Rival scouts believe that the Miami Dolphins will target an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller.
“The Dolphins’ Round 1 targets are tough to nail down, but scouts for opposing teams believe the offensive line will be the team’s priority at No. 21,” Miller wrote. “Miami did just lose some key players of that unit in free agency.”
The Dolphins lost a key offensive lineman this offseason in Robert Hunt, who signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. He agreed to a five-year, $100 million deal with Carolina after starting 55 of the 61 games that he appeared in for the Dolphins.
Keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa protected is massive for the Dolphins, so it would make sense for them to invest in the position, especially with Tagovailoa due for a major contract extension in the near future.
It was also reported this offseason that the Dolphins conveyed to at least one free agent offensive lineman that they would check in with him after the 2024 NFL Draft, a sign that they may be looking to upgrade the position with a draft pick first.
The Dolphins did bring back offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, who started seven games for them last season before getting hurt, in free agency. A former first-round pick, Wynn still could have some upside to help the Dolphins replace the loss of Hunt.
If the Dolphins don’t go after an offensive lineman in the first round, they have six picks later on in the draft that they could use on the position. The team still has needs at some other positions and seems to be doing its due diligence on many prospects. Miami also has four picks in the fifth round or later.
- 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
Miami finished last season in the No. 6 spot in the AFC, but it lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs. The team certainly doesn’t want to take a step back in the 2024 season, so finding a true replacement for Hunt should be a priority this offseason.
