On Tuesday, Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel met with local and national reporters before jumping on the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available now wherever you get your podcasts. He provided updates on some of the Dolphins goals this week at the Scouting Combine and this offseason, starting with the offensive line.
"I think we have a tangible opportunity to improve (the offensive line), and that starts in free agency with a couple of guys that we have targeted, and that continues into the draft," he said. "I think it's a very good time to have some need. It's time for us to invest in that position and (we are) excited to (do so)."
McDaniel also clarified that tackle Terron Armstead has not yet made his decision about his playing future, but the team is operating under the assumption that he will not be back. If that's the case, second-year tackle Patrick Paul would likely step into the left tackle role while Austin Jackson's return from a season-ending injury provides Miami with their right tackle.
Center Aaron Brewer played every snap for the Dolphins in 2024 and produced at a high level. The guard position is currently in flux as each of the three players to log reps in those spots – Robert Jones, Liam Eichenberg and Isaiah Wynn – are all set to hit the free agent market.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks the Dolphins have an opportunity to check that need off the list with their first pick in the 2025 draft, number 13 overall.
"I love (Alabama guard) Tyler Booker. To me, he's plug-and-play, and I think he sets that firm pocket for Tua (Tagovailoa)," Jeremiah said. "Armand Membou (Missouri) can play tackle, can play guard – either one of those I think would be home run picks that could solve a need and provide really good value for Miami in the first round."
Booker ranks 13th on Jeremiah's latest Top 50 prospects for the 2025 Draft.
"Booker is one of the cleaner evaluations in the draft class. He has ideal size, awareness and consistency. In the pass game, he sets with a wide/firm base and easily absorbs power rushers. In the run game, he can move defenders lined up over his nose and he is excellent on combo blocks up to the second level. Sources at Alabama compare his leadership qualities to those of former Tide star Will Anderson. Booker should be an immediate starter with Pro Bowl potential."
Missouri's Armand Membou checks in at No. 18 on DJ's big board.
"He has knock-back power to uproot defenders over his nose. He could more than hold his own at tackle in the NFL but has the tools to become an All-Pro guard. He reminds me of Alijah Vera-Tucker coming out of college."
For all the updates from McDaniel's Tuesday press conference, and the full chat with both McDaniel and Jeremiah, download the Drive Time Podcast.
