The Miami Dolphins started the season strong with a 3-0 record and a 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 3. Even after 12 games, the Dolphins were 9-3 and in full control of the division title in the AFC East. However, the end of the year was not kind to Miami.
They went 2-3 in the final five games of the regular season and then lost in the Wild Card Round to the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, the Dolphins will look to upgrade their team in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
So, what are the Dolphins biggest needs this offseason? Who can they target in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?
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What Are The Miami Dolphins Biggest Offseason Needs?
Miami enters this offseason with quite a bit of needs on both sides of the ball. However, two areas they likely won't need to target are quarterback and running back. Tua Tagovailoa is the team's quarterback of the future, while Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, and Jeff Wilson Jr. are all still under contract. Outside of that, the three areas the Dolphins could look to upgrade on offense are tight end, wide receiver, and offensive line.
When tight end Mike Gesicki left last offseason, the team didn't really try to replace him. Durham Smythe was Miami's starting tight end in 2023, but he had just 35 catches for 366 yards. The Dolphins could also use another wideout since Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Erik Ezukanma are the only ones under contract entering the 2024 season. Lastly, the offensive line position is certainly an area of need since three starters from a year ago are all free agents (Isaiah Wynn, Connor Williams, and Robert Hunt).
Teams with the most cap space:#Commanders - $73.6M#Titans - $67.8M#Bears - $67.0M#Patriots - $66.0M#Bengals - $59.4
Teams with the fewest:#Broncos - ($24.1M)#Chargers - ($45.8M)#Bills - ($51.3M)#Dolphins - ($51.9M)#Saints - ($83.7M)
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— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) February 19, 2024
On the defensive side, the tackle position should be addressed in 2024. If the team doesn't re-sign Christian Wilkins, who is a free agent, Miami will be actively looking to replace him. Defensive tackle Raekwon Davis is also a free agent after starting seven games last season.
Who Should The Dolphins Target In The NFL Draft?
The Dolphins won't have too many picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they will have their first and second-round picks. Miami will first pick 21st overall and then again later in the second round.
Byron Murphy II adds to the Dolphins' defense in our latest mock draft 🌊🛡️ https://t.co/npXdXpfLlQ pic.twitter.com/6VgR7fVGbE
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 16, 2024
With the 21st pick, the Dolphins will probably be looking for an offensive lineman. A player like offensive tackle Troy Fautanu from Washington could be a solid selection later in the first round. He's a 6-foot-4 stud who just won the Morris Trophy for the top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 Conference in 2023.
In the second round, Miami could bolster their defense or take a playmaking tight end like Ja'Tavion Sanders. Sanders might not last until the back end of the second round, but if he does, he would be a home run pick for an offense that already features Hill and Waddle.
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