Finsmob Unleashed

The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and we’re still guessing as to what the Dolphins will do, especially with the most important picks, RD1 and RD 2. Lots of people have their own ideas as to what to do, including trading back and acquiring more picks, or even trading up. The consensus, however, is mostly agreed upon O-line, D-line, or edge pass rusher. Sure, some say TE if Brock Bowers falls, or WR if Brian Thomas falls, but the majority seem to agree the trenches and outside pass rusher are most needed. In addition, the order in which those needs are tended to also vary. Regardless or which comes first, help on the O-line or help on the D-line or edge, most agree the other must be next.

On the offensive line, once a favorite for our spot at #21, Oregon OC Jackson Powers-Johnson has faded away some, mostly due to the 3 YR contract given to former Titans OC Aaron Brewer. To me, that move was a bit of a head scratcher, as Brewer is a negative in the pass blocking column, and pressure up the middle leaves Tua in danger. Does that mean OC is off the board? I’d say probably so. We all know we have no starting tackles on the roster past ’24 besides Austin Jackson. Terron Armstead will be retiring, he almost retired this season. Kendall Lamm and Kion Smith, backups are unsigned in 2025. Last year’s 7th RD pick Ryan Hayes is the only other OT on the roster in ’25, and of course, there’s no guarantee Hayes makes the roster or even the practice squad. The picture isn’t much better on the interior O-line, with OC Aaron Brewer the only one back in ’25. You can almost guarantee that one of the top 2 picks will be used on the O-line. In 2025, the Dolphins will be stocked with picks in each round except RD 6, including 2 picks in RD5 and RD 7. In addition, the Dolphins are in line to get compensatory picks, one of them should certainly be a 3rd RD unless DE Christian Wilkins gets injured or has a terrible ’24 season. The other compensatory picks may range from RD 5 to RD 7.

We know the Dolphins brought in quite a few veteran defensive linemen. The most recent pickup, Teair Tart has generated a lot of buzz. I’m not going to go into the Christian Wilkins saga, I know you’re all tired of that one, but it’s better than the alternative topic you all know and love! Maybe the defensive line will be a bunch of run stoppers, and the pass rush will go through the outside linebackers. We’re all aware our 2 best OLB’s and pass rushers could be on the shelf at season’s start. We brought in veteran pass Shaq Barrett. We kicked the tires on Carl Lawson. It’s obvious we’re looking to have players in place to give us some flexibility until Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are healthy. In 2025, Chubb has a brutal dead cap hit, so you have to figure he’s safe for ’25. Jaelan Phillips on the other hand has only his 5th YR option, or a contract extension. Knowing Phillips, and his injury history, he’d prefer to have a contract extension. That being the case, it’s likely we’ll pick up at least one or 2 edge guys in this draft. I won’t be surprised if a DT/DE is not at play.

If we go edge rusher/OLB, Florida St. edge rusher Jared Verse and Alabama’s Dallas Turner lead the way, but both might be gone by pick #21. There are however a couple that should make it, UCLA’s Laiutu Latu, Penn State’s Chop Robinson, and Missouri’s Darius Robinson. Darius Robinson (6’5 285, 34.5″ arms) is more of a project guy, but his size is such that he could be incorporated on the D-line and potentially take some reps at DE, where Christian Wilkins played. That kind of flexibility is usually appreciated by Grier and Co., but due to the fact that Darius Robinson is just beginning to develop, they might look at a more finished product like Verse, Latu or Chop Robinson. We definitely need someone to come in and give us reps now, and potentially more than that if either Chubb or Phillips have a setback in their recovery.

I have seen some people wanting us to take a WR, and while I’d be very surprised, anything could happen. WR Brian Thomas is the only WR of the top 4 that could potentially be there at #21, because Harrison Jr. and Nabers will be top 10 picks, and Rome Odunze shortly after. I can see it being tempting for Chris Grier to give this offense another big weapon, as we continue to have the OBJ watch here in Miami. The only TE worthy of a 1st RD grade is Brock Bowers, who should be gone unless a lot of other players, namely QB’s get pushed up the board. If Bowers was there, he would also be a difficult guy to pass on,

After our first 2 picks, we could duplicate either OL, DL or EDGE, and we also have a need at S, and potentially RB, as Raheem Mostert is 32 years old, and DeVon Achane looks more and more like a part time player. Mostert was given an extension through 2025 and RB Chris Brooks will be under contract in ’25 as well, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we look for a RB in this draft, and no doubt will be bringing in lots of undrafted RB’s as well. Jaylen Waddle will be entering the final year of his rookie contract this season, so that’s Jaelan Phillips on defense and Jaylen Waddle on offense. We do have a 5th year option, but WR’s tend to hate those. Next season, we’ll need an ILB, as Jordyn Brooks and Channing Tindall are the only ones on the roster, David Long will be an UFA. Lots to do, and not a lot of picks to do with is the story for ’24. Once again though, we’re stocked pretty well in 2025.

GO DOLPHINS!!!