Take a look at draftees Dolphins could target on Day 2
The second day of the NFL Draft is when good franchises build the foundation of title contending rosters.
Second-day draft prospects typically don’t come with the prestige and price tag that the first-round picks possess, but second- and third-round selections typically make up the core of an NFL team’s roster because they should eventually develop into solid NFL starters.
And if a team hits on these second-day players they will be able to keep their roster affordable.
The second day of the NFL draft typically features runs on positions. Friday, expect a run on tight ends, receivers, cornerbacks and safeties, along with offensive and defensive linemen in Rounds 2 and 3 because that’s where there’s quality depth in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at some of the top players still available.
Quarterbacks
▪ Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — Much like Tua Tagovailoa, Sanders excels because of his accuracy and ability to read the field quickly. But his arm strength is just adequate, which might limit him to one of the warm-weather teams, and make a domed stadium and team (think New Orleans) his ideal landing spot. The problem is most teams don’t want the headache of having to deal with his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders.
▪ Alabama’s Jalen Milroe — Much like Jalen Hurts was during his Alabama days, Milroe was more of an athlete than a polished passer during his collegiate career. He possesses a ton of arm strength, but needs more refinement to become an NFL starter. Watching and learning from a similar quarterback would benefit Milroe.
▪ Syracuse’s Kyle McCord — McCord struggled as Ohio State’s starter before breaking out with the Syracuse Orange last season, throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns. McCord has a quick, smooth release and makes quick decisions consistently. Expect him to be an early third-day pick.
▪ Louisville’s Tyler Shough — If one player has a chance to become a Day 3 steal as a selection it’s Shough. Shough has prototypical height (6-foot-5), enough arm strength and a compact and quick release to make some team fall in love with him as a project. The problem is this 26-year-old is the oldest player in the draft.
Tailbacks
▪ Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson — Henderson, who rushed for 3,761 yards and scored 48 touchdowns in his four collegiate seasons, has sweet feet, which allow him to stop and start on a dime. He’s also tough enough to run through first contact, which is required in the NFL. He has dealt with multiple injuries at college, so durability concerns could push him into the third day.
▪ Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins — Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake serve as proof that two front line NFL backs can be on the same collegiate team when they were at Alabama from 2012 to 2015. And the fact that Judkins and Henderson shared the Buckeyes backfield could extend their NFL careers. Judkins’ jump-cut running style and his effectiveness as a pass protector makes him an ideal fit for a pass-first offense that throws outlet passes to tailbacks.
▪ Kansas’ Devin Neal — Neal, who produced three 1,000-yard rushing seasons and scored 53 touchdowns in his four-year collegiate career, is a tough, shifty back who runs with excellent vision. He has the ability to grind out games, but might be even more dangerous as a pass catcher. However, his pass blocking could use some work.
▪ Georgia Trevor Etienne — His name sounds familiar because his older brother is Travis Etienne, a 2021 first-round pick who has rushed for 1,000 or more yards in two of his first four seasons. Despite his small frame (5-foot-9, 205 pounds) this Etienne is a tough runner who loves contact. He excels running between the tackles and has a reliable set of hands. However, he has some off-field baggage and never produced a 1,000-yard rushing season in his three collegiate seasons. He will likely be a third-day pick, but don’t be shocked if he has a productive NFL career if he finds the right coach.
Tight ends
▪ LSU’s Mason Taylor — Taylor, the son of Hall of Fame pass rusher Jason Taylor and nephew of Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas, is the type of do-it-all tight end every team is looking for. He silenced concerns about his straight-line speed by running a 40-time in the 4.5s and has the core strength needed to become a functional in-line blocker. His route running needs a bit of refinement, but put in the right hands he could be talking about a Pro Bowl talent.
▪ Miami’s Elijah Arroyo — This former University of Miami standout had a breakout season with Cam Ward as his passer last season, catching 35 passes for 590 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. But most of his collegiate career was spent battling injuries, and that’s exactly what could push him into the draft’s third day. Whatever team selects him in the second, third or fourth round will need to be comfortable with his medical history. Injuries this spring prevented NFL teams from getting things like a 40-yard dash or three-cone drill, which is what teams use.
▪ Bowling Green’s TE Harold Fannin Jr. — Fannin put up massive numbers in college — 180 receptions for 2,396 yards and scored 22 touchdowns in three seasons — because of his athleticism and explosiveness. He typically finds a soft spot in zones and feasts. But he’s undersized (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) for the position and might not have the functional strength needed to serve as an in-line blocker in the NFL, despite the 22 reps of 225 pounds he put up at the NFL Combine.
▪ Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II — Just like his father, a former Miami Dolphins starting receiver who shares the same name, Gadsden acts like he’s the rightful owner of every pass that comes into his area. He has impressive body control for a 6-foot-5, 236 pounder, and is a dangerous weapon in the red zone (14 touchdowns in 36 college games). But Gadsden seemingly lacks the technique to be an effective in-line blocker, and might need some developmental time to become a full-service tight end. Still, the 21-year-old will likely end up being a steal as a third-day selection.
