3 Dolphins’ Targets That Have Steal Of The Draft Potential
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Dolphins are coming off of a tough season where they missed the playoffs for the first time in the Mike McDaniel era. They are in need of a mini rebuild after the team lacked the explosiveness that we’ve been accustomed to in the Tua/Tyreek/Waddle era. After watching players like Jevon Holland, Robert Jones, and Raheem Mostert walk in free agency, they didn’t have much room to sign replacements due to their cap situation. Their most noteworthy acquisitions were guard James Daniels, who is coming off an Achilles injury, and a new backup quarterback that no one is pumped about.
The Dolphins will be one of the NFL’s busiest teams on Day Three of the draft, as they have seven selections. With many roster holes to fill, which late round players could the Dolphins look to o be a draft steal and bolster their depth?
1. Chase Lundt, RT, Connecticut
Any position where Jackson Carman sees more than zero reps is in dire need of an upgrade. This is where Chase Lundt comes into play.
The four year starter, who is projected as a fourth round pick, is coming off of the best season of his college career where he did not allow a single sack, one quarterback hit, and only nine pressures in 449 pass protection snaps. All of this resulted in an 86.7 PFF grade in 2024, which was the 5th best among all offensive tackles eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.
UConn tackle Chase Lundt is one of the most athletic run blockers I’ve ever seen at the college level. Executing these pulls/climbs/backside cutoffs at almost 6-7 is absurd
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 26, 2024
He is one of the tallest players in this year’s draft, as he is 6-foot-8. He has exceptional mobility for a player his height and extremely sound technique, but he has a lean frame (which Bleacher Report hilariously described as “light in the pants”) that will cause him to struggle against more powerful edge rushers. That said, if he can add weight, he will be a strong contender to be an excellent value draft pick.
2. Upton Stout, DB, Western Kentucky
The Dolphins are in need of a Jevon Holland replacement, and drafting that player in the late rounds would be irresponsible. That’s not to say they couldn’t use extra depth in the secondary.
Upton Stout is undersized for a prototypical cornerback (5-foot-9, 182 pounds), which will severely limit his ceiling, but he’s an aggressive athlete who can play at any position in the secondary. He will struggle against bigger receivers, but has decent potential as both a nickel corner and a special teamer.
Upton Stout has my attention 👀
This is the type of physicality you want from a modern day Swiss Army knife DB. Rarely misses tackles.
90.9 run defense grade in his first year as a slot corner at Western Kentucky. Day 3 NFL upside as a nickel/safety prospect. pic.twitter.com/jSptn52sJ2
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 23, 2025
Despite his lack of size, Stout lives up to his last name as a run defender. He also led all defensive backs in bench press reps at the NFL combine with 21. He could be a strong sleeper pick in the correct scheme.
3. Zeek Biggers, DT, Georgia Tech
Before I go any further, I’m gonna throw this out there: of every player in this year’s draft, Zeek Biggers has my favorite name. A defensive tackle named Biggers. Are you KIDDING ME?!? That RULES.
Now, Miami has a golden opportunity to upgrade at the defensive tackle position in this year’s NFL Draft, especially early on, as many of this year’s first round prospects are defensive linemen.
That doesn’t mean they can’t double dip for depth purposes.
Georgia Tech DL Zeek Biggers with the burst and bigness. He’s from Salisbury, NC. @ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/u9vw5DkfKZ
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) January 25, 2025
Zeek Biggers is a nose tackle who is much more of a run defender than he is a pass rusher. He’s a strong anchor when called upon, and is rarely overpowered by offensive linemen. His scouting report also noted his sideline to sideline defensive ability as well as his motor and endurance. He’s a guy who had the ability to play a role as a defensive coordinator’s best friend – occupying multiple blockers while making it significantly easier for edge rushers and linebackers to make plays.
He projects as a late sixth round pick, but could go higher due to his measurables and athleticism. Due to the Dolphins currently not having a sixth round pick, there’s an feasible scenario where he is taken higher.
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