Miami Dolphins set to make waves in NFL Draft with first two-round picks in three years

Apr 16, 2024, 2:09 p.m. ET

For the first time in the last three years, Miami will have turns in the first two rounds of the draft

MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins They have not been one of the teams most involved in the draft of the NFL over the last two years.

With eight total picks between 2022 and 2023 and zero first-round picks since 2021, the Dolphins They have relied primarily on free agency and trades to build their roster. But, with turns in the first two rounds for the first time in three years, and a squad that requires immediate improvement in several areas, the general manager Chris Grier A heavy task awaits you next week.

Your selections need to be hits.

Miami Dolphins, NFL Draft Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The first question you must answer Grier It is whether they remain in the No. 21 overall position, climb positions to look for a player they fall in love with, or go down in search of adding shifts. Miami He doesn’t have any picks in the third or fourth round.

“I think you should be open to everything,” he said. Grier. “If it’s a possibility to move up or down to put ourselves in a better position to take a player that we think will be a home run for us, we’re definitely open to moving. If someone wants to land at our spot and we move down to get additional shifts, “We’re very open to that, too.”

Miami lost several key players in free agency, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkinsright guard Robert Hunt y linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Also, he released the defensive starters Xavien Howard y Jerome Bakerleaving holes at the cornerback and linebacker positions, respectively.

Grier did a remarkable job filling those holes throughout the first few weeks of free agency, signing Jordyn Brooks y Kendall Fuller to replace Baker y Howard, respectively. Also, he signed seven defensive tackles, although it remains to be seen if any of them will factor into the team’s long-term plans. Miami.

In the first round, the Dolphins they must take the best player available, regardless of position; Luckily for them, the best player available could align very well with the team’s needs.

Editorial Selections

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The defensive tackle Texas, Byron Murphy IIwas a popular pick in several early mock drafts, and would be a home run if he’s still available at pick No. 21. If he’s taken, the Dolphins They could take advantage of the defensive tackle’s pass rushing ability. Illinois, Jer’Zhan Newton.

The offensive lineman Duke, Graham Bartonplayed left tackle, but could transition to guard, where the Dolphins They still need a starter on the right side. The offensive lineman Oregon, Jackson Powers-Johnsonis another candidate to transition to guard in the NFL after serving as a center for Ducks.

Beyond the positions of immediate need, the Dolphins They lack depth among their pass rushers. Jaelan Phillips y Bradley Chubb suffered season-ending injuries in 2023, and it remains to be confirmed by the franchise whether they will be available come Week 1. Even with both players healthy, the depth behind them is inexperienced beyond the veteran Shaquil Barrett.

Jared Verse of Florida State y Laiato Latu of UCLA They are the best to attack from the outside in this draft, after Dallas Turner of Alabama, and some of them could still be available with the 21st overall shift. Despite spending a 2021 first-round pick on Phillips in 2021, and sign Chubb to a contract for 110 million dollars in 2022, Miami He shouldn’t rule out another perimeter pass rusher.

The head coach of the Dolphins, Mike McDanielis a proponent of accumulating talent in that position.

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“I believe that you can’t have too many of those kids,” he stressed. McDaniel. “I think the more quality players you have, the fresher they can play, the more problems they give you offensively, because now you prepare to face six different movements to press, instead of two that a particular player has, that type of thing, and then they can stay cooler during the match. And it’s such an incredibly important position, which is why I’m all for it.

“You’ll have to convince me not to lobby with Chris [Grier] “Go for a defensive lineman or a perimeter pass rusher every year, because they are that valuable.”

The following selection of Miami He arrives in the second round, with the 55th overall pick. Grier You can invest that pick to fill whatever position remains, although there will obviously be a drop in talent. However, guards like Cooper Beebe of Kansas State y Christian Hayes of UConn They are options.

Los Dolphins They could also go for a catcher in the second round. Keon Coleman of Florida State It probably won’t be available, but Ladd McConkey of Georgia, Roman Wilson of Michigan o Ricky Pearsall of Florida could be a good addition at wide receiver, where the Dolphins lack a genuine threat behind Tyreek Hill y Jaylen Waddle. I’m Tavion Sanders of Texas could become the pass-catching tight end that most people like. McDanielbut choosing him feels unlikely after Miami will sign John Smith through a two-year agreement.

Los Dolphins They are not scheduled to elect again until the fifth round. They are holders of four third-day turns: No. 158 in the fifth round, No. 184 and No. 198 in the sixth, and No. 241 in the seventh round.

Grier has employed low shifts in Elijah Higgins, Ryan Hayes, Cameron Goode y Skylar Thompson over the last two years, with only Goode y Thompson appearing in matches for the Dolphins. The template Miami is good enough to support only two picks in the first 100 turns, but Grier He needs to use those Day 3 opportunities to add depth at safety, cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker.

Los Dolphins have built their core around talent picked and developed in-house, and the acquisition of established stars, and Grier He has patched most of his areas of need this offseason. Despite only having two turns in the first two rounds, Grier is in a position to add talent capable of immediately contributing to a club with aspirations of Super Bowl.

2024-04-16 18:09:00
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