Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, one priority stands out above the rest: addressing key roster gaps that could limit their Super Bowl aspirations. After a strong 2024 season that ended in a divisional playoff loss, the Dolphins face potential departures at critical positions—most notably, left tackle Terron Armstead, who is set to become a free agent, and defensive end Jaelan Phillips, who has dealt with recurring injury concerns. To shore up these areas, recent mock drafts have projected the Dolphins to select a player who could serve as an ideal replacement for one of these veterans: University of Michigan offensive tackle Zak Zinter. Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins explores why Zinter is viewed as a perfect fit for the Dolphins, his skill set, and how he could impact the team’s future success.

Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins begins with the Dolphins’ pressing need at offensive tackle and why Zinter emerges as a top target. Armstead, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offensive line since 2022, protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side. However, at 33 years old and coming off a season with knee and elbow injuries, Armstead’s future in Miami is uncertain. If he leaves in free agency, the Dolphins would be left with a massive hole at left tackle—an issue that could derail their high-powered offense. Zinter, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman, has established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft class after a standout career at Michigan. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023 and 2024, helping the Wolverines win back-to-back national championships. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a rare prospect who can step in immediately and protect a franchise quarterback—a quality the Dolphins desperately need. “Zinter checks every box for a team looking to replace a veteran left tackle,” said NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “He’s tough, technically sound, and has the experience of playing in big games—something that translates well to the NFL.”

A key reason Zinter is considered an ideal replacement for the Dolphins is his versatility and ability to fit into Miami’s offensive scheme. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel runs a wide-open, zone-based offense that requires offensive linemen to be agile enough to pull, block on the move, and maintain leverage against quick defensive ends. Zinter excels in all these areas: at Michigan, he played both right and left tackle, showing the ability to adapt to different positions, and his film highlights his quick feet and ability to seal off edge rushers. He also has a reputation for being a physical run-blocker, which aligns with the Dolphins’ focus on balancing their passing attack with a strong rushing game (led by Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane in 2024). “What makes Zinter special is that he’s not just a pass-blocker—he’s a complete lineman,” said former NFL offensive lineman Joe Thomas. “McDaniel’s offense needs guys who can do it all, and Zinter can hold his own in pass protection and open up holes in the run game. That’s a rare combination.” Zinter’s experience playing in a pro-style offense at Michigan also means he’ll have a shorter learning curve in the NFL, allowing him to contribute early in his career.

A critical aspect of Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins is how Zinter’s addition would impact the Dolphins’ roster and long-term plans—and what it means for the current Miami Dolphins team. If the Dolphins select Zinter in the first round (projected to be around the 15th overall pick), they would not only fill a potential void left by Armstead but also secure Tagovailoa’s blind side for the next decade. Tagovailoa has emerged as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, leading the league in passing yards (4,825) and touchdowns (35) in 2024, but his success depends on staying healthy. A reliable left tackle like Zinter would reduce the number of hits Tagovailoa takes and give him more time to make plays downfield. For the Miami Dolphins, this move would also allow them to be more aggressive in free agency: instead of overspending on a veteran left tackle, they could use their cap space to address other needs, such as re-signing defensive playmakers or adding depth to the secondary. “Drafting Zinter would be a strategic win for the Dolphins,” said NFL cap expert Jason Fitzgerald. “It’s a long-term investment that frees up resources in the short term, allowing them to keep their core intact while addressing a critical position.”

Another important angle of Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins is the potential fallback options if Zinter is off the board—and why the Dolphins’ draft strategy remains sound. While Zinter is the ideal choice, mock drafts acknowledge that he could be selected by a team ahead of the Dolphins, such as the New York Jets or Cleveland Browns, who also need help at offensive tackle. In that case, the Dolphins have other strong options, including Alabama defensive end Dallas Turner, who could replace Phillips if he can’t stay healthy, or Notre Dame wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who would add depth to a receiving corps that could lose Tyreek Hill to free agency in 2026. However, most analysts agree that Zinter is the best fit for the Dolphins’ immediate needs. “The Dolphins’ draft strategy is solid because they’re targeting a position that’s critical to their success, regardless of free agency outcomes,” said draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. “If Armstead stays, Zinter can play right tackle and eventually take over when Armstead retires. If Armstead leaves, Zinter steps in immediately. It’s a win-win scenario.” For the Miami Dolphins, this flexibility is key: the NFL is unpredictable, and having a draft plan that accounts for multiple outcomes ensures they won’t be caught off guard.

Wrapping up Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins is what Zinter’s selection would mean for the Dolphins’ status as Super Bowl contenders. The Dolphins have come close to reaching the Super Bowl in recent years, but they’ve fallen short due to injuries and roster depth issues. Adding a player like Zinter would address a major vulnerability and give them the stability they need to compete with AFC powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. Zinter’s presence would also help the Dolphins maintain their offensive dominance, as they would have one of the league’s top offensive lines—an asset that becomes even more important in the playoffs. “The difference between good teams and great teams is the ability to address weaknesses in the draft,” said former NFL coach Tony Dungy. “The Dolphins have a chance to do that with Zinter. He’s the kind of player who can help them take the next step and win a Super Bowl.” For the Miami Dolphins, the 2025 draft represents an opportunity to solidify their place among the NFL’s elite, and selecting Zak Zinter as an ideal replacement for Terron Armstead would be a major step in that direction. Ideal Replacement Landed in Mock Draft for the Miami Dolphins isn’t just a story about a mock draft pick—it’s a look at how the Dolphins are building a team that can compete for championships for years to come.