Dolphins dump Terron Armstead and welcome Will Campbell in latest mock draft from ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
With the National Football League’s free agency frenzy slowing down, fans’ focus has once again shifted to the 2025 NFL Draft and the multitude of mocks being done all across the world wide web — including some from yours truly.
Today’s featured mock draft comes from longtime NFL Draft guru, ESPN’s Mel Kiper. Kiper has been covering the draft since 1984 and is often considered the father of mock drafting, so when he speaks, plenty of ears perk up.
So, who did Kiper select for the Miami Dolphins in his Tuesday morning mock?
LSU offensive lineman, Will Campbell, was his pick — but his reasoning may surprise you.
“Left tackle Terron Armstead will be 34 if he returns for the 2025 season, but that’s a big if. He is mulling retirement, and the Dolphins are operating as if he won’t be back. So, considering the concussion and injury history of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami should be focused on finding Armstead’s heir apparent. Plus, this team ranked 28th in pass block win rate last season (55.7%), so it needs upgrading anyway.
Yes, Campbell’s arm length comes into question. He measured 32⅝ inches at the combine, which isn’t ideal for an NFL offensive tackle. But plenty of tackles start their careers at guard, and Campbell’s great footwork points to a successful career despite the length limitations.”
The selection of an offensive lineman at pick #13 isn’t surprising, but the fact that Kiper would project Campbell to be Armstead’s successor at left tackle should raise some eyebrows, considering the Dolphins seemed to have already drafted that player in 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul.
Kiper does mention that Campbell could start his career at guard, and that would be the likely scenario if Miami were to make him the selection in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. We will find out in just over a month if ESPN’s lead draft analyst is correct in assuming Chris Grier will want to continue to shore up Miami’s offensive line after signing James Daniels and re-signing Liam Eichenberg this offseason.