Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins

Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins explores the Miami Dolphins’ potential plan to target a top wide receiver prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, as speculation grows about the long-term future of star wideout Tyreek Hill. While Hill remains a focal point of the Dolphins’ offense—recording 1,400+ receiving yards for the third consecutive season—his upcoming contract extension talks and advancing age (he turns 31 next season) have led NFL analysts and insiders to suggest the Dolphins will look to draft his eventual successor. For a team built around Tua Tagovailoa’s passing ability, securing a young, dynamic wide receiver to pair with (and eventually replace) Hill is critical to sustaining offensive success. Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins emphasizes that this isn’t a reaction to Hill’s current performance, but a proactive move by the Dolphins’ front office to plan for the future while maintaining their status as Super Bowl contenders.

Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins begins with a breakdown of the factors driving the Dolphins’ potential draft strategy. Hill’s current contract runs through the 2025 season, but extension discussions are expected to heat up this offseason. While the Dolphins have expressed interest in keeping Hill long-term, his high salary demands (he’s currently the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver at $30 million per year) could create cap constraints. Additionally, wide receivers over 30 often see a decline in speed and durability—key traits that make Hill one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers. “The Dolphins are doing what smart teams do: planning ahead,” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Tyreek Hill is still elite, but you don’t wait until a star player declines to find their replacement. You draft and develop their successor while they’re still playing at a high level, so the transition is seamless.” Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins notes that the 2025 NFL Draft is deep in wide receiver talent, with multiple prospects projected to be first-round picks—giving the Dolphins flexibility, even if they don’t trade up for a top selection.

Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins delves into the specific traits the Dolphins are likely targeting in a wide receiver prospect. Based on their offensive scheme, which relies on speed, route-running precision, and the ability to win one-on-one matchups, the Dolphins will prioritize prospects with 4.4-second or faster 40-yard dash times, sharp route-cutting skills, and strong hands. They’ll also look for players who can contribute immediately as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver, learning from Hill before eventually taking on a larger role. Two top prospects fit this mold: USC’s Malachi Nelson, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound receiver with 4.38 speed and 1,200+ receiving yards in 2024, and Ohio State’s Jalen McMillan, a 6-foot-1 route technician who led the Big Ten in touchdown catches (14) last season. “Nelson and McMillan are exactly the type of players the Dolphins need,” said former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. “Nelson has Hill’s speed, and McMillan has the route-running polish to complement Tua’s accuracy. Either one would be a perfect fit.” Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins highlights that the Dolphins’ scouting department has already spent significant time evaluating both players, with scouts attending multiple USC and Ohio State games this season.

Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins underscores how the Miami Dolphins’ current offensive system will influence their draft choice. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme is built around spacing, speed, and quick passes that let receivers use their athleticism after the catch—something Hill excels at. The ideal prospect will need to adapt to this system quickly, understanding how to create separation in tight coverage and make plays in the open field. McDaniel has also shown a preference for versatile receivers who can line up in the slot or outside, adding flexibility to the offense. “Our system requires receivers to be multi-dimensional,” McDaniel said in a recent interview. “They need to run routes from different positions, block when needed, and make plays in traffic. We’re looking for players who can do all of that—and do it at a high level.” The Miami Dolphins’ offensive staff has already met with Nelson and McMillan at the NFL Combine, discussing their ability to fit into the scheme and answering questions about their role on the team. This early engagement shows the Dolphins’ serious interest in both prospects, as they look to find a player who can thrive in McDaniel’s system.

Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins shows how drafting a young wide receiver will impact the Miami Dolphins’ short-term and long-term plans. In the short term, the rookie will provide much-needed depth behind Hill and Jaylen Waddle, reducing the wear and tear on Hill during the regular season and keeping him fresh for the playoffs. This is especially important for the Dolphins, who have their sights set on a Super Bowl run in 2025. In the long term, the rookie will be groomed to take over as the team’s No. 1 receiver when Hill eventually retires or departs. “Adding a young receiver isn’t just about replacing Tyreek—it’s about building a sustainable offense,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. “We want to keep Tua surrounded by playmakers for years to come, and this draft is a key part of that plan.” The Miami Dolphins’ locker room has also embraced the idea of adding a young receiver, with Hill himself saying he’d be happy to mentor a rookie. “I wish I had someone like me to learn from when I was coming into the league,” Hill said. “If the Dolphins draft a young guy, I’ll teach him everything I know—how to read defenses, how to work with Tua, how to be a professional. I want this team to keep winning even after I’m gone.”

Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins wraps up with the potential scenarios for the Miami Dolphins’ draft pick and what it means for their championship aspirations. If the Dolphins stay in their current first-round spot (projected to be around No. 15), they could target McMillan, who is expected to be available in that range. If they decide to move up for Nelson—who is projected to be a top-10 pick—they’d likely need to trade a combination of draft picks to a team near the top of the draft order. Either way, the Dolphins are prepared to make a bold move to secure their wide receiver of the future. “We have the draft capital and the cap space to make this happen,” Grier said. “We’re not afraid to be aggressive if it means getting a player who can help us win championships.” Successor to Star WR Projected in Draft for the Miami Dolphins ends with this takeaway: the Miami Dolphins’ plan to draft a successor to Tyreek Hill is a smart, forward-thinking move that balances immediate success with long-term stability. By finding a young receiver who can learn from Hill and eventually replace him, the Dolphins are ensuring that their offense remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous units for years to come—keeping them in the hunt for a Super Bowl title.