As the NFL draft approaches, every team faces a critical decision: Should they draft players based on positions of need, or should they prioritize selecting the best player available, regardless of their current roster composition? For the Miami Dolphins, this question carries significant weight as they aim to continue building a competitive team so that they can contend for championships in the near future. With a balanced roster that has some clear strengths and weaknesses, the Dolphins face a unique challenge when evaluating their draft strategy.
The Miami Dolphins have several positions that could benefit from bolstering through the draft. Fans, analysts, and even team insiders have identified key areas like the offensive line, defensive line, cornerback, and safety as needs. Drafting for need would help solidify these positions and potentially provide immediate contributors to the roster. By targeting these positions, the Dolphins can address weaknesses and increase their chances of success in the upcoming season.
For instance, the offensive line has been a long-standing issue for the Dolphins. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health and success being paramount to the team’s future, ensuring that he has the protection he needs should be a top priority. If a top-tier offensive tackle or guard is available when the Dolphins are on the clock, drafting for that need makes sense, as it directly impacts the offense’s efficiency and Tua’s development.
On the other hand, selecting the best player available (BPA) can be a more long-term strategy that might help the Dolphins continue to build a well-rounded and deep roster. Often, the BPA approach results in selecting highly talented players who can contribute right away, but more importantly, these players provide the team with flexibility and the ability to improve in ways that are not immediately obvious.
For example, if the Dolphins have a solid starting cornerback group, drafting the best cornerback available could allow the team to trade an existing player for future assets or improve the depth at a crucial position. If the Dolphins opt for BPA and take a top-tier edge rusher or wide receiver, they might find themselves adding a game-changing player who could make a big impact down the line, even if it’s not a glaring need at the moment.
Moreover, drafting BPA allows teams to remain flexible in terms of roster construction. Suppose the Dolphins select a highly rated running back when the roster already has solid players in that position. In that case, they can trade current players or utilize them in more dynamic ways within the offensive or defensive schemes. This depth can prove invaluable over the course of a long NFL season, where injuries and rotations often become a significant factor in a team’s success.
While there is no universal answer, many experts believe that balancing both approaches is the key to a successful draft strategy. The best teams often find ways to draft players who can help with immediate needs while also selecting players with the highest potential for long-term success. The Miami Dolphins have some pieces on their roster, including Tyreek Hill, Zach Sieler, and De’Von Achane, but they still need to build around these players in a way that strengthens the overall team. If the Dolphins can strike the right balance between addressing immediate needs (like offensive line and cornerback) and selecting the best player available, they could create a dynamic roster that is not only competitive now but also sustainable for the future.
Whether the Miami Dolphins decide to draft for need or select the best player available, the ultimate goal should always be to strengthen the roster and improve the team. Both approaches have their merits, but the most successful teams tend to find a balance between filling specific needs and adding top-tier talent, regardless of position. As the Dolphins prepare for the 2025 draft, they must carefully weigh these strategies to ensure they make the right decisions to build a championship-caliber team.
