The Miami Dolphins now have several holes on their roster following NFL free agency. They were either forced to release starters due to salary cap issues or saw others leave for larger pay days.
It’s not an ideal situation for general manager Chris Grier and Co. to be in after yet another premature exit in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, Miami only boasts six picks in the 2024 NFL Draft after exhausting selections on trades for key players. The team doesn’t have a pick in the third or fourth round of the annual event later this month.
It’s in this that we provide you with an ideal Miami Dolphins mock draft for 2024 with some analysis included in.
Related:Â 2024 NFL mock draft
Miami Dolphins draft picks 2024
Here are the Miami Dolphins draft picks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
- First round, 21st overall
- Second round, 55th overall
- Fifth round, 158th overall
- Sixth round, 184th overall
- Sixth round, 198th overall
- Seventh round, 241st overall
Miami Dolphins team needs 2024
- Offensive tackle
- Guard
- Defensive tackle
- Linebacker
- Tight end
Related:Â Updated Miami Dolphins Super Bowl odds
2024 Miami Dolphins mock draft: Filling holes in order to contend
First round, 21st pick: Troy Fautanu, offensive tackle, Washington
Current left tackle Terron Armstead’s future is in doubt after several injury issues over the past few seasons. He is coming back for 2024. But we have no idea how long the veteran will hold up after missing 20 games over the course of the past three years.
We also know that right tackle Austin Jackson is a weak link on the Dolphins’ offensive line. Pro Football Focus graded him out at under 70 a season ago.
If the Dolphins are serious about protecting Tua Tagovailoa and making sure he stays healthy, this must be a focal point. The good news? Our Dolphins mock has them acquiring a value player in Fautanu at a need position. He’s projected to be a top-15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. “He comes from a good program and he’s a really hard-nosed player who can take coaching. Love the makeup,” NFC national scout to NFL.com.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft EDGE rankings
Second round, 55th pick: Ruke Orhorhoro, defensive tackle, Clemson
Miami is sticking with its 3-4 scheme despite moving on from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. With respected young defensive mind Anthony Weaver coming into that role this season, we’re expecting the Dolphins to target defenders that fit his former Baltimore Ravens unit.
Orhorhoro is just that. The 6-foot-4, 294-pound defensive lineman is a perfect fit to play defensive end in this scheme. He ran a 4.89 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and is extremely explosive off the snap for someone his size. The former Clemson star was also super productive in college, recording 24 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in his final three seasons.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings
Fifth round, 158th pick: Zak Zinter, guard, Michigan
Multiple areas of concern on the Dolphins’ offensive line heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Isaiah Wynn could be a placeholder at one guard position. But there is a lack of depth and talent across the board when it comes to the interior of Miami’s offensive line.
Enter into the equation a player in Zinter who could actually be a Day 1 starter. The former Michigan standout was a First-Team All-American this past season. He started 42 games over four seasons with the Wolverines. There is a heck of a lot to like here as it relates to immediate production and long-term growth. Not bad in Round 5.
Related:Â NFL trade tracker with grades
Miami Dolphins 7-round mock draft 2024
- First round, 21st overall: Troy Fautanu, offensive tackle, Washington
- Second round, 55th overall: Ruke Orhorhoro, defensive tackle, Clemson
- Fifth round, 158th overall: Zak Zinter, guard, Michigan
- Sixth round, 184th overall: Jordan Whittington, wide receiver, Texas
- Sixth round, 198th overall: Tanner McLachlan, tight end, Arizona
- Seventh round, 241st overall: Darius Muasau, linebacker, UCLA