The 2025 NFL Draft is the marquee event of the offseason — one that’s set to shape the near future of several franchises. Whether it’s launching a full rebuild or adding a key piece to an already promising roster, the draft offers a chance to shift a team’s direction.
One of the most unpredictable teams in recent years has been the Miami Dolphins, often operating with draft boards that differ significantly from the consensus. That’s made it tough to know which needs Miami will prioritize. Yet, general manager Chris Grier recently addressed a key question that could offer insight into the team’s long-term plans.
Chris Grier Gives Insight on Dolphins’ Plans Ahead of the Draft
Tua Tagovailoa has been the Dolphins’ starting quarterback for the past five seasons. When healthy, he’s been productive — especially during the 2023 season, which was his best since entering the NFL.
But staying on the field has been Tua’s biggest concern. His terrific 2023 campaign was the only year he played all 17 regular-season games. Miami reached the postseason in back-to-back years prior to this past season, but his availability has made Miami’s long-term planning more difficult.
Grier addressed the possibility of selecting a quarterback with the No. 13 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but he made it clear he still believes in the team’s plan with Tagovailoa.
“I would say we have our starting quarterback. I wouldn’t rule anything out but we’re not looking to take a quarterback in the first round,” Grier said.
While Tagovailoa has struggled in key moments, including the Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs two seasons ago, his overall performance has worked well in Mike McDaniel’s system.
In 2024, Miami ranked 15th in PFSN’s Offensive+ metric with a score of 76.3. That average was mostly impacted by Tua’s six-game absence because of injury. When healthy and in control of the offense, the Dolphins stayed competitive and were in the playoff race until the final weeks.
Miami holds the longest active playoff win drought in the NFL. The last time the Dolphins won a postseason game was in 2000 against the Indianapolis Colts. Given that two-decade dry spell, there’s pressure on the team to deliver results. Still, Grier remains confident that Tagovailoa is the right quarterback to lead the franchise moving forward.
With traits every coach looks for — elite anticipation and quick processing — the Dolphins’ path to staying competitive still runs through their former Alabama QB. And at least for 2025, Tagovailoa’s job appears safe.