After several months of assessing, interviewing, and hosting players, the culmination arrives on Thursday with the kickoff of the 2024 NFL Draft. This moment holds particular significance for the Miami Dolphins, as they possess a prime position among the top 32 prospects for the first time since 2021. For head coach Mike McDaniel, it represents his inaugural opportunity to select a first-round pick during his tenure in Miami.
As the anticipation mounts, the question arises: who are the five most probable contenders for the Dolphins’ first-round selection?
Byron Murphy II
One of the significant departures during the offseason was defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who secured a lucrative four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Dolphins are prioritizing the search for Wilkins’ replacement, likely in the early rounds of the draft.
Byron Murphy II from Texas emerges as a promising candidate following an impressive season with the Longhorns, where he amassed 29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and five sacks.
Jer’Zhan Newton
Alongside Murphy, Jer’Zhan Newton from Illinois stands out as one of the premier defensive tackle prospects in the draft and could seamlessly step into Wilkins’ shoes. Newton led in tackles with 52 and sacks with 7.5, while also matching Murphy’s 8.5 tackles for loss.
Olu Fashanu
Addressing the need to fortify their trenches, particularly the offensive line, is crucial for the Dolphins. With the departure of Robert Hunt and Connor Williams remaining unsigned in free agency, the offensive line emerges as another top priority. Olu Fashanu from Penn State garners attention as one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the draft. In 2023, the 6-foot-6 left tackle maintained a clean record, allowing zero sacks or quarterback hits across 722 offensive snaps.
Graham Barton
Duke’s Graham Barton presents a versatile option on the offensive line, capable of playing all five positions. Moreover, Barton’s readiness to adapt to any role makes him an enticing immediate starter for the Dolphins. Should Barton be available at No. 21, it would be difficult for the Dolphins to overlook the former Blue Devil.
Laiatu Latu
For a more dynamic selection, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu emerges as an intriguing prospect. The edge rusher mirrors the narrative of Jaelan Phillips, overcoming significant obstacles, including medical retirement, to potentially become a first-round pick.
Latu solidified his position as a first-round prospect with an impressive 2023 season, boasting 49 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. While edge rusher may not be the Dolphins’ most immediate need with Phillips and Bradley Chubb in the rotation, Latu undoubtedly stands out as one of the more captivating prospects.