Offensive linemen
▪ Purdue OT Marcus Mbow — Mbow, who played right guard his first two seasons before transitioning to right tackle last year, is a tone-setter as an offensive lineman. He has a nonstop motor that allows him to lean into his physicality. He has a light, high-cut frame, which impacts his ability to anchor at times. Still, this top-100 talent has the ability to become a starter in a season or two if he finds the right coaches and fit.
▪ Arizona OG Jonah Savaiinaea — Though he has played mainly tackle through his college career, the expectation is that he will be moved inside, and his thick trunk should help him excel as an offensive guard who can anchor down. His combination of agility and size (6-5, 330 pounds) should allow him to become an immediate starter.
▪ Sacramento State OG Jackson Slater — His combination of size (6-4, 316 pounds) and speed allows him to be a dangerous guard who excels when it comes to lateral movement. This four-year starter is smart, and typically stays on his feet. He will likely be an early third-day pick who has the potential to become a starter in a season or two.
▪ West Virginia OG Wyatt Milum — Milum was one of college football’s better tackles, but his short arms have most NFL teams projecting him as a guard. He’s effective in a phone booth, and nimble enough to climb to the second level, which makes this 6-6, 317-pounder ideal for an outsize zone scheme.
▪ Georgia OG Tate Rutledge — This 6-6, 320-pounder has a tall frame, but he uses his power to absorb bull rushes. He has enough athleticism to climb to the second level, but he’s not a perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme. He’s a plug-and-play right guard, which might lead to him sliding into Day 3.
▪ Georgia OG Dylan Fairchild — This high-cut blocker has an impressive blend of size (6-5, 315 pounds) and athleticism. His frame allows him to keep inside rushers away from his body, and he keeps his feet under him consistently. Pass-heavy teams will love him, but zone blocking teams might view him as a developmental project.
▪ LSU Miles OL Frazier - He’s a four-year starter in the SEC, and has played four different positions along the offensive line. He has the size (6-5, 325 pounds) and power to handle some of the NFL’s bigger nose tackles, and possesses enough lateral quickness to work in a outsize zone scheme. However, he plays off balance quite a bit, which can lead to some dangerous sacks.
Receiver
▪ Missouri’s Luther Burden III — Burden, who produced 2,263 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in his three collegiate seasons, is a dynamic presence when in open space. His explosiveness and short-area quickness is what separates him, making him a dangerous run-after-catch player. The one area of his game that needs to improve is his route running, which could use some technical work.
▪ Texas receiver WR Isaiah Bond — Bond is the type of receiver whose speed and movement skills will force defensive backs to respect his skills, giving him an extra yard or two off the line. The biggest concern is that he lacks the size (5-11, 180) and is fairly lean, which could lead to durability concerns. Bond also never put up huge numbers in college at Alabama or Texas, which is why he will likely Day 3 pick.
▪ Utah’s Jalen Royals — Royals, who produced 1,914 yards and scored 21 touchdowns on 126 receptions in his three collegiate seasons, has impressive short-area and long-area speed. He has playmaking instincts with the ball in his hands. The 6-foot, 205-pound receiver needs to clean up his route running to become an NFL starter.
Defensive tackles
▪ South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders — Sanders, who produced 109 tackles (17.5 for loss) and 9.5 sacks in his three collegiate seasons, is a do-it-all defensive lineman who effectively stacks and sheds blocks from would-be tacklers. He played with leverage consistently and features a great change of direction. But the 6-4, 297-pounder struggles to shed blocks at times, which is why he will likely be a Day 2, or early Day 3 pick.
▪ Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner — Turner, who contributed 115 tackles, 10 sacks and forced three fumbles during the 43 games he played, is quick off the snap. He has impressive short-area agility and burst for someone who is 6-4, 300 pounds. However, he needs to learn how to diagnose blocking schemes quickly to maximize his potential.
▪ Toledo DT Darius Alexander — Alexander, who recorded 127 tackles, nine sacks and one interception in his five collegiate seasons, is a stout presence against the run. He’s strong when it comes to anchoring down, but has limited upside as a pass rusher. He’s also typically a step behind when it comes to reading plays.
▪ Texas DT Alfred Collins — Collins, who produced 141 tackles, seven sacks, forced two fumbles and pulled down one interception in his five collegiate seasons, is a force against the run. He’s the type of presence who can set the tone for any defensive front. However, he’s viewed as a two-down player because of his unrefined pass rushing moves.
▪ Kentucky DT Deone Walker — Walker is more explosive than you would expect from someone who is 6-6, 345 pounds. But his tape is filled with inconsistencies, and because he’s so tall he struggles to keep his pad level low. With the right coaching Walker, who contributed 132 tackles, 10 sacks and forced one fumble in the 37 collegiate games he played, could become a disruptive force in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
Linebackers
▪ South Carolina ILB Demetrius Knight Jr. — Knight, who produced 229 tackles (16.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks and four interceptions during his college career, is an old-school, downhill thumper as a linebacker. He rarely gets stuck on blockers and has the mental tools to turn into this draft’s defensive rookie of the year. What he lacks is speed (4.58 time in the 40-yard dash) and at 24 he’s one of this draft’s older prospects.
