MIAMI -- The
2025 NFL draft began Thursday (ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With their first pick, the
Miami Dolphins selected Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant No. 13 overall .
Round 1, No. 13 overall: Kenneth Grant , DT, Michigan
My take: Miami desperately needed help on its defensive line and Grant should provide immediate support. There were several players on the board who fit the team's needs, but general manager Chris Grier suggested the Dolphins could address some of those needs via free agency; however, the defensive tackle market is currently bare. Miami decided against trading down and picked up a player it hopes could have a
Dexter Lawrence II -type impact.
Will he start as a rookie? If he doesn't start, Grant should still play significant snaps -- if for no other reason than the team's lack of depth at the position. Besides
Zach Sieler , there are no viable starters on this roster and Grant should get the first opportunity to line up at nose tackle. There won't be much pressure on him as a pass rusher, but he could vault Miami's front seven into the upper echelon if he develops in that area this season.
Round 2, No. 37 overall (from Las Vegas): Jonah Savaiinaea , OG, Arizona
My take: There's a common goal for the Dolphins after their first two picks -- beef up the trenches. Savaiinaea is a versatile lineman who played multiple positions at Arizona, which is a trait the Dolphins value. With the interior offensive line class largely taken, Savaiinaea represented Miami's final opportunity to find a starting caliber guard in the draft, addressing one of its two glaring needs after Day 1. He isn't a perfect prospect, but he gives the Dolphins more upside than any other young guard on their roster.
Will he start as a rookie? He should get every opportunity to win the currently vacant job. Savaiinaea's main competition at left guard is veteran
Liam Eichenberg , who is better suited as a priority backup. Miami could add a veteran free agent to compete for the role, but Savaiinaea has a fairly clear path to playing time early in his career.
Round 5, No. 143: Jordan Phillips , DT, Maryland
My take: The Dolphins desperately needed reinforcements to their defensive line and take another tackle with the 6-foot-2, 312-pound Phillips. He's a former high school wrestler and weightlifter who should help anchor Miami's defensive line whenever he gets on the field. He hasn't shown much as a pass rusher, but at just 20 years old, he is an obvious developmental piece for a team that prides itself on coaching up defensive linemen. Rotating with first-round pick Kenneth Grant, Phillips should exhaust opposing offensive lines over the course of a game.
My take: Grier said this year's cornerbacks class is deep and hinted at being able to find quality players in the later rounds. Marshall is a local product who was a five-star recruit out of Miami Palmetto High School and has good size for the position at 6-foot, 195 pounds. He's another developmental player at this point in the draft -- but who knows with the current state of the Dolphins' cornerbacks room. There are two starting jobs available until proven otherwise.
