The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins address defensive tackle need in a major way.
The page on the calendar has once again flipped, and now we suddenly find ourselves in the month of April — otherwise known as the official month of the 2025 NFL Draft. We are creeping ever closer to the start of the NFL Draft, and with recent disappointing news overtaking the Miami Dolphins fanbase, all of us could really use a killer draft from Chris Grier and company to lift our dampened spirits.
As it stands right now, the Dolphins have painted themselves into a corner regarding the defensive tackle position — especially when you take into account the departure of impactful veteran Calais Campbell who signed a one-year deal to return to the Arizona Cardinals this week. Zach Sieler is a tremendous player who has amassed 10 sacks in each of the past two seasons, but as an athlete who has entered the over 30-years-old club, he can’t carry the load by himself. Benito Jones is a fine depth piece, but you can’t count on him to take a huge chunk of defensive snaps. Today’s mock will reflect those concerns.
Oh, and you guys can settle down. I didn’t take a quarterback in round one...
As a reminder, once a week, every week until the 2025 NFL Draft, I’ll be doing a full 7-round mock, and then giving you a chance to grade my results. Each draft will look slightly different, because, let’s be honest, the Dolphins have a ton of needs and can go in a million different directions come late April when the actual NFL Draft kicks off.
This exercise will allow us to examine different pathways to success for our beloved South Florida franchise, while hopefully having some fun in the process!
So, without further adieu, let’s unwrap my latest mock draft!
ROUND 1 - Pick #13
Kenneth Grant — DT — Michigan
What the experts are saying:
Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is a tight-quarters mauler who has the potential to serve a dominant role in the heart of an NFL defense. Grant has a compact, powerful frame and offers explosive hands to jolt and reset the point of attack.
He’s generally regarded as the “other” Michigan defensive tackle opposite Mason Graham — but this is a standalone talent in his own right. Grant has brilliant flashes of versatility and quickness as a pass rusher to bolster his upside. He can develop into a frequent splash player with the right coaching and supplementary players around him.
The floor is a key cog in base defenses, but Grant has shown growth across all phases of his game at Michigan, including in the volume of snaps he’s capable of taking. This trend should offer him early consideration thanks to his rare traits. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
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ROUND 2 - Pick #48
Mason Taylor — TE — LSU
What the experts are saying:
LSU Tigers tight end Mason Taylor projects as an impactful receiving threat...
