The Miami Dolphins enter the final day of the NFL Draft with seven valuable picks, aiming to strengthen their roster. With a fourth-round pick at 116 and multiple fifth and seventh-round selections, the team has a unique opportunity to address critical positions. Notable potential draftees include Kyle McCord, a promising QB from Syracuse, who could serve as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa. Offensive linemen like Cameron Williams and Jalen Rivers stand out, with versatility and potential to shore up the line. Defensively, Aeneas Peebles and Tim Smith bring tenacity to the front line, while Damien Martinez and Oronde Gadsden II offer depth and playmaking ability.

Mario Cristobal, head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, earned over $8.3 million in 2023 according to recent federal tax records released by the University of Miami. Out of this total, more than $8 million came from base compensation, with an additional $150,000 in bonuses and incentives. This figure marks a notable change from the previous year's reported compensation of $22.7 million, largely due to a buyout from his prior contract with Oregon.

In 2023, Cristobal's salary places him as one of the higher-paid coaches in college football, ranking 14th nationally. The landscape of college football coaching salaries continues to evolve, with expectations that several coaches will breach the $10 million mark in the upcoming seasons. Miami’s fiscal transparency reveals that Cristobal's contract remains competitive, especially as the school navigates the financial complexities inherent in college athletics.

The 2025 NFL Draft has kicked off with the Tennessee Titans selecting Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward as the first overall pick. Ward's selection marks a significant move for the Titans, who are looking to revamp their offense. The Giants made headlines by trading with the Texans to secure Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at 25th overall, as they hope to find a franchise signal-caller. Notably, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders fell out of the first round but is projected to be the first quarterback picked on Day 2.

Despite being highly regarded, Alabama's Jalen Milroe faced scrutiny over his inconsistent performance in 2024, which included a lackluster outing against the Oklahoma Sooners. ESPN's Paul Finebaum called Milroe a high-risk pick due to his mixed season. However, he is projected to be picked early in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams, where he may see the field in specialized roles, particularly under Sean McVay's coaching.

The NFL Draft has far-reaching implications not just for the teams involved but also for the collegiate football landscape. As top prospects make the leap to the NFL, colleges must search for replacements to fill the void left by these stars. Miami faces the challenge of replacing Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick and a Heisman finalist, with quarterback Carson Beck stepping in. Colorado is tasked with replacing Heisman winner Travis Hunter, whose two-way play will require multiple players to fill his shoes. Other schools like Penn State and LSU also have significant gaps to fill, with players like Dani Dennis-Sutton and Tyree Adams expected to step up. With the transfer portal available, teams have options to bolster their rosters, but player development remains a priority for many programs.

The 2025 NFL Draft saw a surprising twist with only two quarterbacks being selected in the first round. The Tennessee Titans chose Miami's Cam Ward first overall. The New York Giants then traded back into the first round to pick Ole Miss quarterback Jaxon Dart at 25th overall. Dart led college football in yards per pass attempt but displayed shortcomings in reading defenses. Notably absent from the first round was Shedeur Sanders from the Colorado Buffaloes, considered a top-three pick earlier in the process.

Moving forward, the second day of the draft presents a wealth of options for teams seeking quarterbacks. Notable prospects include Jalen Milroe, who had a rollercoaster season at Alabama and could benefit from learning behind a veteran. Will Howard, after an impressive year at Ohio State, is also garnering attention, with potential fits in New Orleans or Pittsburgh. Quinn Ewers from Texas and Kyle McCord from Syracuse are also on the radar for teams looking to add fresh talent to their rosters.