NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
The Miami Dolphins have some holes to fill on offense in the 2025 offseason. They desperately need to add Tua’s insurance if his injury history persists. A few more playmakers need to join the fold for depth. There might be some gems in this draft if the Dolphins look north to Syracuse University in central New York with a few key players that can add depth/development opportunities:
Kyle McCord – QB
McCord led college football in passing yards this season but why is he a good fit for the Dolphins? Depending on how much buzz he generates pre-draft, there’s a good chance he won’t be too high in the draft mix. Teams aren’t looking past big names like Shadeur Sanders or Cam Ward, but McCord’s name should be on most draft boards. He’s got the same quick release as Tua Tagovailoa and good command of an offense. He might get a bit overconfident at times and force the occasional pass into tight windows, but he gets the ball there on-time more often than not.
He’s the ideal fit for a backup QB. He won’t need to come in and start right away allowing him to develop the skill and timing of the NFL. His accuracy might not rival Tua’s but the drop-off from QB1 won’t be as great should he have to be an emergency start. Given the right amount of development, if Miami doesn’t get their money’s worth out of Tua due to injury, a few years down the road they might have their next starter ready to go.
Oronde Gadsden II – TE
Dolphins fans ought to recognize that name right off the bat. The son of a former Miami Dolphin who shares the name of his father played tight end for Syracuse. Miami could use another tight end who can make plays as Jonnu Smith earned his keep with Miami this year. The Dolphins need another big target in the red zone and Gadsden II can provide it. He’s got the size and speed to create mismatches in the middle of the field and power through some tough tackles. He’ll need to build strength to be used as a traditional tight end and work on blocking, but the good outweighs the bad. The Dolphins love their speed and a TE who can run a 4.50 40-yard dash would fit right in. Gadsden coming in and being a second TE/backup TE to Jonnu would allow him to develop at the NFL level without the pressure of coming in and starting day 1.
LeQuint Allen – RB
Yes, the Miami Dolphins already have a stable of running backs and likely don’t need to waste a higher pick on one. However, Miami has a good amount of role-playing running backs. The majority of their backfield is situational, with the exception of De’Von Achane. After Achane, the production fell off dramatically. With a back such as Allen, it would give the Dolphins another running back who can do a bit of everything. He’s just as good in the run game as he is in the passing game. He can pick up blocks in the backfield. He’s also a good red zone threat as a RB who keeps his legs moving. With a little more size, a split backfield with Achane and Allen in the red zone could be tough on defenses.
Jackson Meeks – WR
A former University of Georgia Bulldog, Meeks faded into the background with UG with only 10 receptions before transferring to Syracuse. Once he got his time to shine, his stat line blew up with 78 receptions, 1,021 yards, and 7 TDs for the Orange. Miami might have its fair share of smaller receivers but one who can get open and add another threat is definitely needed. Meeks can also slide into a run-blocking role as teams find ways to get RBs involved after a big season of rushing. With Meeks, Miami might be able to wait until later rounds as he’s got talent but it’s talent that needs to be polished at an NFL level.
Yes, the Miami Dolphins have plenty of holes to fix on their offensive line. However, if they can attack the position pre-draft then it opens up their draft flexibility. Syracuse surprised enough opponents this year that scouts should’ve taken notice. Could Miami take a few former Orange to follow in the footsteps of former Dolphins such as Larry Csonka and Rob Konrad?
