The 2025 NFL Combine is approaching and teams will look closely at the players entering the 2025 NFL Draft, which is just over two months away. Teams are preparing to upgrade their rosters to put the best possible team on the field every week throughout the season. Cerberus Fantasy Sports continues to break down four teams weekly with insights on team needs and overall draft strategies. This week we look at picks 13 through 16 in the draft, featuring the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals.
Miami Dolphins
Team Overview:
The Dolphins went 8-9 in 2024, marking the first time they finished below .500 since 2019. They were 22nd in points scored, 10th in points allowed, and tied for 22nd in turnover differential at -5. Although the Dolphins finished in 2nd place in the AFC East, they were a distant five games behind the Buffalo Bills and two games out of a playoff berth. They need a strong draft to get back into serious contention next season.
Top Needs:
Offensively, the Dolphins need to look for a quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa’s health seemingly always up in the air. There is little depth at wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Malik Robinson. That becomes more of an issue should Hill walk. Protecting the quarterback is at a premium so the Dolphins need upgrades at both guard positions and right tackle.
The biggest issues on the defensive side of the ball are across the line. Two starters are needed to replace 39-year-old Calais Campbell and Benito Jones, who underperformed last season. Safeties Jevon Holland and Jorden Pryor are free agents and the loss of Holland would be a big blow. Jordyn Brooks is a standout linebacker, but the Dolphins need better players around him to add depth and improve the group.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Dolphins have ten picks in the draft with one in each of the first three rounds, two in rounds four and five, and three in round seven. Don’t be surprised to see the Dolphins address the offensive and defensive lines in the first three rounds. Picking up a skill position at tight end or wide receiver and adding a linebacker is likely in the middle rounds, while the seventh round will likely be used to address the secondary and bring in a quarterback to develop.
Indianapolis Colts
Team Overview:
The Colts missed the playoffs for the 4th straight year after posting an 8-9 record in 2024. They were 17th in scoring, 24th in points allowed, and 19th in turnover differential. Only the Houston Texans finished with a record above .500 in the AFC South, so the Colts have a good chance to contend for the division title in 2025 with a solid draft and offseason free-agent acquisitions.
Top Needs:
The Colts have a major issue at quarterback with Anthony Richardson. While he still has plenty of potential, he was a major disappointment last season. Drafting a quarterback or bringing in a veteran is a must if Richardson continues to stumble. There is plenty of depth at tight end but none of them are particularly good. Could Tyler Warren of Penn State be the answer? Another question mark offensively is along the line, where Will Fries and Ryan Kelly are free agents.
Indianapolis was among the worst tackling teams in the NFL last season, and much has to do with a mediocre linebacking corps. Zaire Franklin is solid but he needs some help. The secondary needs upgrades at cornerback along the outside as well as safety should Julian Blackmon leave during free agency. There is a final need at kicker with Matt Gay particularly poor beyond 50 yards.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Colts have a single pick in each of the seven rounds and don’t be surprised if they snatch Tyler Warren in the first round. Addressing the needs in the secondary is a likely move over the next two rounds with the middle rounds focusing on a defensive lineman and an offensive lineman. The final rounds should be used to bolster other positions of need with the best available player. Adding a kicking will be likely through free agency or undrafted free agents.
Atlanta Falcons
Team Overview:
The Falcons’ streak of consecutive losing seasons reached seven after an 8-9 campaign in 2024. They finished 2nd in the NFC South and haven’t made the playoffs since 2017. Atlanta was solid offensively, finished 13th in scoring but was 23rd in points allowed, and tied for 25th in turnover differential. With only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers above .500 in the division in 2024, the Falcons don’t have far to climb in 2025 to overtake them.
Top Needs:
One of the biggest issues for the Falcons in 2024 was the play of their cornerbacks. A.J. Terrell is very good, but he had little to zero help in the slot or on the other side. A surprising area of need is edge rusher, butt Matthew Judon was ineffective for much of the season. Drafting an interior defensive lineman is crucial with nose tackle Eddie Goldman entering free agency. Jessie Bates is superb at safety, but an upgrade over Justin Simmons is needed to go along with him.
Kirk Cousins threw too many interceptions which led to Michael Penix Jr seeing late-season action. A veteran quarterback via free agency is needed with Cousins likely gone. In the draft, the Falcons need to address the center position with Drew Dalman entering free agency. Also look for the Falcons to find competition for punter Bradley Pinion, who had the fourth-worst average per punt last season.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Falcons will have a difficult time addressing all their needs with only four overall selections. They could make a trade to add more picks but assuming they don’t, look for them to pick an edge rusher in round one and a wide receiver in round two to help Michael Penix Jr. Rounds four and seven should address the secondary, and defensive line or linebacker. Look for other upgrades via free agency.
Arizona Cardinals
Team Overview:
Although the Cardinals missed the playoffs for the 3rd straight season with a record of 8-9, they improved considerably from back-to-back 4-13 seasons. They finished 12th in points scored, 15th in points allowed, and 18th in turnover differential. Arizona doesn’t have far to go to surpass the .500 mark next season for the first time since 2021. The main issue for the Cardinals contending is the NFC West is very competitive. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks finished above .500 last season, and the San Francisco 49ers expect a bounce-back season.
Team Needs:
Most of the biggest needs are on the defensive side of the ball. Along the line, Darius Robinson is counted on to rebound after a rough start, but upgrades are needed everywhere else. Edge rusher Zaven Collins has a huge upside, but with Dennis Gardeck entering free agency, the Cardinals need another pass rusher. Linebacker Kyzir White is a free agent and after an off-year, an upgrade is needed even if he would re-sign. The Cardinals have also had a glaring weakness in the secondary for what seems like an eternity. Garrett Williams is outstanding, but there is little else on the other side.
Offensively, the Cardinals must address the interior of the line to protect Kyler Murray, whose durability has been suspect. The slot receiver is an issue with Greg Dortch becoming a free agent. Truth be told, the Cardinals need an upgrade over him anyway after a sub-par 2024 season. Kicker Matt Prater has been very solid, but his contract is expiring and he may sign elsewhere.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Cardinals have six picks in this year’s draft. Look for them to select an edge rusher in the first round and address the offensive line with either a guard or tackle in round two. Adding a weapon for Kyler Murray at wide receiver and bulking the secondary is the likely strategy for the next two selections. The best available players at positions of need will be chosen for the last two picks. A veteran free-agent kicker or an undrafted free agent will likely be brought in to replace Prater.
This wraps up the breakdown for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals. Next week, we will focus on the 13th through 16th picks in the 2025 draft, featuring the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Denver Broncos. All four teams finished above .500 last season, although the Bengals and Seahawks narrowly missed the playoffs. The draft could make the difference between returning to the playoffs or spending another postseason at home. You don’t want to miss what we have for you next, so follow Cerberus Fantasy Sports for all draft coverage needs.