The Miami Dolphins reportedly conveyed to at least one free agent offensive lineman that they will check in with him after the 2024 NFL Draft.
This could be a sign that Miami is looking to bolster the offensive line through the draft after losing Robert Hunt to the Carolina Panthers in free agency this offseason.
Dolphins conveyed to at least one veteran free agent starting guard that they'll check in with him after the draft potentially if they are still looking for one… Meanwhile, J. Clowney – well out of Miami's price range – joins Carolina. Search for edge rusher depth continues.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 27, 2024
Miami has six picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, including four between the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. Miami’s first draft selection will come at pick No. 21 in the first round.
- Round 1, Pick 21
- Round 2, Pick 55
- Round 5, Pick 158
- Round 6, Pick 184 (from Chicago Bears)
- Round 6, Pick 198
- Round 7, Pick 241
Losing Hunt was a big blow to the Dolphins’ offensive line, as he started 55 of the 61 games that he appeared in with the franchise.
Hunt signed a massive deal worth $100 million for five seasons, including $63 million guaranteed. Even though the former second-round pick was limited to just 11 games last season, he was still an important player for Miami.
The former second-round pick allowed just one sack and posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 77.1 last season for the Dolphins. Replacing him won’t be easy, but Miami did re-sign guard Isaiah Wynn this offseason.
Wynn, a former first-round pick by the New England Patriots, made seven starts for the Dolphins in the 2023 campaign.
Isaiah Wynn is re-signing with the #Dolphins on a one-year deal, per @AdamSchefter
Got back our starting LG! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AMDxo0WLqV
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) March 18, 2024
If Miami doesn’t feel comfortable with its protection for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the 2024 NFL Draft, it certainly could dip into the free agency pool to improve its depth.
Protecting Tagovailoa is extremely important for Miami, especially since the former No. 5 overall pick has dealt with concussion issues during his NFL career.
Miami’s offense was one of the best in the NFL last season, leading the league in total yards and finishing second in points scored with Tagovailoa at the helm.
The Dolphins did lose several key defenders (Christian Wilkins, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brandon Jones, Xavien Howard and Jerome Baker) this offseason, so it’s possible that they’ll need to focus on that side of the ball in the draft as well.
The 2024 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 25.
