Miami Dolphins 2024 NFL draft picks: Selection analysis

MIAMI — The 2024 NFL draft began Thursday, April 25, in Detroit. The Miami Dolphins made seven of the draft’s 257 picks, beginning with the No. 21 selection of the first round.

ESPN provided pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Dolphins’ selections as they were made.

A look at each of Miami’s selections:

Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

Robinson didn’t record many sacks in college, but his physical traits are undeniable. Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire

Round 1: No. 21: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

My take: At some point, the Dolphins may have a lot of money tied up in their outside linebackers room. But until then, this could end up being one of the better pass-rush rotations in the NFL. Robinson recorded fewer than 12 sacks in three collegiate seasons, but his physical traits jump off the tape. He has a powerful first step and will ideally fill the rotational role left by Andrew Van Ginkel’s departure. Coach Mike McDaniel loves his pass-rushers and he gets an exciting one in Robinson.

Will he start as a rookie: Right away? Not unless he has a phenomenal training camp. But that’s not why Miami drafted him. Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will start when the team’s at full strength and Robinson will rotate in.

Is the pick for depth or does it fill a hole?: Both. Pass-rusher wasn’t the biggest hole on the Dolphins’ roster (they still don’t have a starting right guard), but their depth at the position was a concern. Miami needed to add to its outside linebackers room, whether via the draft or free agency, and it found a player with a high ceiling, but notable floor.

Round 2: No. 55: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

My take: Offensive tackle is not an immediate need with Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson set to reprise their roles at left and right tackle, respectively. But Armstead is expected to retire after this season, and Miami had no immediate successor on its roster — until Friday night. Paul has enviable size for the position at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds and made 44 starts for Houston at left tackle. He also registered the longest arm length of any tackle at the combine — a trait which the Dolphins’ staff loves. He’s not a finished product but the opportunity to develop behind Armstead for at least a year should prove invaluable for a player the Dolphins couldn’t hide their excitement about when speaking to the media after the pick.

What we’re hearing: Paul is a massive person, which was immediately noticeable on tape. General manager Chris Grier said Paul’s length “enables him to recover” if he’s beaten early during a rep. His size was also immediately noticeable during his pre-draft visit to Miami; coach Mike McDaniel jokingly added that “more of the hallway is filled than not” when he’s walking inside the team’s facility.

Round 4, No. 120 (via Philadelphia): Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

My take: The Dolphins love speed, and Wright ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He also averaged 7.4 yards per carry last season for the Volunteers. He is yet another home-run hitter on an offense that already features De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert. Wright also caught 22 passes for 141 yards last season, teasing potential as a pass-catcher at the next level.

Round 5, No. 158: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State

My take: Kamara was highly productive in college with 29.5 career sacks, including 13 in his final season at Colorado State. He also recorded 45.5 tackles for a loss, proving he can be a disruptive presence in the front seven. The Dolphins needed to rebuild their depth at pass rusher and may have found a steal with Kamara in the fifth round.

Round 6, No. 184 (from Chicago): Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

My take: Washington led the nation in catches last season with 110, turning them into 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns as the focal point of Virginia’s offense. He won’t quite play the same role in Miami, but he’s a dynamic receiver who could earn reps with a strong summer. The Dolphins’ third receiver job is up for the taking.

Round 6, No. 198: Patrick McMorris, S, California

My take: The Dolphins signed Jordan Poyer this offseason after losing Brandon Jones to free agency, but McMorris adds depth to the position and a potential running mate for Jevon Holland in the future. McMorris recorded 90 tackles in two separate seasons at San Diego and Cal, and is a versatile defensive back who can play multiple positions.

Round 7: No. 241: Tahj Washington, WR, USC

My take: The Dolphins doubled up on wide receivers and took Washington, who recorded at least 600 receiving yards in four straight seasons. He has a similar physical build as Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, and is a solid route runner. His best bet to make the team is likely by establishing himself of special teams.