Dolphins draft picks: A look back at NFL Draft history since 2020
Since the 2020 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have made key choices from Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle to Jaelan Phillips and Jevon Holland.
The 2024 NFL Draft is a month away, and the Miami Dolphins are looking to take the next step toward the Super Bowl.
The Dolphins made the playoffs but lost their wild card game for the second straight season. Miami bid farewell to several key players on defense, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and cornerback Xavien Howard, while signing safety Jordan Poyer, cornerback Kendall Fuller and linebacker Shaq Barrett. On offense, Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill lost guard Robert Hunt but gained tight end Jonnu Smith.
The Dolphins have the No. 21 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. They’re looking to add to the offensive line and perhaps find the heir apparent to veteran tackle Terron Armstead, plus rebuild their defensive front. Here’s a look at who NFL experts have Miami taking in recent mock drafts:
Stackpole released his latest mock draft March 29. “Terron Armstead said he’ll play in 2024, but the 5-time Pro Bowl tackle will turn 33 years old in July and has only averaged 10 starts per season during his career (not counting his rookie campaign). History says the injury-prone Armstead will again deal with issues in 2024, so JC Latham would not be a massive (literally) insurance policy, but he could battle Austin Jackson for the starting right tackle spot.”
Edholm released his latest mock draft March 29. “The Dolphins’ starting tackles appear set, although depth is needed. They also could cross-train Latham at guard and have him take over at tackle down the road. He’s a worthy prospect in this spot and good value for Miami’s first first-rounder since Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips in 2021.”
McDonald and Nate Tice released their latest mock draft March 29. “Christian Wilkins was a big loss that the Dolphins need to attempt to replace in the draft. Murphy makes sense here as an explosive 3-technique who can wreak havoc in Anthony Weaver’s defense.”
McIntyre released his latest mock draft March 29. “I’ve been trying to speak this into existence for months, and I guess it’s still alive … until Tua gets his big-money extension.”
Kelly released his latest mock draft March 28. “After losing Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free agency, the Dolphins look to plug gaps in the interior defensive line by drafting Newton here. The former Illinois star is an absolute pocket-wrecker from the inside, using a great first step and tremendous upper-body power to toss aside hapless linemen and get to the quarterback. He’ll provide a much-needed boost at the defensive tackle spot.”
Edwards released his latest mock draft March 28. He had Miami trading the No. 21 pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for the 25th and 91st picks.
“Miami lost Christian Wilkins to Las Vegas, Raekwon Davis to Indianapolis in free agency. A team with title aspirations must add to that room this off-season, so they do in the first round.”
Edwards also has the Dolphins taking Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott in Round 2.
Davis released his latest mock draft March 28. “Need meets potential! The Dolphins lost their top two pass rushers to injury in 2023 (Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb). Here they seize the opportunity to add one of the best edge rushers in the draft.”
Prisco released his latest mock draft March 28. “Terron Armstead is getting up in the years and was said to be considering retiring, so it’s time to get a long-term left tackle. Amarius Mims can play right guard in 2024 when Armstead is on the field.”
Miller released his latest mock draft March 27. “Salary cap concerns have forced the Dolphins to remake their the offensive line, and Latham could fit well. He’s a handful for defensive linemen at 343 pounds and has excellent grip strength. Latham was a two-year starter at right tackle for Alabama (two sacks allowed) but has the potential to play either tackle or guard in the pros; he would likely push right guard Robert Jones out of the starting lineup as a rookie.”
Brooks released his latest mock draft March 26. “Beefing up the offensive line could help the Dolphins upgrade an offense that struggled against physical defensive fronts last season.”
Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN.com: Brian Thomas Jr., Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon offensive lineman
Tannenbaum released his latest mock draft March 26. “This pick could go in a number of ways, but with center Connor Williams still an unsigned free agent coming off a torn ACL and Robert Hunt leaving for a big-money deal in Carolina, there is a weakness on the interior of the offensive line (even with the addition of Aaron Brewer). Keeping a firm pocket for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is critical for the Dolphins’ success. JPJ had a great week at the Senior Bowl and a tremendous workout at the combine, where he showed excellent movement skills for a 6-3, 328-pound player. Powers-Johnson started 17 games in college and didn’t give up a single sack.”
Standig released his latest mock draft March 25. “The Dolphins suffered significant losses on both lines in free agency. Barton’s aptitude at all five spots gives the coaching staff flexibility, particularly with the interior line positions. Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton cannot be ruled out now that Christian Wilkins signed with the Raiders.”
Spielberger released his latest mock draft March 25. “Newton may slide a bit in the draft, akin to Calijah Kancey in 2023, given the Illinois product is a bit on the shorter side, but his frame is filled out and he uses his natural leverage very well. His Penn State tape from this past season was as impressive as any single game for an interior defender in college football. He is also a handful on all three downs, which was less true for Kancey. Miami immediately adds reinforcements on the interior after the loss of Christian Wilkins in free agency.”
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma offensive tackle
Reuter released his four-round mock draft March 22. “Miami can’t assume left tackle Terron Armstead will start 17 games in 2024, as he’s only started more than 13 games in three of his 11 seasons. Guyton mostly played right tackle at Oklahoma, manning lefty quarterback Dillion Gabriel’s blind side, but he took snaps on both sides.”
Reuter also has the Dolphins taking LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith in Round 2.
The Athletic’s NFL reporters released their last mock draft March 21. They had the Dolphins trading out of the first round and taking the 44th pick.
“If the Dolphins hope to remain competitive without getting too top-heavy, they need to inject the roster with cheap, young talent. In this sense, quantity became a little more important than quality. So with the first of their now two second-round selections, the Dolphins selected a wide receiver who fits their offensive philosophy perfectly. Worthy is an absolute burner who would join Hill, Waddle and De’Von Achane in tormenting defenses with their blazing speed. (Draft expert Dane) Brugler says Worthy ‘tracks the ball well but won’t win many 50-50 situations and needs space at the catch point to be effective.’ He’d find plenty of space in Miami.”
Brinson released his latest mock draft March 20. “The Dolphins could look to boost their pass rush with injuries a problem on that side of the ball. I’m going to give them some OL depth knowing they’ll need to protect Tua long term.”
Kiper released his latest mock draft March 19. “The organization could go a few different directions with this pick. I still like the pairing of Barton and the Dolphins, though, because of the way he could improve the middle of this O-line. Barton played mostly left tackle in college, but he has the traits to move inside and command the game. Miami ranked 31st in pass block win rate (49.2%) last season, so it has to improve.”
Davis released his latest mock draft March 19. “A left tackle for the Blue Devils, the two-time All-ACC selection is likely headed inside in the NFL due to his relatively short arms. And the Fins could use help there after losing Connor Williams, apparently, and Robert Hunt during free agency.”
Jeremiah released his latest mock draft on March 19. “The Dolphins have endured a lot of losses in free agency, including on the interior of the offensive line. Barton has legitimate five-position flexibility.”
When is the NFL Draft? How can I watch?
- Where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, Detroit, Michigan
- Round 1: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25
- Rounds 2-3: 7 p.m. Friday, April 26
- Rounds 4-7: Noon Saturday, April 27
The 2024 NFL Draft will air April 25-27 on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network. Streaming options include fuboTVwhich offers a free trial for potential subscribers.
2024-03-30 17:24:56
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