We're two weeks away from theNFL Draft. Who are theMiami Dolphinsgoing to take with their first draft pick?
The Dolphins have Super Bowl aspirations with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill, but they went 11-6 last season and lost their first playoff game for the second year in a row. A lot of key players left in free agency, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and offensive lineman Robert Hunt, plus they have to deal with lingering injury questions around pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Miami brought in more help on defense with safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Kendall Fuller, among others, and they also extended an offer to Odell Beckham Jr.
The Dolphinshave the No. 21 pickin the first round of theNFL Draft. They're looking to add to the offensive line and rebuild their defensive front.Here's a look at who NFL experts have Miami taking in recent mock drafts:
Our latest Dolphins mock draft:Who will the Dolphins take in the 2024 NFL Draft? Latest seven-round mock draft for Miami
Graham Barton, offensive lineman, Duke
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: "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."
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Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: "Barton has positional flexibility. He could play guard or center if Miami asked that of him. Given Robert Hunt's departure and the signing of Aaron Brewer, fans can probably expect him to begin at guard."
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: "Barton is one of my favorite players in the class. He started at center as a true freshman before transitioning to be an All-American left tackle — and he’s also a capable guard. Miami needs interior O-line help, and Barton could provide it in multiple spots."
Jer'Zahn Newton, defensive lineman, Illinois
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: "They lost Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free agency, so why not add to the room with a smallish but quick inside player? They signed some veterans to help, but Johnny Newton can be a long-time starter inside."
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: "Free-agent departureChristian Wilkinsleaves enormous shoes to fill in Miami, especially considering his rare endurance for a DT, having logged more than 80 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps in each of the past two seasons. In related news, Newton barely came off the field over his last two spectacular seasons at Illinois."
Byron Murphy II, defensive tackle, Texas
Field Yates, ESPN: "The Dolphins just watchedChristian Wilkinsdepart in free agency, but Murphy has some traces of Wilkins in his game as a disruptive interior defender. Murphy had a great season in 2023 with five sacks, but the stats are far from the full story of his impact. He has a unique ability to torque and hold up against the run, and he makes life easier for the players around him."
Danny Heifetz, The Ringer: "The Dolphins are defined by their speed along the edges with receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but this is a team that desperately needs some bulk in the trenches. Losing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency leaves Miami craving an inside disruptor. A lot of teams have been shelling out cash on big contracts for defensive tackles this offseason. With this pick, Miami is able to add the interior presence it currently lacks, but at a much more affordable price."
Laiatu Latu, edge rusher, UCLA
Rhett Lewis, NFL.com: "If the medicals check out, this seems like a no-brainer. Latu is a straight-up technician off the edge. And with the uncertainty around whenBradley ChubbandJaelan Phillipswill be fully healthy following theirseason-ending injuries, the former Bruin fills a need, as well."
Chop Robinson, edge rusher, Penn State
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "WithJaelan PhillipsandBradley Chubbboth rehabbing from season-ending injuries, it won't surprise me if the Dolphins grab a veteran edge rusher in free agency and draft Robinson. Raw but ridiculously explosive, this Penn State product has immense upside with more tutelage."
Jared Verse, edge rusher, Florida State
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: "Yes, Miami hasBradley ChubbandJaelan Phillipsas its top edge rushers, but both are coming off serious season-ending injuries. ... That's why the Dolphins could take Verse, who has impressive power in his 254-pound frame. His 50 QB pressures last season were the eighth most in the FBS. Miami has to replace a few starters afteroffseason subtractions, but Verse would be a no-brainer selection if he's still on the board."
Olu Fashanu, offensive tackle, Penn State
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: "The Dolphins see Olu Fashanu falling and make an aggressive ascension to land a young offensive tackle with All-Pro upside. In this deal, they send No. 22 and No. 55 to the Colts for this selection and a fourth-round pick in return (No. 117)."
Jackson Powers-Johnson, offensive lineman, Oregon
Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report: "Oregon'sJackson Powers-Johnsonis a weapon on the move in the run game. Miami's rare ability to create advantageous angles for its line to gain leverage on defenders makes this a match made in heaven that would fully unlock JPJ's superpowers as a player."
Dolphins NFL draft picks 2024
Here are the picks held by the Miami Dolphins in the 2024 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, pick 21
- Round 2, pick 23 (55 overall)
- Round 5, pick 23 (158 overall)
- Round 6, pick 8 (184 overall)
- Round 6, pick 22 (198 overall)
- Round 7, pick 21 (241 overall)
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 includefuboTV, which offers a free trial for potential subscribers.
