Miami helped itself in free agency, still needs to address trenches

MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins have not been overly involved in the NFL draft over the past two years.

With eight total draft picks in the 2022 and 2023 iterations and no first-round pick since 2021, the Dolphins have relied heavily on free agency and trades to build their roster. But with picks in the first two rounds for the first time in three years, and a roster that could use immediate improvement in certain areas, general manager Chris Grier has an important task awaiting him next weekend.

These picks have to hit.

The first question Grier must address is whether to stay at No. 21 overall, move up for a player they’re enamored with, or trade back to add picks. Miami doesn’t own any selections in the third or fourth rounds.

“I think you have to be open to everything,” Grier said. “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 to our spot and we move down and pick up extra picks, we’re very open to that as well.”

Miami lost several key players to free agency, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, right guard Robert Hunt and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. It also released defensive starters Xavien Howard and Jerome Baker, leaving holes at cornerback and linebacker, respectively.

Grier did a commendable job filling those holes through the first few weeks of free agency, signing Jordyn Brooks and Kendall Fuller to replace Baker and Howard, respectively. He also signed seven defensive tackles, although it remains to be seen whether any of them factor into Miami’s long-term plans.

In the first round, the Dolphins should take the best player available, regardless of position; luckily for them, the best player available could very well align with their team needs.

Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II was a popular pick in several early mock drafts and would be a home run if he’s still on the board at No. 21. If he’s gone, the Dolphins could go for the pass-rushing acumen of Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton.

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton played left tackle but could transition to guard — where the Dolphins still lack a starter on the right side. Oregon lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson is another candidate to transition to guard at the NFL level after playing center for the Ducks.

Beyond their positions of immediate need, the Dolphins lack depth at pass-rusher. Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb both suffered season-ending injuries last season, and it has yet to be publicly confirmed by the Dolphins whether either will be ready for Week 1. Even with both players healthy, the depth behind them is unproven after veteran Shaquil Barrett.

Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu are the best edge rushers in this draft after Alabama’s Dallas Turner, and one of them may be available at No. 21 overall. Despite spending a first-round pick on Phillips in 2021 and signing Chubb to a $110 million contract in 2022, Miami should not rule out taking another edge rusher.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is a proponent of stockpiling talent at that position.

“I’m of the belief that you can’t have too many of those guys,” McDaniel said. “I think the more quality guys you have, the fresher they can play, the more issues they give you offensively because now you’re preparing for six different pass-rush moves instead of two that a particular player has, those type of things, and then they can play fresher during the game. And it’s just such an incredibly important position that I’m all for that.

“You’d have to talk me out of not trying to pitch to Chris (Grier) to draft a defensive lineman or edge every year because it’s that valuable.”

Miami’s next pick comes in the second round at No. 55 overall. Grier can use that selection to address whichever position remains, although there will obviously be a drop-off in talent. However, guards such as Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe and UConn’s Christian Haynes are options.

The Dolphins could also opt for a pass-catcher in the second round. Florida State’s Keon Coleman probably won’t be available, but Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, Michigan’s Roman Wilson or Florida’s Ricky Pearsall would be a suitable addition at wide receiver, where the Dolphins lack a realistic threat after Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Texas’ Ja’Tavion Sanders could develop into the pass-catching tight end McDaniel craves, but drafting him feels unlikely after Miami signed Jonnu Smith to a two-year deal.

The Dolphins aren’t slated to make another pick until the fifth round. They own four Day 3 selections — No. 158 in the fifth round, Nos. 184 and 198 in the sixth round and No. 241 in the seventh round.

Grier has used late-round picks on Elijah Higgins, Ryan Hayes, Cameron Goode and Skylar Thompson over the past two years, with only Goode and Thompson appearing in games for the Dolphins. Miami’s roster is good enough that it can withstand having only two top-100 draft picks, but Grier should use these Day 3 picks to add depth at safety, cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker.

The Dolphins have built their core around a mix of homegrown talent and acquiring established stars, and Grier has patched up most areas of need this offseason. Despite owning just two picks in the first four rounds, Grier is in position to add talent capable of contributing right away to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.