The Miami Dolphins maintain the twenty first general decide in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is about to start on April 25.
Late-season accidents and quite a lot of notable offseason subtractions have left Miami with a number of holes across the roster that must be crammed within the draft. Nevertheless, contemplating that the Dolphins solely personal six 2024 choices, they might choose to commerce the twenty first decide to accumulate extra draft capital.
Even so, since they personal a first-round decide in the meanwhile, listed here are three prospects who can be one of the best match for the Dolphins at No. 21 general.
Offensive lineman Troy Fautanu, Washington
The inside of Miami’s offensive line took successful throughout free company, with the departure of guard Robert Hunt, who signed a large five-year, $100M cope with Carolina. Though Miami might change Hunt by re-signing its former beginning heart Connor Williams now that it acquired Aaron Brewer this offseason, drafting a guard within the first spherical might be within the crew’s greatest curiosity.
Fautanu, final season’s Morris Trophy recipient, performed all however one snap at left deal with for the Huskies in 2023, however it may be argued that he is essentially the most versatile offensive lineman within the draft. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes that together with his 6-foot-4, 317-pound body, Fautanu will likely be a Professional Bowl-caliber guard within the NFL.
Throughout his 4 seasons at Washington, Fautanu solely surrendered three sacks and 36 complete pressures. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was capable of keep wholesome final season, although in gentle of his intensive damage historical past, spending a first-round decide on extra safety for him can be a clever funding.
Cornerback Kool-Help McKinstry, Alabama
Regardless of signing former Commanders CB Kendall Fuller in free company to exchange four-time Professional Bowler Xavien Howard, Miami would profit from including depth on the place.
2023 second-rounder Cam Smith solely performed 20 defensive snaps as a rookie, and it is unclear whether or not the younger cornerback will ever be a dependable contributor. Moreover, given Fuller’s previous success within the slot, bringing in one other boundary cornerback like McKinstry to play reverse Jalen Ramsey might be an efficient approach to deal with the scenario.
Opposing quarterbacks hardly ever examined the first-team All-American in protection final season. Because of this, McKinstry solely allowed 16 of the 36 targets that got here his approach to be accomplished, along with amassing 32 tackles, two for loss and 7 move breakups.
Whereas some puzzled if McKinstry might fall to the second spherical after he did not take part within the NFL Scouting Mix as a consequence of a Jones fracture in his foot, he solidified himself as a first-rounder at Alabama’s Professional Day. On the occasion, McKinstry clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard sprint.
Defensive deal with Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Just like the offensive line, Miami’s D-line misplaced a number of important members in free company. Former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins’ breakout 2023 season earned him a four-year, $110M contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Raekwon Davis inked a two-year, $14M deal to affix the Indianapolis Colts.
There is a urgent want to seek out somebody who can step in and make a direct affect, and the productive Newton could possibly assist. In the course of the 2023 common season, the reigning Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the 12 months led all inside defenders in pressures (44), and his 7.5 sacks ranked third nationally amongst defensive tackles.
In complete, Newton completed his collegiate profession with 188 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. Contemplating the quantity of strain Newton can generate from the inside, he’d be an excellent substitute for Wilkins.
