For the first time since 2021, the Miami Dolphins will have a first-round draft pick and after a bruising free agency period, they will need it.
Christian Wilkins headlined a number of high-profile departures this offseason, as with the team knowing that Tua Tagovailoa’s contract extension is due shortly, they had to cut their cloth accordingly.
It’s therefore a big draft coming up for Mike McDaniel’s team. Here’s a closer look.
Miami 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)
*Third-round pick forfeited for violating anti-tampering policy
Key Needs
A host of free agency exits mean that the Dolphins have plenty of positions to address. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will be missed after signing for new teams, while defensive duo Jerome Baker (linebacker) and Zavien Howard (cornerback) were cut, creating more positions to fill.
A left tackle should also be on their draft board, with Terron Armstead having a poor injury record, while a receiver and tight end will also be on their long list.
Predictions
It’s tough to know what the draft board will look like when the Dolphins are up at number 21, but defensive tackle Byron Murphy II begin to compensate for the loss of Wilkins and Van Ginkel in the middle.
If left tackle Patrick Paul falls to the second round then the Dolphins should move for him there before they have to sit out the third and fourth rounds.
The depth of the wide receiver and cornerback classes could mean they have the option to take decent prospects on the final day.
Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here for details.