The 2023 Miami Dolphins draft consists of just four picks after multiple blockbuster trades and the league stiffing them a first-rounder due to tampering.
As Miami looks to get over the hump and be seen as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, it is important for general manager Chris Grier to find at least a couple immediate contributors. Whether this means Miami trades down for more selections remains to be seen. But we wouldn’t be too surprised if that happens.
With this in mind, let’s provide you with our full seven round Miami Dolphins mock draft for the 2023 event.
Miami Dolphins draft needs 2023
Here is a list of the Miami Dolphins’ draft needs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
- Tight end
- Offensive line
- Wide receiver
- Cornerback
- Defensive line
- Safety
2023 Miami Dolphins draft picks
- Round 2 – 51st overall
- Round 3 – 84th overall
- Round 6 – 197th overall
- Round 7 – 238th overall
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL mock draft
Miami Dolphins mock draft: Building around the fringes
Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Dolphins mock draft.
Round 3, 64th overall: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
- Trade: Dolphins deal 51st pick to the Bears for 64th, 103rd and 133rd picks
With only four selections, it makes perfect sense for Miami to trade out of the 51st pick and add more capital to the mix. What better way than to entice a Bears team that added a ton of picks by moving down from the No. 1 selection? In this scenario, Miami picks up two fourth rounders by moving down 13 spots.
In the process, Mike McDaniel is able to acquire a player in Tucker Kraft who could be his version of George Kittle. The small-school product stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 254 pounds. He has plus-level athleticism for someone his size and was super productive in college (65 receptions, 773 yards in 2021). Kraft would simply add another red-zone threat for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Round 3, 84th overall: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
Even after acquiring Jalen Ramsey in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, cornerback is a need for Miami. Ramsey will team up with Xavien Howard to form one of the best boundary duos in the NFL. At issue here is depth in South Beach.
A surprise first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Noah Igbinoghene has been a disaster in three seasons with the Dolphins. He yielded quarterback ratings of 135.3 and 129.4 in his first two seasons, respectively. The Fins are not going to retain him long term.
We absolutely love Rush’s fit in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. He’s big and physical at the line while boasting an NFL-level frame (6-foot-2, 198 pounds). While there are concerns over Rush’s ability to stick with shiftier wide receivers, this frame and his plus instincts seem to be a great fit in South Beach.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL Draft big board
Round 4, 103rd overall: Braeden Daniels, G, Utah
If there is one issue as it relates to the Dolphins’ offensive line, it’s depth. They would love to find versatility in the mid rounds with the possibility of a prospect sliding into a starting guard role.
Daniels is an ideal fit. He started at both guard spots and right tackle during a brilliant career with Utah. The young man also yielded just five career sacks in 1,400 pass-blocking snaps with the Utes. That’s astounding.
Seven-round Miami Dolphins mock draft
- Round 3, 64th overall: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
- Round 3, 84th overall: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
- Round 4, 103rd overall: Braeden Daniels, G, Utah
- Round 4, 133rd overall: Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
- Round 6, 197th overall: Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
- Round 7, 238th overall: Marquis Waters, S, Texas Tech