Miami Dolphins 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: April

For the Miami Dolphins, 2025 is a prove-it year in a lot of facets. While questions remain around QB Tua Tagovailoa and the immediate future of WR Tyreek Hill, adding contributing pieces on both sides of the ball should allow Miami to compete for a playoff spot this fall. 

With just 22 days until draft night, here is where GM Chris Grier could go in this full Dolphins seven-round mock.

Round 1 (No. 13 overall): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

There's a massive hole at left guard despite the return of Liam Eichenberg. By adding Kelvin Banks Jr., Miami could quickly fill the hole with a dynamic mover at the position while keeping his future open out at tackle. Either way, Banks projects as a long-term starter at the NFL level with the positional versatility that teams covet.

Round 2 (No. 48 overall): Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

I’m a big fan of Benjamin Morrison’s game on the outside and feel that he could end up being one of the class’ premier corners when we look back on this cycle a few years down the road. The hip flexor injury has caused some pessimism, and a team is going to get a player maybe 30 picks later than expected when discussing this class this time last spring.

Round 3 (No. 98 overall): Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Texas

A versatile and dynamic downhill defender, watching Andrew Mukuba fly through the alley during his time at Clemson and Texas showcases a player who isn’t afraid to make plays at all three levels. He would complement both Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis, two additions in free agency, well.

Round 4 (No. 116 overall): Jamaree Caldwell, IDL, Oregon

A massive man that moves like one of much smaller stature, Jamaree Caldwell is one of my favorite interior linemen in the day-three bucket… should he make it that far. His ability to flash up and down the line of scrimmage, anchor against double teams, and push the pocket on passing downs showcases a future starter for an NFL front.

Round 4 (No. 135 overall): Luke Kandra, IOL, Cincinnati

A powerful presence in the ground game, Luke Kandra’s latch strength and leg drive showcase a potential immediate contributor for an NFL front five. Miami needs fresh legs up front, and Kandra fits the script to a T as a player who also won’t sit quietly as a fourth-rounder. 

Round 5 (No. 150 overall): Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee

Miami loves speed on the outside, so why not add a guy that can run 4.3 at 6-foot-5? Dont’e Thornton Jr. has a ways to go as far as his release package and the finer nuances of the position, but I like the scheme fit here where attention will remain otherwise with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane in place.

Round 5 (No. 155 overall): Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

Is Tagovailoa the future? It’s the golden question in Miami right now, and currently, fresh legs are needed at the position. It’s a spot I wouldn’t be surprised GM Chris Grier goes earlier here on draft weekend, but Kyle McCord is an intriguing pocket passer whose improvement under center this fall showcased a player that can succeed in varying surroundings.

Round 7 (No. 224 overall): Rivaldo Fairweather, TE, Auburn

An athletic move piece, Rivaldo Fairweather has a shot in this scenario to become TE2. Whether it was his time at FIU or in the SEC, there are legitimate flashes of him as a projectable seam stretcher at the NFL level. 

Round 7 (No. 231 overall): Elijah Alston, EDGE, Miami

An overlooked prospect out of The U this spring, Elijah Alston has enjoyed an excellent pre-draft process, headlined by a dominant week at the Tropical Bowl. He’s met with a long list of teams during the process (see below) and is a sack artist you shouldn’t be surprised to hear drafted late on day three.

Round 7 (No. 253 overall): Sheldon Arnold II, DB, UCF

A former FCS first-team All-American at East Tennessee State, Sheldon Arnold II is an uber-competitive, alignment-versatile player who has also shown pop on special teams (99-yard blocked FG attempt vs The Citadel in 2023). Long, rangy, athletic defenders usually don’t last until the UDFA bucket, and Arnold’s ability to do a little bit of everything, with an intriguing athletic profile, showcases some traits to like here late in the process.