Make-or-Break Draft: Chris Grier’s Defining Moment with the Dolphins

Offensive Line (Guard/Tackle)
The offensive line remains a question mark, particularly at left guard, where the Dolphins need a reliable starter. If Terron Armstead retires, the tackle position becomes an even bigger priority, though second-year man Patrick Paul could step up. At pick 48 in the second round, Miami could target a versatile lineman like LSU’s Will Campbell, who can play guard or tackle, similarily to Kelvin Banks Jr. who is more likely to be available at 13. or Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea who could be selcted in the second round. Any of these options would bring stability to a line that’s been inconsistent. If they wait until the later rounds a sleeper like UConn’s Chase Lundt could be in play—a high-upside athlete who needs polish but fits Miami’s athletic profile up front.

Interior Defensive Line
The Dolphins lost Calais Campbell in free agency, and while Benito Jones and Zach Sieler remain key pieces, they need more depth and disruptiveness on the interior. Miami should look for players who can complement Jones’ run-stopping ability and Sieler’s pass-rush skills. At pick 13, they could go big with Michigan’s star, Kenneth Grant or Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, dominant forces who would pair well with Sieler. If they pass on the D-line in the first, the second round offers options like Tyleik Williams (pick 48), a stout run-stopper with pass-rush upside. Later, at pick 114 in the fourth round, keep an eye on Kentucky’s Deone Walker—a massive 340-pounder who could develop into a steal if he refines his technique. Miami might and should, double-dip here given the depth of this class.

Safety
Safety remains a sneaky need, even after signing Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis. The Dolphins added veteran safeties in the offseason, but it might still be wise to invest in youth at this position. Names to look out for are Xavier Watts, Nick Emmanwori, Malaki Starks, and Andrew Mukuba. Adding youth and flexibility to a secondary that’s been stretched thin by injuries and inconsistencies is crucial.

Wide Receiver?
The Tyreek Hill rumors—put this position in focus, even with Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine locked in. Miami needs a potential future star and some size at the position. This is a position more likely to watch if the Dolphins happen to make a move involving Tyreek Hill or if they start using free agency to fill out some of these other holes.

Final Thoughts

Chris Grier has the draft capital to address these glaring holes, but his margin for error is razor-thin. A first-round hit on a cornerstone player like Will Johnson or Shemar Stewart would set the tone, while smart selections in rounds two and three—like Savaiinaea or Watts—could solidify a transformative draft class.

The Dolphins don’t need to fill every gap in one draft. Free agency remains an option, and contract restructures could open up cap space. However, if Grier fails to maximize these picks, the Dolphins could slip further behind in a highly competitive AFC East. If that happens, his seat will only get hotter.