The Miami Dolphins parted with several key players this offseason as well as signed several free agents.
But, as the start of the season rapidly approaches, they need to prepare themselves for the 2024 NFL Draft. There are several areas across the Dolphins’ playing field where they could add an extra boost. However, they have yet to sign starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a contract extension, something that’s been discussed a multitude of times across the media.
Miami Dolphins Need to Use Draft Picks Wisely
The Miami Dolphins will have a first round pick on the opening night of the draft for the first time since 2021. They’ll have the 21st selection, along with five more picks, giving them a little bit of wiggle room when it comes to who they want to draft to their team.
Dolphins Draft Picks:
- No. 21 overall (first round)
- No. 55 overall (second round)
- No. 158 overall (fifth round)
- No. 184 overall (sixth round)
- No. 198 overall (sixth round)
- No. 241 overall (seventh round)
“I think you have to be open to everything,” Dolphins’ GM Chris Grier said when asked about options. “If it’s a possibility of moving up or moving down for something and get in a better position to get a player that we may say is a home run for us, we’re definitely open to moving up. If someone wants to drop our spot and we move down and pick up extra picks, we’re very open to that too as well.”
Miami weren’t able to keep key players around like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and guard Rob Hunt as they all signed with other teams in their free agency period. The Dolphins also parted ways with Jerome Baker and Xavien Howard, two positions in which are now a huge hole.
Address the Depth Concerns
While the Dolphins have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both of which combined for more yards (2,813) than any other wide receiver duo across the league in 2023, there are concerns at other positions that stretch beyond wide receivers; We saw the issue before our eyes when both Hill and Waddle got injured and had to miss time. But the Miami Dolphins should also look into adding some more offense that’ll help protect Tagovailoa.
The team had apparently offered a deal to WR free agent Odell Beckham Jr., but Beckham was quick to shut down any rumors or speculation that he had signed with the team after Hill had posted something on Twitter saying the free agent had signed with the team.
Running back seems to be secured after signing Raheem Mostert to an extension, and they also have De’Von Achane who had himself a fantastic rookie year with Miami, rushing 800 yards and had 7.8 yards per carry. But looking into a tackle would be a good idea seeing as though Terron Armstead has had a poor injury record.
It was reported on Wednesday that Tennessee WR RaMel Keyton was in Miami for a visit with the team. Keyton is projected to be a Day 3 pick or go undrafted, but he would add some much-needed size to Miami’s wide receiver table.
Tennessee WR RaMel Keyton was in Miami today for a visit with the #Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/hMG5Qqpj0m
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2024
Keyton signed with the Vols in 2019, spending five seasons with them and had arguably his best season in 2023 catching 35 passes for 642 yards and six touchdowns.
Dolphins Not Looking for Quarterback in First Round
Sealing up a back-up quarterback for Tagovailoa wouldn’t be a bad idea, but Grier told the media on Tuesday that that isn’t one of their main concerns as of right now.
I mean, can you blame them? Tua had a fantastic 2023 campaign: 4.624 yards, 29 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 69.3% pass completion.
“I would say that’s not somewhere I’m looking at in the first round,” Grier said. “It’s not a position we’ve even talked about. There’s some good players, but we’re very happy with Tua and where he is with us.”
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