitive toughness — plus special teams’ versatility — give him immediate value and long-term upside.​

• Dolphins Outlook: At pick 48, Thomas is a reach; however, he could provide depth and be utilized in specific defensive packages, contributing to the team’s overall versatility.

• My Outlook: Thomas is another “two-way” player that has helped his growth as a corner, at 48 it could be a reach, but Thomas shows great physicality and feel at the cornerback position making him just another option to plug in and battle for a spot across from Jalen Ramsey.

Conclusion

The NFL Draft has a lot of talent at the corner position, yet Miami needs someone who can contribute day 1, these are the guys I believe can do so. There are many options later in the draft including Kobee Bryant, Jacob Parrish, Dorian Strong, Zy Alexander, and Denzel Burke. But passing on corner in the first two rounds would suggest Miami has a plan for a corner in free agency (Could the Miami Dolphins Still Pursue Asante Samuel Jr?) or they have the belief in Storm Duck, Cam Smith, or Ethan Bonner to be ready to start across from Jalen Ramsey.

If the Dolphins stay at 13 Johnson is a no-brainer, if the Dolphins look elsewhere like defensive tackle in the first round, Trey Amos could be Miami’s saving grace. The draft is just under two weeks away, and it is a crucial one for Chris Grier in company. With so many holes Miami must draft one of these corners above to help solidify their defense heading into the 2025/2026 NFL season.