Miami is at a crossroads, and Mike McDaniel knows it. With Terron Armstead’s retirement on the horizon, and the need to strengthen the secondary with a shutdown corner, the Dolphins  have their hands full this offseason. And, inadvertently, the Dolphins continue to eye the 2025 NFL Draft like a high-stakes poker game. Two names continue to draw attention, i.e., Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. and Michigan CB Will Johnson. If McDaniel wants to keep this Super Bowl window open, he cannot afford to gamble.

The offensive line is still a top priority for the Dolphins, but the current focus is on its secondary. And, as Jalen Ramsey is aging, it is the need of the hour. Amidst this, NFL Rumors has made a strong claim on X, with its post. It reads, “NFL RUMORS: Michigan CB Will Johnson as a lot of interest from the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.” It looks like the Dolphins are harboring a strong interest in the Michigan CB, a 6’2”, 200-pound defensive back whose ball-hawking instincts reign supreme.

The catch point is Johnson’s nine career interceptions during his three seasons at Michigan (2022-2024). He secured the interceptions for 237 return yards and one touchdown. Racking up three picks for 29 yards in 2022, with a breakout four-INT season in 2023, followed by his exceptional play in 2024 with two interceptions, it makes him one of the best cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Pair it with his shutdown potential, opposing QBs fear him on the fields.

Field Yates of ESPN also echoed similar sentiments in favor of drafting Johnson, remarking, “There is a big hole at CB2 in Miami opposite Jalen Ramsey, with Storm Duck and Cam Smith currently listed as options to start. Johnson has strong ball skills… he’s a good example of a prospect who has enough tools to overcome any potential limitations.”

So, if the Dolphins want to secure a future CB1, Will Johnson is definitely the best prospect, whether in terms of his humongous size, speed, or his instincts. And, it is crucial to make a strong decision with much tenacity, given the sudden retirement of Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead.

Mike McDaniel eyes Kevin Banks Jr. to fix Dolphins’ offensive line crisis

Miami’s offensive line is at a critical juncture as Terron Armstead is retiring. Playing altogether for 12 NFL seasons, with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, he is calling it quits. Amidst this, protecting Tua Tagovailoa, who was riddled with injury concerns across his career, has now become a key concern for the Dolphins. Hence, McDaniel is eyeing a draft solution, and Kelvin Banks Jr., who played college football for the Texas Longhorns, can show a possible way out.

With his humongous stature of 6’4”, 320-pound wall, and his record as a three-year starter and 2024 Lombardi Award winner, he is a great fit. There’s more to him. Pro Football Focus rated him as the top Power 4 pass-blocker over the last two seasons.

Banks is a plug-and-play prospect with 42 college starts and solid experience against SEC-level pass rushers. And he can possibly fill the massive void left by Terron Armstead. If drafted, Banks may become the most technically refined protector Tagovailoa has had. With the future at stake, the Dolphins need to pursue their choices further aggressively to keep a strong hold on their defensive future.