Could the Miami Dolphins Repeat History in the 2025 NFL Draft?
In sports, history has a way of repeating itself—sometimes for the better, and sometimes as a cautionary tale. The Miami Dolphins might soon find themselves in a familiar situation when the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.
With 10 total picks, Miami has a significant opportunity to address multiple roster needs. While the team’s first-round selection will receive the most attention, what they do in Rounds 2 and 3 could be just as crucial. However, the biggest storyline may come if a highly touted offensive tackle falls to them at No. 13—just as it did in 2016.
The Parallels Between Laremy Tunsil and Will Campbell
Rather than an exact repeat of history, the current situation with LSU’s Will Campbell carries a strong sense of irony. Just a few weeks ago, Campbell was widely considered the top offensive tackle in the draft, a “can’t-miss” prospect with the tools to dominate at the next level. But after the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, scouts began favoring Missouri’s Armand Membou over him.
Then came LSU’s Pro Day, where Campbell delivered an impressive performance that should have cemented his status as one of the top tackles in the class. However, his wingspan measurement—just over 77 inches—raised concerns. Suddenly, Campbell’s stock took a hit, and mock drafts now show him potentially falling to No. 13.
This situation mirrors what happened in 2016 with Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil was once projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, but a leaked video minutes before the draft caused him to plummet down the board. The Dolphins capitalized, selecting him at No. 13, even though they didn’t have an immediate need at left tackle. Instead, he played left guard as a rookie before eventually transitioning back to tackle.
A Strategic Move for the Dolphins
If Campbell falls to No. 13, Miami might once again pivot from their original draft plan and select a highly talented offensive lineman, just as they did with Tunsil.
The Dolphins could choose to start Campbell at left guard in his rookie season, especially if veteran tackle Terron Armstead retires. Miami also has Patrick Paul as an option for the left tackle spot. This scenario would closely mirror how they handled Tunsil’s arrival in 2016.
The Front Office Factor—Chris Grier’s Future
Beyond the draft implications, there is another layer of irony at play. The 2016 draft was the first year Chris Grier took over as Miami’s general manager, replacing Dennis Hickey. However, at the time, there was ongoing speculation about whether Grier or executive vice president Mike Tannenbaum had more control over the Dolphins’ draft decisions.
Grier eventually traded Tunsil to the Houston Texans, receiving a massive haul of draft picks in return. While many fans saw it as an incredible opportunity to rebuild the franchise, critics argue that Grier mismanaged those assets, failing to maximize the long-term benefit of the trade.
Now, as Grier enters what could be his final year as GM, Miami could once again select a top offensive lineman at No. 13—just as they did in his first draft as general manager.
Adding another layer to the story, there have been rumors that Grier may step down or transition to a different role within the organization, similar to how Tannenbaum was reassigned before eventually leaving the team.
Will History Repeat Itself?
With all these parallels in place, it’s entirely possible that the Dolphins could experience a near-repeat of 2016—drafting a falling offensive tackle, adjusting their roster accordingly, and navigating a front-office transition at the same time.
If Miami ends up selecting Will Campbell at No. 13, it could be a full-circle moment for Grier and the franchise. The only question is whether this time, the Dolphins will capitalize on the opportunity more effectively than they did with Tunsil.