Ollie Gordon II is ready to make a statement in the NFL, donning the No. 31 jersey as a reminder of his journey and the teams that overlooked him during the draft. The Miami Dolphins' sixth-round pick, who won college football's Doak Walker Award, aims to turn the disappointment of being selected late into fuel for his career. With only 880 rushing yards last season at Oklahoma State, he reflects on his performance and the motivation behind his choice of number.

Gordon's determination is palpable as he acknowledges that 31 teams passed on him, vowing to use this as a driving force. The Dolphins see potential in him, and he's eager to show why he deserves to be recognized as a valuable player in the league. His journey from being a late draft pick to making an impact on the field will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The Miami Dolphins have made strategic moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, prioritizing defensive strength with the selection of defensive interior Kenneth Grant from Michigan. Grant's impressive 2024 run-defense grade of 87.5 solidifies Miami's already formidable defense, which ranked sixth in the previous season. In addition, the Dolphins look to bolster their offensive line by drafting Jonah Savaiinaea, a versatile player with a strong pass-blocking grade. Meanwhile, the team faces questions surrounding running back Ollie Gordon II, whose promising 2023 season was overshadowed by a decline in performance in 2024. As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season, the battle for cornerback depth will be pivotal, especially with the potential trade of Jalen Ramsey.

The Miami Dolphins have chosen to shake up their running back strategy by selecting Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State with the 179th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his 226-pound frame and powerful running style, Gordon could provide the Dolphins with a needed boost in short-yardage situations. His impressive college performance included winning the 2023 Doak Walker Award and leading the nation in rushing yards. Interestingly, Gordon's draft stock fell despite his accolades, making him the first Doak Walker winner to not be selected in the first four rounds in over two decades.

Though he faced challenges in 2024 with a subpar offensive line and unremarkable quarterback play, the Dolphins are optimistic about his potential. A scout noted that Gordon is eager to prove himself, and Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has expressed confidence that the 2023 version of Gordon will shine in the NFL.

The Miami Dolphins made a strategic shift in their 2025 NFL Draft by prioritizing size over speed, a notable departure from their recent trends. Their first-round pick, Kenneth Grant, a defensive lineman from Michigan, stands out for his size and projected impact, while the selection of running back Ollie Gordon II showcases the team’s new focus on physicality at skill positions. The Dolphins' draft class, comprising eight players, reflects a balance between athleticism and the need for robust players capable of handling the rigors of the NFL.

Analyst Kent Lee Platte's Relative Athletic Score (RAS) gives insight into how these players measure up against historical standards at their positions. This draft strategy could reshape the team’s identity moving forward, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on the potential of these rookies as they adapt to the professional game.