Ranking the Miami Dolphins' positional groups after the 2024 NFL Draft

With both free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror, the Miami Dolphins' roster looks significantly different than it did when the season ended in a 26-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in January. 

Chris Grier did what he said he would do by selecting who they felt would be the best player available in the draft - perhaps to the detriment of certain positional groups that had a far greater need.  Still, they managed to add some impressive talent going back to the start of free agency. 

Here's how I see the Dolphins' positional groups stacking up ahead of offseason activities, from worst to best.  I'm basing this on the number of returning starters and/or production at the position, quality of offseason additions/impact of losses, and overall depth at the position.  

11) Tight ends

The Dolphins signed Jonnu Smith, who I think can be useful in Mike McDaniel's offense.  Beyond that, they added basically nothing (only Wisconsin UDFA Hayden Rucci) to a tight end room that was one of the worst in the league last year.  

10) Defensive line

The Dolphins added a lot of players in free agency at the position after losing Christian Wilkins.  Isaiah Mack, Daviyon Nix, Jonathan Harrison, Neville Gallimore, and Teair Tart are among them.  However, all appear to be replacement level players at best.  Can any of them make a difference?  And does Miami have a five technique among any of them?  I have major doubts either of those are answered with "yes". 

9) Offensive line

Not really sure what the plan was here this offseason. This was a group that had to get better, and the signing of free agent IOL Aaron Brewer helped with that, who can play either guard or center. Swing tackle Kendall Lamm is back, who was a pleasant surprise last year, as are guards Isaiah Wynn and Robert Jones. Patrick Paul has the upside to succeed Terron Armstead. However, a strong guard or center prospect would have gone a long way towards upgrading this unit. This group could take a big step forward if they bring back Connor Williams (provided he's healthy) and Brewer can acquit himself at one of the guard spots. For now, it's still quite suspect. 

8) Safeties

I love the addition of Jordan Poyer for next to nothing.  A truly remarkable deal for the Dolphins.  However, behind them, there's very little.  Elijah Campbell and Patrick McMorris are it as far as depth, and Nik Needham can fill in in a pinch.  Any missed time by either of the starting duo could portend problems.  

7) Cornerbacks

The signing of Kendall Fuller gives the Dolphins a pretty good outside starting tandem, with Kader Kohou set to handle the nickel role again.  The depth behind them is a significant issue though.  Cam Smith barely saw the field in 2023, and Siran Neal is mainly a special teams contributor.  Can the speedy Ethan Bonner step forward in his second year?  Another draft pick to add to the mix would have been useful here. 

6) Quarterbacks

Tua Tagovailoa will get paid like an elite quarterback this offseason, whether fans and/or media believe is or isn't.  Still, it's pretty darned hard to argue that, with a healthy contingent of players, he hasn't been very good running Mike McDaniel's offense.  Mike White and Skylar Thompson aren't particularly strong as far as options behind him, which is why this group isn't near the top. 

5) Linebackers

I like what Miami did here in the offseason by adding both Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker, Jr. after releasing Jerome Baker.  David Long, Jr. and Brooks should be a solid starting duo, and Walker is a solid and experienced reserve option. 

4) Wide receiver

Miami was looking for a third receiver this offseason. That's no surprise. But they managed to land two of them in the draft in the Washingtons. It's interesting they went with speed over size once again, but hey, that appears to be who they like for their offense. With the best wide receiving duo in the league now having options at WR3 - with Malik being the most likely - a very good group just got even better. 

3) Edge rushers

They say you can never have enough pass rushers, and that proved true last year with Miami's losses.  Shaq Barrett should be an adequate option to help hold down the fort until Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are ready.  They also addressed the position head on in the draft by spending their first-round pick on Chop Robinson and adding Mohamed Kamara, the latter of which could end up being a steal of a fifth-round pick.  Once Chubb and Phillips are both back, the Dolphins should have a very deep and talented group. 

2) Special teams

While Jake Bailey is pretty average and Jason Sanders had a decent season statistically, Miami's ridiculous options for kick returners pushes this group up substantially, as does the newfound importance of the new kickoff rule and how the current roster plays in.  Malik and Tahj Washington having return experience and Braxton Berrios is back in the fold.  Of course, the Dolphins could always choose to go with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, or perhaps even Jaylen Wright to field kickoffs.  What an absolute embarrassment of (speedy) riches. 

1) Running backs

The easiest choice by a country mile.  Jaylen Wright was a luxury pick but he gives the Dolphins perhaps the best trio of running backs in the league.  Not much more to tell.