Dolphins Told to Trade Down for Draft Capital

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Woodson | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins have signed a dozen outside free agents this offseason, but they still have several gaps to fill on their roster. The team needs at least one starting offensive lineman, two defensive linemen, a safety, and a cornerback.

Given these needs, the Dolphins have significant flexibility in the 2025 NFL Draft. They can choose to draft the best player available with the 13th pick, trade up for elite talent, or trade down to acquire more draft capital.

NFL Media's Chad Reuter suggests that the Dolphins should consider trading down three spots in the First Round with the Arizona Cardinals. In his hypothetical trade scenario, Reuter proposes that the Dolphins trade their 13th overall pick and the 135th pick (Round 4) to the Cardinals in exchange for the 16th overall pick and the 78th pick (Round 3).

He explains, "Miami possesses seven Day 3 selections, so sending one of them to Arizona to secure a Day 2 pick (while moving down just three spots in Round 1) seems reasonable. There will likely still be a worthy defensive back (Jahdae Barron, Nick Emmanwori), offensive lineman (Banks, Tyler Booker), defensive lineman (Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen ) or tight end (Colston Loveland) available at No. 16."

While the outcome depends on who is still on the board, this trade could be beneficial for the Dolphins. They have the opportunity to select a player of similar caliber at pick No. 16 while also enhancing their draft capital. Unless an elite talent unexpectedly falls into Miami's lap, this deal would be a no-brainer deal on draft day.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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