Way-too-early Miami Dolphins 2024 NFL Draft preview

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit. Here is the first-round order, per Tankathon. 

The Miami Dolphins made significant strides in 2023, but have yet to break through to the upper echelon of Super Bowl contenders. With QB Tua Tagovailoa's looming contract extension set to further complicate an already difficult salary-cap situation, Miami must make the most of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

2023 record: 11-6 | First-round pick: No. 21 | Team needs: EDGE, CB, OL

Potential first-round picks: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State; Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa; Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington 

Having only six draft picks and a plethora of needs, it wouldn't be surprising if the Dolphins move down or out of April's first round. Even so, given the substantial late-season injuries that Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) suffered, adding an edge-rusher early in the draft seems logical for Miami. 

Robinson, who headlined Bruce Feldman of The Athletic's "Freaks List," could serve as another "chess piece" in new DC Anthony Weaver's scheme. An upper-body injury limited Robinson to just 10 games this past season, but he was highly effective, posting the second-highest Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade among draft-eligible edge-rushers (92.3) to go along with his 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. 

The Dolphins will likely address the cornerback position at some point this offseason since four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard will soon be released, and 2023 second-rounder Cam Smith only played 20 defensive snaps as a rookie. Additionally, Miami has the option to cut ties with All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey next offseason to save roughly $16M in cap space should it be necessary to do so. 

DeJean might be someone to consider targeting, as he is a proven playmaker with the versatility to play safety. Over the last two seasons, the 6-foot-1, 207-pounder made 116 tackles, five for loss and picked off seven passes, three of which were returned for touchdowns. 

Strengthening the interior offensive line also makes sense for Miami since Robert Hunt, Connor Williams and Isaiah Wynn are slated to be unrestricted free agents. While Fautanu primarily played left tackle for the Huskies, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes he'll be a Pro Bowler in the NFL if he moves to guard.