Dolphins fail to address needs with first 2023 NFL Draft selection

While Smith -- who recorded 91 tackles, six interceptions and 18 pass breakups during his time with the Gamecocks -- was considered a fringe first-round talent, it is a questionable selection by Miami. 

Having tampered with Tom Brady and Sean Payton, the Dolphins had earlier forfeited the 21st pick and entered the draft with the fewest selections (four) of any NFL organization.

Miami GM Chris Grier needed to be strategic -- and, well, selective -- with his selections in order to enhance his potential Super Bowl-contending roster. He could have perhaps landed an immediate starter. Instead, Grier added a depth cog in Smith, his son's college teammate.

While Smith will be behind newly-acquired All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and two-time NFL interception leader Xavien Howard on the depth chart for the 2023 season, the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder could eventually develop into Howard's eventual successor.

Last season, Howard allowed a career-high 910 yards in coverage and there is a potential out in his contract next offseason. Miami would save $18.5 million toward its 2024 cap by designating him as a post-June 1 cut upcoming, per Over The Cap.

Despite Miami's secondary shaping up as one of the league's finest, a tight end or offensive lineman would have been a more appropriate pick given the context of the team

Miami lost tight ends Mike Gesicki and Hunter Long to free agency and trade, respectively, this offseason and projected starter Durham Smythe has recorded just 486 receiving yards and two total touchdowns over the past two seasons. Although the run on tight ends early in the second round may have ruled out drafting the position, Florida guard O'Cyrus Torrence was still available as an option, too. 

Torrence, drafted by AFC East rival Buffalo at pick 59, did not surrender a sack in four seasons with Louisiana and then Florida. He likely could have challenged Liam Eichenberg for a starting position as a rookie. Among 77 qualified players last season, Eichenberg was the 75th-highest-graded guard by Pro Football Focus (39.8).

Grier could be gambling with Miami's current window of contention, but that is not a knock on Smith's talent in the least -- he has the tools and work ethic to develop into a shutdown cornerback, even if the pick was left something to be desired given the Dolphins' specific roster situation.