The Miami Dolphins made eight selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Of course, the first-round selection of massive defensive lineman Kenneth Grant has gotten the most talk. The team stressed a desire to get tougher in the trenches, and Grant certainly should help in that regard.
Then, the team added another powerful body for the trenches in the second round by selecting Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, who has experience at multiple positions on the line and could be a valuable starter for years to come.
However, Gennaro Filice of NFL.com identified sixth-round pick and running back Ollie Gordon II as potentially the biggest sleeper pick on the team. Regarding Gordon's potential as a rookie, Filice offered the following:
The Dolphins’ backfield has been defined by track speed under Mike McDaniel, so this pick immediately raised an eyebrow, with Gordon being a 226-pound bruiser. After leading the nation in rushing and winning the Doak Walker Award in 2023, Gordon experienced a significant decline in production this past fall. But he could find an immediate role in Miami as a short-yardage banger. Remember: the Dolphins are looking to project might.
Picking Gordon as the team's rookie sleeper is certainly an interesting choice.
The Dolphins have a crowded running backs room, so it's hard to see Gordon making an immediate impact.
De'Von Achane was electric in 2024, running for 907 yards and six touchdowns. Additionally, Jaylen Wright showed some promise as a rookie last season, taking 68 carries for 249 yards. The team also added veteran Alexander Mattison and undrafted free agent Nate Noel, so there's plenty of competition in the room.
As Filice points out, though, Gordon is a bruiser who could offer a skillset that Achane and Wright don't as a goal-line back. Mattison also struggled mightily in 2024 for the Las Vegas Raiders, so it wouldn't be a stretch to see Gordon beat Mattison out for a spot.
Gordon was a monster in college at Oklahoma State and even finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2023. The running back rushed for an FCS-leading 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2023, and earned All-American honors as a result.
In 2024, Gordon's numbers took a slide, but so did the entire Oklahoma State team. The Dolphins have frequently gotten results out of running backs, so it won't be surprising to see Gordon flourish.