You could argue that no team bled more talent this offseason than the Miami Dolphins, especially on the offensive and defensive lines including: Outstanding defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, stud center Connor Williams, and stalwart guard Robert Hunt. Also cut, or lost in free agency were Cornerback Xavien Howard, Linebacker Jerome Baker, and defensive lineman Emmanuel Ogbah. Unfortunately their two starting edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips were injured late last season.
The Dolphins began replacing positions of need with the free agent signings of edge Shaq Barrett, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, cornerback Kendall Fuller, and safety Jordan Poyer on defense. They also added athletic tight end Jonnu Smith and versatile center Aaron Brewer, who has also played guard.
Miami then used the draft to plug more holes, starting with first-round pick edge rusher Chop Robinson, who is another in the line of unparalleled athletic freaks that Penn State produces every year. He is quick and explosive, but hasn’t lived up to his potential production wise possibly due to being double teamed often.
The Dolphins’ second round pick was at another position of need in Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul, who led all FBS tackles in 2023 with a 91.5 PFF pass blocking grade, which is especially important to oft-injured, traditional pocket passer Tua Tagovailoa.
Miami then traded up into the fourth round for speedster Jaylen Wright who averaged 7.4 yards per carry at Tennessee. They then drafted Mel Kiiper and favorite Mohamed Kamara (no relation to Alvin), who is not surprisingly also explosive. Next was sixth round pick out of Virginia, Malik Washington, who jumped out of the gym at the combine. He is also a kick returner, which may come in handy with the new kick-off rules. They concluded their draft with safety Patrick McMorris out of Cal, followed by small, but productive Tahj Washington from USC.
All in all, I think Miami potentially filled holes, and would grade their draft as a solid B.
