After a lackluster 2024 season that saw the Miami Dolphins miss the playoffs with a record of 8-9. The time has come for changes, through the draft and free agency periods. The Dolphins will look to add to a desolate secondary with the Jalen Ramsey trade demand looming over the franchise, while also looking at the offensive line that has been in the bottom half of the league since 2020. Here is how the Dolphins can get back into the playoffs with the upcoming draft and free agency.
Rebuilding the Secondary
With the 13th pick, the Miami Dolphins should draft Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft because he offers the perfect mix of size, athleticism, and football IQ to become a lockdown defender in defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s system. At 6’2 and 194 pounds, Johnson excels in both man and zone coverage, showing the physicality to press at the line and the instincts to create turnovers while having good catch-up speed that helps him not get burnt off the line. His stock has fallen due to an injury-riddled junior season that saw him only play in six games. However, with veterans like Jalen Ramsey asking for a trade and a young defensive back room with no alpha, Johnson would provide much-needed help and long-term stability to the secondary while playing on a cost-effective rookie deal. His leadership qualities, elite college production, and versatility make him a plug-and-play starter who could anchor Miami’s defense for years to come.
For the Safety position, the Dolphins should look at All-Pro free agent Justin Simmons as their next stud Safety after the departure of Jevon Holland to the New York Giants. Simmons, who is 31 years old, has shown no signs of falling off. He would provide a veteran presence in the locker room and could play both free and strong safety. He is also highly effective as a ball hawk and a run stopper. He would also be able to mentor Will Johnson and help him reach his potential.
How to fix the broken: the Offensive line
The Dolphins need effective offensive linemen. Shaq Mason’s seasoned presence, strong run-blocking, and track record of reliability at right guard make him an essential addition to the Dolphins’ offensive line, which has had trouble establishing the run game and protecting Tua Tagovailoa. Mason would provide much-needed consistency to a team that has lacked depth and physicality thanks to his playoff experience and interior anchoring skills. Meanwhile, because of his versatility as a swing tackle who can fill in at guard or tackle in an emergency, Miami needs to add Joseph Noteboom. For a Dolphins O-line that hasn’t finished a season healthy in years, his athleticism and starting experience make him a perfect depth addition or possibly a spot starter. Both would be wise, cost-effective additions that would strengthen the offense’s base into 2025.
The Safety Net: The Backup Quarterback
It’s no secret that this offense looks special when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is on the field. The issue is that every year he has started (excluding 2023), he has missed significant time due to injury, mainly concussions. Since becoming the starter, the Dolphins are 7-13 when he is not playing, showing his value and importance to the offensive scheme. The issue is that the majority of the Dolphins’ backup quarterbacks can not handle the accuracy needed for the offense scheme to run. The volume of passes is also very heavy, as head coach Mike McDaniel has made running back Devon Achane primarily a receiving back. This is why the Dolphins should draft Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord is accurate, gets the ball out quickly, and shows strong leadership capabilities. McCord has won some big-time games in college, showing his potential as a winner at the next level. There are no more reliable quarterbacks in free agency who fit the system and the timeline the Dolphins are on.