▪ UCLA ILB Carson Schwesinger — Schwesinger, who had a dynamic 2024 season for the Bruins, contributing 136 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions, plays with range and instinct. This former walk-on has impressive short-area movement skills, and he has the ability to be a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. He was a starter for only one season, so expect teams to be patient with his selection, possibly targeting him in the third round.
▪ Oklahoma ILB Danny Stutsman — Even though Stutsman was a tackling machine in college (376 career tackles, eight sacks and three interceptions) he might lack the stack-and-shed ability in the NFL going up against bigger and stronger offensive players. He needs to refine his tackling approach and clean up his man coverage. But Stutsman could be a Day 3 steal for a defense looking for vocal play caller.
▪ Georgia WLB Smael Mondon Jr. — Mondon is a former five-star recruit who didn’t exactly live up to expectations at Georgia, but some of that had to do with the amount of talent around him. He produced 212 tackles (17.5 for loss), eight sacks and one interception in his four seasons, and was used in a variety of ways. While he struggles to anchor against linemen, he’s effective covering downfield, which hints he could be a three-down weak-side linebacker for a team that targets him early in the draft’s third day.
▪ Marshall OLB Mike Green — Green, who recorded 131 tackles (32.5 for loss), 22.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his three collegiate seasons, has a lightning-quick first step. He has effective technique, which allows him to use a wide range of moves to beat offensive tackles. And he’s strong (28 reps of 225 pounds). But he wasn’t facing a high level of competition when he produced his 17-sack season at Marshall last year, so whatever team takes him is making a calculated gamble.
▪ Arkansas’ OLB Landon Jackson — Jackson brings some intriguing physical traits, possessing the size (6-7, 280 pounds), length, strengths and quickness to play in any scheme. His best attribute is his ability to stack and shed blockers effectively, which makes him an asset against the run. He plays with a level of violence that will be attractive to some of the NFL’s more physical teams.
Cornerback
▪ Michigan’s Will Johnson — Johnson is a big (6-2, 202 pounds), strong, fluid cornerback who is excellent in zone coverage. He has a nose for the ball, which is indicated by the nine interceptions he has pulled down in the 32 games he has played the past three seasons. Talent wise, he’s a top-10 pick in this draft class, but medical red flags (turf toe, hamstring and a possible knee injury) have soiled his stock, and whatever team selects him is gambling that his best days are ahead of him, and not behind him.
▪ OIe Miss’ Trey Amos — Amos has the perfect skill set and physical traits to become an immediate starter for an NFL team that runs a Cover 2 defense. His smooth footwork and fluid hips should lead to him being a top-75 selection. There are some concerns about Amos’ tackling ability.
▪ East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr. — Cornerbacks with Revel’s blend of size, length (6-3, 193 pounds) and athleticism typically go early in the draft. Especially for athletes such as Revel who are fluid and concise with their footwork and have the physicality to match up with bigger receivers. But Revel tore his ACL in September and might have to begin the 2025 season on injured reserve, which could push him into the third day of the draft.
Safety
▪ South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori — No prospect in this draft elevated his stock more at the NFL Combine than Emmanwori, who showcased his speed (4.38 in the 40), athleticism (11-foot, 6-inch broad jump and 43-inch vertical), and strength (20 reps of 225). He has played cornerback and safety in college, but is best when working in the box as a run defender. The only fear is that this 6-3, 227-pounder will outgrow the safety spot.
▪ Notre Dame FS Xavier Watts — Watts, a converted receiver, has smooth, fluid footwork that allows him to change directions quickly. He flies down into the box and plays with a physicality that should be admired, and his final two collegiate seasons proved he’s a ball hawk (13 interceptions). Put him in a zone defense and let him do what he does best, which is read routes and jump them.
▪ Texas FS Andrew Mukuba — Mukuba, who tallied 212 tackles, one sack and six interceptions in his four collegiate seasons, is a rangy ballhawk who makes quick reads and plays off instinct. His football intelligence is his best attribute. But he has a lean frame (5-11, 186 pounds), and that might push him into the third day of the draft.
▪ Oklahoma FS Billy Bowman Jr. — If Bowman was two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier he would be a lock to become a first-round pick because his football intelligence, and instincts are top shelf. He’s able to read blocking schemes and route concepts quickly, putting himself in position to make plays (11 college interceptions). But the 5-10, 192-pound playmaker lacks stopping power to help in run support consistently.
▪ Penn State FS Kevin Winston Jr. — Winston’s athleticism and instincts grant him the ability to be a sideline-to-sideline safety. He moves fluidly and has good short-area quickness, but an ACL injury he sustained last September, which limited him to three collegiate games, could push him into the third day of the draft even though he ran a 4.45 time in the 40 at his Pro Day in March.
