Welcome to another Marek’s Mock Friday! And before you jump into the comments section of this article and ask why there have been six iterations of my mock draft, please remember that we’re doing this every single Friday until the actual 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24th, so that means we have plenty more to go (three more after today). Also, remember… this is supposed to be fun! Is every scenario the absolute best route the Dolphins could take to get out of the purgatory of mediocrity? No, but it’s still a worthwhile endeavor to consider any and all possibilities, especially when the team doesn’t even begin to play meaningful football games for another five months or so.
Speaking of shocking scenarios… just keep reading! I’m well aware that today’s first round selection will be a polarizing one for many members of this fanbase, but it’s still a possibility — albeit a slight one — that the Dolphins will be in a position to draft Tua Tagovailoa’s heir apparent if a certain quarterback slides like some have been predicting lately. So, today we’ll explore that scenario and see how the rest of the draft would shake out if the Dolphins did select a passer with their first round pick.
As a reminder, once a week, every week until the 2025 NFL Draft, I’ll be doing a full 7-round mock, and then giving you a chance to grade my results. Each draft will look slightly different, because, let’s be honest, the Dolphins have a ton of needs and can go in a million different directions come late April when the actual NFL Draft kicks off.
This exercise will allow us to examine different pathways to success for our beloved South Florida franchise, while hopefully having some fun in the process!
So, without further adieu, let’s unwrap my latest mock draft!
ROUND 1 – Pick #13
Shedeur Sanders — QB — Colorado
What the experts are saying:
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is a smooth operator at the quarterback position. He pairs a sharp mind for the game with baseline starter physical traits and plus accuracy as a passer. He won’t win the beauty pageant among quarterbacks for most enticing tools, but his family background in the game is obvious when observing how he instinctively processes the field of play.
He’s a capable progression passer with natural second-reaction instincts, plus ball-handling skills, and the needed toughness to win from the pocket in the NFL. Sanders’ toughness might be his most impressive quality — he will take massive hits while allowing plays to develop behind some porous offensive line play.
It all adds up to the final product of a player who appears capable of winning as a traditional passer at the NFL level, although his ceiling may be somewhat dependent on the quality of the cast around him. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
___
ROUND 2 – Pick #48
Marcus Mbow — OL — Purdue
What the experts are saying:
What Mbow lacks in desired size and mass, he makes up for with athleticism, hustle and elite instincts. He is likely to head back home to guard after two years manning right tackle for Purdue. He’s a free-flowing athlete with the ability to create chunk-run opportunities with blocks on the second level or in space, but he’s also willing to swap paint with aggressive first contact. His tendency to let his hands drift outside and a lack of mass could be early stumbling blocks in both blocking phases. Mbow’s smarts and athleticism should help upgrade an offensive line-needy team that utilizes a move-blocking scheme. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
___
ROUND 3 – Pick #98
Joshua Farmer — DT — Florida State
What the experts are saying:
Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Joshua Farmer projects as a potential three-down threat at the NFL level. He illustrates flashes of penetration ability, thanks to his build-up strength and ability to time up the snap. That’s paired with elite length and upper-body power to attack blockers, giving Farmer the potential to have a little something for everyone.
Consistency will be key in any future situation. Farmer would benefit from more vigilant pads and a continued maximization of his ability to win quickly at first contact. His traits are best in linear situations as compared to relying on agility laterally along the line of scrimmage. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
___
ROUND 4 – Pick #116
CJ West — DT — Indiana
What the experts are saying:
Fifth-year senior with three seasons as a full-time starter at Kent State and one at Indiana. West benefited from an extremely active, gaming front that created playmaking opportunities, but he also did the dirty work inside that scheme. He plays with adequate hand and foot quickness and is quick to diagnose the play. A lack of length and leverage at the point of attack might tie him to a one-gapping scheme as a pro. The sack totals are light, but he has enough athletic ability to compete as a rusher on single blocks. West has Day 3 value as a likely three-technique backup. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
___
ROUND 4 – Pick #135
Charles Grant — OT — William & Mary
What the experts are saying:
Highly consistent performer with elite length and better technique than many prospects coming from a higher level of competition. Grant played with both urgency and positioning in William & Mary’s zone-heavy approach, but he needs to add bulk and improve his pad level to play with the drive and anchor needed as a pro. The former high school wrestler utilizes a bag of tricks with his protection approach and possesses adequate core strength to absorb a speed-to-power pass rush. He could develop into a solid pro as either a guard or tackle if he cleans up issues with hand usage. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
___
ROUND 5 – Pick #150
Demetrius Knight — LB — South Carolina
What the experts are saying:
Passionate linebacker with great size, good instincts and a feel for how to play the position. Knight is a fluid athlete with average pursuit speed and short-area burst. He uses his eyes and instincts to diagnose quickly and he maneuvers around bodies like a running back. He’s adept at slipping blocks and rarely allows blockers to stick and sustain on the second level. He’s aware and productive in zone but could struggle to stay connected in man coverage. He’s not a twitchy mover but knows how to play the game and has a chance to play on all three downs. Knight’s field demeanor and football character should seal the deal as a future starter at inside ‘backer. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
___
ROUND 5 – Pick #155
Sebastian Castro — SAF — Iowa
What the experts are saying:
Iowa Hawkeyes safety Sebastian Castro lacks some of the physical appeal that would suggest he’s destined to eventually earn a starting role on an NFL defense. He’s a tough, gritty, blue-collar player who offers appeal as a run-support player and working in underneath zones against heavy personnel packages.
Castro’s athletic profile doesn’t project to playing well on the back end and taking large portions of grass. Still, he’s got the right mental makeup and pedigree to stick on a roster and make weekly contributions early in his NFL career while learning an NFL defense. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
___
ROUND 7 – Pick #224
Jackson Hawes — TE — Georgia Tech
What the experts are saying:
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tight end Jackson Hawes projects as a “glue guy” for an offensive program. He thrives in a role that does not command the football. He is a willing and able participant in all the “dirty work” reps required to set dynamic talents up for success.
He’s a physical and gifted blocker who has showcased the ability to work in-line or from the backfield as a lead blocker or split-flow defender. His modest receiving profile was amplified after making the leap from Yale to Georgia Tech in 2024, which will certainly cap his valuation in the draft process. However, this is a player who has a valuable role to play for an NFL team nonetheless. (Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team)
___
ROUND 7 – Pick #231
Barryn Sorrell — EDGE — Texas
What the experts are saying:
Sorrell’s measurables and speed won’t be eye-catching, but he’s very consistent and plays with good technique. He can play up or down, but might be targeted as a 3-4 outside ‘backer due to a lack of length. He plays with adequate power at the point and can work around blocks and into the backfield. Sorrell’s rush lacks speed and power but he wins with his hands and has an above-average feel for creating entry points with positioning and body turn. He doesn’t have high-end traits, but he’s productive and reliable. Sorrell could become an average starter in time. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
___
ROUND 7 – Pick #253
Andrew Armstrong — WR — Arkansas
What the experts are saying:
Long-limbed, tight-hipped wideout with average feet and a lack of separation talent. Armstrong put together solid catch production during his two seasons at Arkansas but will need to prove it is translatable in the pros. He doesn’t get in and out of breaks quickly enough to separate and lacks the pure gas to be a field-stretching option, but he has good size and ball skills. (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
