Dolphins select Maryland safety in fifth round of 2025 draft
The Miami Dolphins had a busy third day of the NFL draft, and concluded the trifecta of fifth round picks by selecting a safety.
Miami drafted Maryland’s Dante Trader Jr. with the 155th pick, following the earlier selection of Maryland nose tackle Jordan Phillips with the 143rd pick, Florida cornerback Jason Marshall with pick No. 150.
The Dolphins also acquired a 2026 third round pick from the Houston Texans by trading out of the fourth round on Saturday.
The Dolphins had two fifth round picks coming into the draft and acquired a third from the Las Vegas Raiders in the trade that helped Miami acquire the pick they used to selection Arizona offensive guard Jonah Savaiinaea with the 37th overall pick.
Trader played 47 college games, contributing 190 tackles (two for loss), five interceptions and forcing one fumble.
He’s considered a zone specialist, who brings value against the run and the pass because he’s physical and moves fluidly in coverage. He’s known to be quick to diagnose plays, and limits his false steps.
However, he reportedly lacks top end speed, and has a smaller frame (5-foot-11, 202 pounds) than most NFL safeties.
According to draft experts, Trader should be able to carve out a long career on special teams because of his toughness, and intelligence.
Trader will likely compete with free agent additions Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu, and holdovers Patrick McMorris and Elijah Campbell for the two starting safety sports that were vacated by Jevon Holland signing with the New York Giants, and Jordan Poyer not being re-signed, and possibly retiring.
General Manager Chris Grier went into this draft proclaiming that Davis and Melifonwu would be in the driver’s seat to win the starting spots, but Miami will allow the competition to dictate what happens, and Holland and Brandon Jones’ tenure in Miami proves the franchise isn’t scared to promote a rookie safety into a starting role.
