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Tag: Dolphins Offensive Line Needs

  • Mel Kiper Projects Dolphins to Replace Star Player in 2025 NFL Draft

    Mel Kiper Projects Dolphins to Replace Star Player in 2025 NFL Draft

    As the dust settles on free agency, all eyes are on the 2025 NFL Draft where teams like the Miami Dolphins are looking to add youth to their rosters. Mock drafts are in full swing and one of the best in the business—ESPN’s Mel Kiper —has weighed in with his latest. His pick for the Dolphins at 13 might surprise you but also brings up an interesting question about the Dolphins’ future offensive line.

    Why Will Campbell?

    In his Tuesday morning mock draft, Mel Kiper has the Dolphins taking LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell but his reasoning might be different than what you expected. While many thought the Dolphins already had their left tackle of the future in 2024 2nd round pick Patrick Paul, Kiper has Campbell stepping in if veteran Terron Armstead retires.

    Why Campbell Fits Miami

    Kiper notes the uncertainty surrounding Armstead, who will be 34 before the 2025 season—if he returns at all. With the Dolphins assuming Armstead won’t be back, finding his replacement becomes top priority. Plus, Miami’s struggles protecting Tua Tagovailoa were evident last season as they ranked 28th in pass block win rate (55.7%) .

    Campbell has his concerns too. His arm length (32⅝ inches) is below average for an OT. But Kiper says Campbell’s elite footwork and versatility could allow him to fit into the NFL even if he starts at guard.

    The Patrick Paul Dilemma

    Drafting Campbell as Armstead’s successor is an interesting idea but it raises questions about Patrick Paul, who the Dolphins drafted in the 2nd round last year. Paul was considered a developmental project to take over at left tackle. If Campbell is brought in to fill that same role it would create redundancy or push Paul to a different spot on the line.

    Could Campbell Start at Guard?

    If the Dolphins do draft Campbell it’s more likely he starts at guard given the team’s free agency moves. Miami has already signed James Daniels and re-signed Liam Eichenberg, both of whom provide stability on the interior of the line. Starting Campbell at guard would give him time to develop while addressing immediate needs.

    But Kiper’s projection has Campbell at left tackle long term which would mean the Dolphins believe Paul hasn’t locked down the position yet. This would make sense if Armstead retires and there’s a huge hole on Tagovailoa’s blindside.

    Why Protecting Tua is Key?

    For the Dolphins protecting Tua Tagovailoa is the priority. With his injury history protecting him is crucial to maximizing his talent. Last season’s struggles in pass protection show that upgrades are needed and drafting a player like Campbell who has athleticism and power could be the answer to solidifying the line.

  • Why the Miami Dolphins Should Target Will Campbell or Shedeur Sanders in the Draft

    Why the Miami Dolphins Should Target Will Campbell or Shedeur Sanders in the Draft

    The Miami Dolphins have the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and the debate is getting intense. Everyone and their mother is saying the team should go after the best available OL or guard but the reality is the draft is unpredictable. The Dolphins have to be prepared for the unexpected – including drafting LSU tackle/guard Will Campbell or Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders if they fall to 13.

    The Unpredictability of the 2025 NFL Draft

    The 2025 draft isn’t top heavy so there’s a lot of uncertainty on how teams will rank and select players. That opens the door for talented players to slide down the board like Laremy Tunsil did in 2016 when the Dolphins got him at 13.

    The Dolphins have done their homework on players who might slide to them and that includes Will Campbell and Shedeur Sanders. Neither is expected to be available at 13 but the Dolphins have to be ready to pounce if they are.

    Why Will Campbell Makes Sense for the Dolphins?

    At 6-6 319 Will Campbell is a big dude with athleticism and SEC pedigree. He can play tackle or guard which could be huge for the Dolphins who need depth and reliability on the OL.

    His biggest knock? Allegedly his arm length. Some scouts worry his shorter arms will limit him at tackle in the NFL. But Miami shouldn’t let that scare them off. Laremy Tunsil spent time at guard his rookie year before settling in at tackle and it worked out great for the Dolphins.

    If Campbell slides due to measurables, the Dolphins should pounce. He can be an All Pro guard or long term tackle. Either way, getting someone of his caliber would instantly upgrade the Dolphins OL.

    How Campbell fits McDaniel’s System

    Under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins value athleticism and versatility on the OL. Campbell’s ability to move in space fits perfectly with McDaniel’s zone blocking schemes. Pairing Campbell with Terron Armstead and others could give Tua Tagovailoa the protection he needs to succeed.

    The Case for Shedeur Sanders

    Picking a quarterback at 13 sounds crazy, especially with the investment in Tua Tagovailoa . But no position is more important than QB—and finding a talented QB on a rookie contract can change your franchise.

    Enter Shedeur Sanders , who has touch, accuracy and anticipation for timing-based offenses. Critics call him “too confident” or “cocky” but that could be an asset in the high pressure world of football. And if teams shy away from Sanders because of character concerns, he’ll fall right into Miami’s lap.

    Would This Move Kill Tua?

    Drafting Sanders wouldn’t kill Tua—it’d just provide competition and insurance. With backup QB Zach Wilson entering the final year of his deal, drafting a young QB like Sanders means Miami has options beyond 2025.

    Plus, drafting Sanders gives GM Chris Grier and Coach Mike McDaniel more leash to build around whichever QB emerges as the long-term starter.

    Other O-Line Options

    If Campbell is off the board, the Dolphins could go for other o-line options:

    • Armand Membou (Missouri): Versatile tackle/guard with good size and athleticism.
    • Kelvin Banks (Texas): Polished lineman who can start right away.

    Both would help with o-line depth and talent.

    The Quarterback Conundrum

    Drafting Sanders would be big news, but it would put pressure on Tua Tagovailoa. But Tagovailoa has zero playoff wins in his first five seasons so he’s already under the microscope.

    • Pressure on Tua: Sanders would light a fire under Tua.
    • Long-Term Planning: Even if Sanders doesn’t play right away, he’d be insurance and future flexibility.

    Dolphins won’t likely use the 13th pick on a quarterback, but they shouldn’t rule it out altogether.