The Miami Dolphins will pick 21st overall in this week's 2024 NFL Draft, unless they trade out. Who should they select?
As I have gone further into scouting for the 2024 Draft, I have narrowed and broadened my view on certain picks for Miami. The list of players I would be happy with in the first round is fairly substantial, with some caveats of course. Without further ado, let's jump into the list!
1a. Byron Murphy II - DT - Texas
Byron Murphy is probably at the top of my list of players I would love to draft in the first round. Recent rumors suggest he may go as high as 8, but I have also seen him fall to 21 in mocks as well. He would be an elite pass-rushing DT to pair with Zach Seiler and a guy who could help bolster the interior of the defense with Wilkins' departure. He is a fantastic player and would make a lot of sense for Miami if he is available.
1b. Troy Fautanu - OL - Washington
I would personally be surprised to see Fautanu here, but he is a great prospect at tackle and someone Miami could move inside to guard with tackle flexibility. Despite his athleticism and great mobility, he did not have the best year run blocking last season. However, with good coaching, he will be a great NFL lineman wherever the Dolphins would play him.
1c. Graham Barton - OL - Duke
I put these three players on equal footing, but I don't necessarily expect the first two to make it to 21. Barton, however, should be there. The question then would become, can we trade down and still get him? I'm not sure if Miami loves Barton as I do, but he seems like the perfect fit in this offense, and I will keep pounding the table for him. He was a great tackle in college who will likely move inside to guard, but that versatility means he could play tackle in a pinch. He is an aggressive run blocker, with great athleticism and the ability to block in space, and will be a great pass-blocking guard. He has risen up boards quite a bit, but I expect him to be there at 21.
2a. Laiatu Latu - Edge - UCLA
Another player who I don't believe will make it to 21, but, if he does, he's a tough player to pass up. This is especially true knowing the caliber of teams selecting after us. Latu will be a double-digit sack player for the next 10 years barring injury. The question for me is, do we really need him at 21? Are we drafting for need or the best player available? Because he will be the best player available if he is there at 21. I just think DT or OL is a much more pressing matter for this team.
2b. Jared Verse - Edge - Florida State
Yet again, someone who may not be there at 21, but there are plenty of mocks that have him sliding down the draft due to all the offensive talent in the class. Verse is a great player who will be a consistently good Edge/Big End at the next level. He is good against the run and pass, strong, quick, and everything you need in a good edge player. I have the same thoughts that I do with Latu. Is he a need, or just the BPA?
3a. Johnny Newton - DT - Illinois
I like Johnny Newton, I do, but I like Murphy substantially more. I also believe Kris Jenkins in round 2 is not too far off of him. When I watch them both, Newton is better as a pass rusher, but I love what Jenkins brings against the run. I'm not opposed to Newton at 21, and if that is the pick, it's a good one. I just wonder if we can't get similar production in round 2.
3. Jackson Powers Johnson - OL - Oregon
From the first draft profile, I did this year until now, JPJ has been sliding down draft boards recently due to the limitations people think he has. Many still think he is C/G 1, others have Barton passing him up. I feel similarly. JPJ is a player that it seems we could trade back and still draft, so getting him at 21 may feel like a reach now. However, Miami would be getting a really good player who is a great scheme fit. I would be happy to have him on the team, but 21 does feel a bit early based on recent rumblings.
There is the idea of trading back in the first round as well. I like the idea of trading back if certain players are still on the board and you believe you can get your guy. The handful of players I would want in a trade-down scenario are Graham Barton, JPJ, or Jordan Morgan. I doubt we could trade down to get anyone on the defensive side who is a higher value than those three guys.