Why the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 Draft Class Could Be Their Best in Years

The Miami Dolphins 2025 draft class is generating buzz after a preseason filled with encouraging performances. General Manager Chris Grier entered the draft with clear needs at cornerback, defensive tackle, and offensive guard, and responded with a trench-focused strategy that is already paying dividends. Miami’s eight selections-Kenneth Grant, Jonah Savaiinaea, Jordan Phillips, Jason Marshall Jr., Dante Trader Jr., Ollie Gordon II, Quinn Ewers, and Zeek Biggers, represent a mix of immediate contributors and developmental prospects. While preseason production is no guarantee of regular season success, early results suggest this could be one of the Dolphins’ strongest classes in years.

Miami Dolphins 2025 NFL Draft Class

• Round 1, Pick 13: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

• Round 2, Pick 37: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

• Round 5, Pick 143: Jordan Phillips, DL, Maryland

• Round 5, Pick 150: Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida

• Round 5, Pick 155: Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland

• Round 6, Pick 179: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State

• Round 7, Pick 231: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

• Round 7, Pick 253: Zeek Biggers, DL, Georgia Tech

Kenneth Grant: A Run-Stopping Beast — Grade: A

Miami’s first-round pick Kenneth Grant has immediately shown why the front office valued him so highly. At 6-foot-3 and 340 pounds, the Michigan product combines power with surprising mobility. In limited preseason action, Grant has already posted an 84.4 PFF run-defense grade over 13 snaps, with four tackles, one stop, and one tackle for loss. His ability to plug running lanes and collapse plays from multiple alignments makes him an ideal complement to Zach Sieler. Miami’s defense finished top 10 in run defense last season, and Grant’s 2024 run defense grade at Michigan (87.5, 90th percentile) suggests he can help maintain that strength in the trenches.

Jonah Savaiinaea: Growing Into a Starter — Grade: B+

Second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea has flashed the traits of a long-term starter. At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, the former Arizona lineman brings an 82.7 pass-blocking grade from college into Mike McDaniel’s system. The Dolphins traded up to secure him at No. 37, and his ability to generate push in the run game has already been evident in preseason matchups. Though there are growing pains as he adapts to NFL speed and a complex offensive system, the early returns suggest he will compete for a starting guard spot. Wearing Terron Armstead’s former No. 72 jersey, Savaiinaea looks the part of a future anchor on the interior.

For more on Savaiinaea and the offensive line’s growth, check out @OLCoachSmith63’s film breakdowns.

• Dolphins O-Line Grades: Week 2 Preseason vs Lions 🔥 Big Improvements!

Jordan Phillips: A Fifth-Round Steal — Grade: A-

Jordan Phillips, the rookie defensive tackle from Maryland, is emerging as one of the class’s most intriguing value picks. Though his college production was modest, his burst and strength have stood out at the NFL level. Against the Lions, he notched 1.5 sacks and generated pressure on 22 percent of pass-rush snaps. At just 21 years old, Phillips offers high upside as part of the defensive line rotation with Grant and Sieler. His development will be one of the more fascinating storylines of this rookie group.

Jason Marshall Jr. and Dante Trader Jr.: Secondary Depth with Upside

• Jason Marshall Jr., Grade: B
  The Dolphins needed reinforcements in the secondary, and Jason Marshall Jr. has stepped into that role with confidence. The 6-foot-1 cornerback from Florida returned from a 2024 labrum injury to deliver a strong preseason performance, recording six tackles, including one for loss, against Detroit. Perhaps most impressive, Marshall showed versatility in the slot, a position new to him. Veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick praised the rookie’s work in that role, saying:

Honestly, what stood out the most was that was his first time doing it, and he played it at such a high level. I think nickel is probably one of the hardest spots to play on the field. You’re asked to do a lot. You have to see a lot. You have to make a lot of communication. You’ve got to tackle; you’ve got to cover. You could be in half one play; you could be blitzing the next play. There’s not many positions on the field that does that. For a young guy who never played it before to go in, I think he got two tackles for loss. He played great in coverage, made all the right communications. It was really cool to see him step up in that role. It was also cool because in practice, he made a couple of mistakes and corrected it in the game and played lights out. So, seeing a guy take the lessons that he learned in practice and apply it in the game and play at a high level is really impressive.”

Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver added that Marshall’s size and physicality also make him a fit for red-zone and goal-line packages. A deeper dive into Marshall’s unique role is worth its own piece, but the early signs point to a rookie with the tools to help a retooling secondary.

• Dante Trader Jr., Grade: C
  Safety Dante Trader Jr. has not seen much action, so it is tough to give him a high grade. He will make the team and has plenty of upside, he’s fast, physical, and versatile lining up all over the defensive backfield. Coach McDaniel said he was capped at 5 snaps for the game against the Lions so it will be interesting to see how much action he gets against Jacksonville.

Ollie Gordon II: A Bruising Steal — Grade: A

Ollie Gordon II, the sixth-round running back from Oklahoma State, is already standing out as one of the Dolphins’ most promising late-round additions. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Gordon runs with power and balance, complementing the speed of De’Von Achane. The Doak Walker Award winner posted more than 2,900 yards and 36 touchdowns across three college seasons, and his ability to break tackles translated quickly in preseason games. Against Detroit and Chicago, Gordon totaled 83 rushing yards on 18 carries and added a goal-line touchdown. His style offers Miami a short-yardage presence the offense has lacked.

Quinn Ewers: A Smart Backup Plan — Grade: B

The Dolphins added quarterback Quinn Ewers in the seventh round, a low-risk, high-upside selection. Ewers threw for over 3,400 yards in each of his last two seasons at Texas and brings composure and arm talent to the backup role. With Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history, the team needed a reliable option behind him. While Ewers showed some inconsistencies in the preseason opener, his grasp of McDaniel’s system and willingness to attack downfield are promising traits. Development will be key, but Ewers looks the part of a capable reserve.

Zeek Biggers: Depth with Potential — Grade: C+

Zeek Biggers, the seventh-round defensive tackle from Georgia Tech, brings size and raw strength at 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds. His preseason flashes, including a pass deflection and multiple tackles against Detroit, showcased his potential as a rotational run defender. Though he is unlikely to see significant snaps early, Biggers’ physical tools make him an intriguing developmental prospect for Miami’s defensive line depth.

Undrafted Free Agent Standouts

I had to give these guys their flowers too.

• Eugene Asante has been awesome so far in his two preseason games, totaling 10 tackles (one for loss) and a pass deflection.
• Theo Wease Jr. has formed a great connection with Quinn Ewers leading to 7 catches for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Why This Class Feels Special

This draft class strikes a balance between immediate contributors and long-term projects. Grant and Savaiinaea are poised for starting roles, Phillips and Gordon have already shown they can outperform their draft slots, and Marshall, Trader, Ewers, and Biggers bring depth with upside. Four of eight selections focused on the trenches, addressing a clear team need for physicality.

Still, it is only preseason. Regular season competition will provide the true test of this group. Each player will have opportunities to prove whether their August flashes can translate under the bright lights.

Overall Draft Grade: A-
A balanced, physical, and high-upside draft class with the potential to accelerate Miami’s rise in the AFC East.