Will Miami Be Able To Avoid Draft Day Temptation?
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half of an NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Nov. 19, 2023.
At draft day parties, picking wide receivers is usually something that will get the crowd hyped up, while drafting offensive lineman might be met with some groans> The Miami Dolphins need to worry about winning a Super Bowl, not winning over fans at the NFL draft party. The Dolphins still have Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill at wide receiver, but after the two stars it’s slim pickings, but the bigger need is with the offensive line.
The Dolphins currently have three holes on the offensive line that need to be filled, and even though Terron Armstead has decided to come back for the 2024 season, that doesn’t solve all the issues. The Dolphins had all kinds of injury issues along the offensive line in 2023 which really limited the offense, especially against good defenses. The most important part of the Dolphins team is still quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and protecting him is priority number one. Getting more weapons would be nice, but if he’s not on the field because he’s hurt, those new weapons don’t matter. Concussion issues have been an issue for Tagovailoa which makes it even more vital that he stays upright.
Who Should the Dolphins Target?
The Dolphins currently hold the 21st overall pick, and there should be plenty of guys they could draft to improve the offensive line that could come in right away and be an impact player. Alabama tackle J.C. Latham might not be still on the board, but if he is, the Dolphins should be running to the podium to turn in their pick. Latham was first-team All-SEC last season for the Crimson Tide, and he really anchored a line that went to the college football playoff. Even with Armstead coming back this season, it’s hard to imagine that he will be back in 2025. Play Latham for a year at guard, and move him back over to tackle when Armstead leaves after the season.
Graham Burton might not be a household name yet, but he’s another option for the Dolphins at 21. Burton was a standout with the Duke Blue Devils and super comfortable playing both guard and tackle. The last couple of seasons in Durham, North Carolina, Burton started at tackle, but early in his career, he was a center. Most draft experts see him being more of a guard in the NFL, but his positional flexibility works great for a team that has so many holes. Burton might never be a star in the NFL, but a good starter is all they are looking for.
Amarius Mims didn’t play a ton at Georgia, but could end up being the best offensive lineman out of the 2024 draft. Mims dealt with injury issues at times with Georgia, but he was still a five-star recruit out of high school. Mims might be the most explosive and athletic offensive lineman in the draft, and as long as he stays healthy, would be a difference-maker in South Florida.
If the Dolphins select one of the guys above or decide to go with a different offensive line, they should be able to come away with a solid starter in the first round. Drafting offensive lineman can be hit or miss, especially in later rounds, which is why it makes even more sense to get that position improved early.
Deep Wide Receiver Draft
Another big reason why it makes sense to improve the line early is because of how deep this wide receiver draft is. Arizona wide receiver Jacob Crowning was a standout for Arizona, and could come out of training camp as wide receiver for the Dolphins, and he won’t be drafted until the middle rounds. In 2023 with the Wildcats he caught 90 passes for 848 yards and 13 touchdowns.
If the Dolphins want to go even deeper, Luke McCaffrey, the younger brother of Christian McCaffrey would make a lot of sense. McCaffrey performed well during the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine which might help the draft stock a bit, but he should still go in the later rounds. McCaffrey might never be a star in the NFL, but with Waddle and Hill already on the roster, the Dolphins aren’t looking for a star, just someone to fill the third wide receiver role.
There is a ton of pressure on the Dolphins this season to win the AFC East, and getting the first-round pick could have a big impact if they are able to get it done. Drafting a wide receiver in the first round would be a mistake. The Dolphins need to draft an offensive line that will play a big role in winning the AFC East for years to come.
Up Next