Rebuilding Miami’s Defensive Trenches: A Focus on the Interior Line

The Miami Dolphins recently lost Calais Campbell to the Arizona Cardinals. The place that Calais began his career and now he will get to end it there. There is no problem with Calais leaving as he has earned that right, yet for the Dolphins this is quite the problem. Since losing Christian Wilkins last off-season the Dolphins interior defensive line has been searching for Zach Seiler’s new tag team partner. Last season it was the late acquisition of Campbell that helped keep the unit afloat but now its Sieler and Benito Jones, not something Miami can go into the season with.

Dolphins’ Immediate Solution: Draft or Free Agency?

The Dolphins need someone capable of making an instant impact. The NFL Draft is a natural place to look, especially with such a deep class of defensive line talent available. There are currently options available in free agency and Miami could make a move similar to that of Calais Campbell but as I have discussed before and everyone knows, Grier and McDaniel need to win and win now, making this draft so important, especially in rebuilding the trenches.

Draft Strategy: Trade Back and Rebuild the Trenches

I’ll dive into this more in a later article, but one approach Miami should consider is trading back in the first round. This would allow them to acquire more picks in the top 100 and target multiple defensive line prospects, addressing a significant area of need, among others. The Dolphins currently have the 13th overall pick, and with the right trade scenario, they could add a few more picks within the top 100 to bolster the defensive front.

Miami’s Pre-Draft Visits Show Intent

Miami has already scheduled visits with the following defensive line prospects:

• Alfred Collins, Defensive Tackle, Texas

• Shemar Turner, Defensive Lineman, Texas A&M

• Kyonte Hamilton, Defensive Tackle, Rutgers

These visits show the Dolphins’ clear intention to address their defensive line depth in the upcoming draft.

2025 Miami Dolphins Draft Picks

• Round 1: 13th overall pick

• Round 2: 48th overall pick

• Round 3: 98th overall pick (Compensatory Selection)

• Round 4: 116th overall pick

• Round 4: 135th overall pick (Compensatory Selection)

• Round 5: 150th overall pick

• Round 5: 155th overall pick (via Denver)

• Round 7: 224th overall pick (via Chicago)

• Round 7: 231st overall pick

• Round 7: 253rd overall pick (Compensatory Selection)

Draft Options for the Dolphins’ Defensive Line

Round 1: Ideal Trade-Down Scenario

If Miami can trade down into the twenties, they would gain additional picks while still securing an impact defensive tackle. Here are three prime candidates for that strategy:

• Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Grant offers a rare blend of size and quickness. Known for his ability to dominate single blocks and stand strong against doubles, he could be an immediate starter in the interior defensive line.

• Walter Nolen (Mississippi): Nolen is one of the most physically gifted interior defenders in the draft. While his technique is still developing, he excels in run defense and offers versatility. With some polish, Nolen could become an immediate contributor with significant upside.

• Derrick Harmon (Oregon): Harmon showed consistent competitiveness and NFL-level quickness last season. His ability to play as a 3-technique defensive lineman makes him an intriguing prospect for the Dolphins.

Selecting either Grant, Nolen, or Harmon in a trade-down scenario would be a major win for the Dolphins, solving their immediate need for a strong interior defensive lineman.

Round 2: 48th Overall Pick

If Miami keeps its second-round pick, here are some options:

• Alfred Collins (Texas): Collins is a long and strong defensive lineman with versatility to play across the defensive front. While his pass-rush ceiling may be debated, his strength and flexibility make him a solid rotational player with starting potential.

• T.J. Sanders (South Carolina): Sanders is a quick, athletic 3-technique with a knack for disrupting plays. He needs to refine his hand usage and strength, but his raw potential could allow him to make an impact early.

Rounds 3 & 4: 98th, 116th, 135th Overall Picks

As the Dolphins move into the third and fourth rounds, there are still valuable options available:

• Omarr Norman-Lott (Tennessee): A gifted athlete, Norman-Lott is slightly undersized but offers upside as a 3-technique. With more development, he could evolve into a strong rotational player.

• Darius Alexander (Toledo): Alexander is a late bloomer with NFL-caliber strength and measurables. He could be a reliable contributor with starting potential.

• Shemar Turner (Texas A&M): Turner is a versatile defensive lineman who can play multiple spots. His active hands and relentless effort make him a solid Day 2 prospect.

Conclusion: The Stakes Are High

Miami has the chance to reshape its defensive line through the 2025 draft, but the pressure is on. Chris Grier must make the right moves in the trenches or face a difficult future in Miami. If the Dolphins fail to secure impact talent this April, the front office may find itself in a tough spot by 2026.