The Miami Dolphins are looking ahead to the future now that the 2023 NFL season has officially ended. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel have their job cut out for them, since they are about $51 million over the salary cap.
This means the draft is more significant than ever for the Dolphins, who will make a first-round pick for the first time since 2021. Who do experts expect Miami will choose in the first two rounds of the 2024 draft?
Round one: Tyler Guyton
According to Pro Football Focus, the Dolphins will select Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with the 21st overall pick. The 6-foot-7 lineman takes advantage of his stature, often overwhelming his opponents. In 2023, Guyton allowed only three quarterback hits and zero sacks in 662 snaps.
Ja’Tavion Sanders
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter predicts that the Dolphins will go with a tight end, with Ja’Tavion Sanders of the University of Texas being a prominent option. Sanders excels in receiving, but the tight end has improved as a blocker. In 2023, the two-time All-American recorded 45 receptions for 682 yards and two touchdowns. This would be an unexpected choice for the Dolphins, given the team is stacked with quality pass catchers.
Graham Barton
Graham Barton of Duke is expected to transfer to South Florida in April, according to the 33rd Team. With Robert Hunt, Robert Jones, and Connor Williams all set to become free agents this summer, the Dolphins’ offensive line is bound to suffer. In 2024, Barton might significantly improve Miami’s pass protection.
Round two
Christian Haynes
In the second round, Pro Football Focus has the Dolphins selecting UConn’s Christian Haynes. In 2023, Haynes allowed six quarterback hurries, one sack, and zero quarterback hits over 802 snaps. The lineman thrives in the run game, where he utilizes quick footwork and powerful upper body strength to create gaps for running backs.
Kamren Kinchens
Miami’s Kamren Kinchens wouldn’t have to go far in 2024, as NFL.com predicts that the Dolphins will select the safety in the second round of the draft. During his junior year in 2023, Kinchens recorded 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, five interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown over the course of 10 games. Kinchens made a name for himself as a top safety, who could line up alongside Jevon Holland in 2024.
T’Vondre Sweat
The 33rd Team rounded out their two-round mock draft with the Dolphins selecting Texas’ standout defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat. Sweat comes off a standout campaign in 2023, accumulating 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and seven quarterback hits in 14 games.
If Christian Wilkins walks during free agency, Sweat would become a top priority to fill a massive void in Miami.
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