“The Miami Dolphins need to focus on the offensive line… unless a game-changing opportunity arises.”
Should the Dolphins Prioritize Offensive Line in the 2025 NFL Draft?
At the NFL Combine, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear: the offensive line is a top priority this offseason, with plans to address it through both free agency and the draft. As mock draft season heats up, the question arises—should the Dolphins use their No. 13 pick to bolster the O-line?
In his latest mock draft, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks predicts Miami will select Alabama lineman Tyler Booker in the first round. Brooks highlights Booker’s physicality, stating, “Upgrading the offensive line should be Mike McDaniel’s top task as he attempts to reshape the Dolphins into a more physical squad. Booker fits the bill as a rough-and-rugged blocker at the point of attack.”
However, with three offensive linemen already off the board by pick 13, other top-tier talents at positions like tight end and cornerback could slide into Miami’s range. Brooks projects Penn State tight end Tyler Warren to go to the Colts at pick 14, while Michigan’s Will Johnson, widely regarded as the draft’s best cornerback, lands with the Falcons at 15.
While Booker brings strength and power to the guard position, his long-term potential at tackle is limited—a trait shared by other top linemen like Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks Jr., and Armand Membou, who are all selected earlier in the mock. McDaniel has emphasized the importance of improving the line, stating, “I think we have a tangible opportunity to improve that starts in free agency… and that continues into the draft.”
The Dolphins are expected to target guards in free agency, but if the draft board unfolds as Brooks predicts, Miami could face a tough decision. While Booker would address a clear need, the playmaking potential of Johnson or Warren might be too enticing to pass up, especially given the relatively lower value of drafting a pure guard in the first round.
Ultimately, the Dolphins’ strategy will depend on how free agency shakes out and which players are available when they’re on the clock. One thing is certain: McDaniel and his team have their work cut out for them as they aim to build a more physical and competitive squad for 2025.
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