As the Miami Dolphins approach the 2024 NFL Draft with the 21st overall pick, speculation, and strategy are at the forefront of the conversation surrounding the team’s war room.
The Dolphins, amidst a transformative offseason marked by injuries and key departures, find themselves at a crossroads. With only six selections in the upcoming draft, the pressure to make each pick count couldn’t be higher.
This article dives deep into the Dolphins’ draft strategy, spotlighting three collegiate standouts poised to make a splash in South Florida.
The Case for Troy Fautanu
One of the most glaring voids for the Dolphins lies within the trenches of their offensive line. The departure of guard Robert Hunt to Carolina has left a substantial gap that needs filling. While Miami has made moves in the offseason to shore up this area, the potential drafting of Washington’s Troy Fautanu could be a game-changer.
Fautanu, who has distinguished himself as one of the draft’s most versatile linemen, could offer the Dolphins an immediate upgrade. Renowned for his durability and toughness, Fautanu’s transition from a stellar college tackle to a Pro Bowl-caliber guard in the NFL seems inevitable.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has lauded his capabilities, highlighting his potential to fortify the Dolphins’ protection scheme around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Given Tagovailoa’s injury history, securing a robust offensive line is paramount, making Fautanu an intriguing prospect at No. 21.
Kool-Aid McKinstry’s Potential Impact
Despite the addition of Kendall Fuller in free agency, the Dolphins’ secondary remains an area ripe for reinforcement. Enter Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama, a cornerback with the prowess to immediately elevate Miami’s defensive backfield.
McKinstry’s college career was marked by his exceptional coverage skills, rarely allowing completions and proving himself as a formidable obstacle for opposing quarterbacks.
McKinstry’s performance at Alabama’s Pro Day, following a foot injury, solidified his first-round status. His ability to complement Fuller and potentially form a dynamic duo with Jalen Ramsey could transform the Dolphins’ secondary into one of the league’s most feared units.
Former Miami Dolphins’ cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead at a Southwest Ranches home Monday, police said.
Davis’s assistant found him dead Monday morning at the home in the 6000 block of Southwest 178th Avenue and called 911 about 7 a.m., Sgt. Kelvin Urbaez, a spokesperson… pic.twitter.com/MOct0S8nIY— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) April 1, 2024
Jer’Zhan Newton’s Immediate Impact
The Dolphins’ defensive front is another area facing upheaval following the departures of Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis. Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, emerges as a compelling solution.
Newton’s collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular, leading all interior defenders in pressures and ranking among the top in sacks.
His knack for disrupting offensive lines and making plays in the backfield could make him the cornerstone the Dolphins need to revamp their defensive line. Newton’s potential to step in and fill the void left by Wilkins positions him as a key target for Miami in the draft.
Miami Dolphins’ Final Thoughts
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in a pivotal position to address critical needs across their roster. With a strategic blend of talent evaluation and draft capital management, the Dolphins can lay the groundwork for a successful 2024 campaign.
Prospects like Troy Fautanu, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Jer’Zhan Newton not only offer immediate solutions to pressing issues but also embody the future core Miami aspires to build around.
The path to the draft is fraught with speculation, but one thing remains clear: the Dolphins are poised to make waves in the NFL landscape with their first-round selection.
Source: yardbarker
