Miami Dolphins (Last Year: 11-6)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Dolphins have just two picks in the top 150, so they’ll need to trade down to acquire more resources. These resources will have to be used to strengthen the trenches on both sides of the ball. Miami lost so much pass-rushing talent this offseason, while the blocking continues to be a problem.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: It wasn’t a surprise that the Dolphins used their first two picks to bolster the trenches. Chop Robinson was a pass-rushing upgrade the team sorely needed at No. 21, while Patrick Paul was a steal in the middle of the second round. Protecting Tua Tagovailoa is imperative, and Paul will allow that to happen.
While the Dolphins didn’t trade down, they moved into the fourth round, using a third-round pick from next year. While this wasn’t a bad idea because the team’s Super Bowl window is wide open right now, it seemed odd that Miami would relinquish a valuable asset on a running back when the team already has several talented players at the position. I like Jaylen Wright as a prospect, but the move was a waste, although the Dolphins made up for it with their next two picks – Mo Kamara, Malik Washington – being great values. Washington seems like a tremendous fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense, and he’ll ease the pain from Tyreek Hill’s impending retirement. Kamara provides more needed pass-rushing help.
Though Miami didn’t acquire more assets, the team had a decent draft overall. There was one major blunder with the Wright selection, but the Dolphins addressed positions of need with solid value picks.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
21. Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State – B Grade
This pick makes a lot of sense. The Dolphins really needed a pass rusher with the team losing so many of them in free agency. Chop Robinson’s range was in the 20s – arguably a bit ahead of Jared Verse, depending on whom you ask – so the Dolphins are getting appropriate value. They needed a pass rusher to hound all the great quarterbacks in the AFC, and Robinson will help them do that.
55. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston – A Grade
I’m all for the Dolphins using resources to protect Tua Tagovailoa, given the injury history with the talented quarterback. Patrick Paul could have gone more than a dozen picks earlier than this, so I really like the value.
120. Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee – MILLEN Grade
I like Jaylen Wright and thought he should have been chosen in the third round. However, why would the Dolphins surrender a third-round pick to acquire him. They have a solid running back stable, so they didn’t need to give up an important resource like this.
158. Mo Kamara, DE/OLB, Colorado State – A Grade
Here’s another stellar value pick in the fifth round. Mo Kamara appeared in the third round of my mock at times, so he’s a steal here in the middle of the fifth frame. Kamara is a dangerous pass rusher, which was needed for the Dolphins after losing so many front-seven players this offseason.
184. Malik Washington, WR, Virginia – A Grade
This is a steal, as I thought Malik Washington could go in the fourth round. Washington is an elusive receiver who could emerge as a starter down the road when Tyreek Hill retires. Hill has stated that he won’t play much longer, so a successor was needed.
198. Patrick McMorris, S/CB, California – B+ Grade
Patrick McMorris is a very versatile, Jack of all trades-type player, who will be very useful for the Dolphins. He can be used at safety, nickel cornerback, and special teams. This is a solid choice.
241. Tahj Washington, WR, USC – A Grade
I thought Tahj Washington could potentially sneak into the third round, so this is a steal for the Dolphins. Miami didn’t have much receiving depth last year, so that’s been fixed here and with other picks, as Washington is a slot receiver who can make some big plays.
Season Summary:
The Dolphins appeared to be the best team in the NFL at one point last year, as both Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill garnered plenty of MVP discussion. That quickly went away, as Miami limped to the finish line as a result of numerous injuries.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Three Interior Offensive Linemen: Upgrading Tua Tagovailoa’s pass protection is crucial. Guard was already a need, but Connor Williams and Robert Hunt being impending free agents complicates matters. Signed Aaron Brewer
- Two Linebackers: Only one linebacker will be needed if Jerome Baker is retained. This area was a big weakness when Baker got hurt last year. Signed Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker
- Two Defensive Tackles: Make it one defensive tackle if Christian Wilkins is re-signed. Miami needs to get better in the interior of the defensive line. Signed Benito Jones and Neville Gallimore
- Offensive Tackle: An offensive tackle who could compete with Austin Jackson or serve behind the oft-injured Terron Armstead would be a nice addition.
- Tight End: Miami hasn’t had much production from its tight ends in several years. Signed Jonnu Smith
- Wide Receiver: The Dolphins could stand to add a better third receiver for when Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle gets injured.
- Safety: DeShon Elliott is another important free agent who has to be re-signed or replaced. Signed Jordan Poyer
- Punter: Miami had one of the worst punters in the NFL last year.
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2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Miami Dolphins Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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