The Miami Dolphins made their intentions clear during the 2024 draft, bringing in seven new talents to bolster their roster, with a particular focus on strengthening their defense. The team set its sights on reshaping its lineup by picking up edge rushers Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara, alongside safety Patrick McMorris, indicating a strategic approach to refining its defensive capabilities as they maneuver through the initial phase of free agency.
It’s important to note that this analysis won’t cover undrafted rookie free agents, as their agreements typically don’t solidify until the brink of the rookie minicamp slated for May 10-11.
**Analyzing the Dolphins’ Defensive Line**
Currently, the Dolphins boast nine players on the defensive line, including Zach Sieler, Da’Shawn Hand, and newcomer Brandon Pili, among others. With Sieler and Teair Tart projected as the prime starters, the team’s decision not to chase a direct defensive line draft seems logical.
This choice comes after a spree of five offseason acquisitions alongside Hand’s re-signing. Despite the absence of a talent equivalent to Christian Wilkins, the strategic draft bypass was influenced by the top-tier prospects’ unavailability past Byron Murphy II and Jer’Zhan Newton.
The team might, however, still entertain adding a veteran such as Calais Campbell to its roster.
**Edge Rusher Strategy**
The edge rusher ensemble, now standing at nine, including the likes of Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and the newly drafted Robinson and Kamara, presents a mix of potential and recovery. The readiness of Phillips and Chubb post their significant injuries from the 2023 season will heavily influence the deployment of the Dolphins’ edge rushing strategy. With the recent additions, Miami seems to have shored up its bets but the actual contribution of their draft picks remains to be seen, especially if Phillips and Chubb’s recovery stutters.
**Linebacker Outlook**
The linebacker corps appears robust with the off-season additions of David Long Jr., Jordyn Brooks, and Anthony Walker Jr., setting a promising stage for the season ahead. This segment of the Dolphins’ defense might have seen its most significant enhancement, potentially sidelining the need for further veteran infusion. Yet, all eyes will be on Channing Tindall, hoping he secures his spot and justifies his top pick status from the 2022 NFL draft.
**Cornerbacks and Safety Enhancements**
While the cornerback position wasn’t directly addressed in the draft, the roster doesn’t lack depth, boasting talents such as Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller. The expectation to leverage the nickel formation frequently has put Kader Kohou in the spotlight, possibly edging out Nik Needham for the role. On the safety front, despite the lower body count, the addition of Jordan Poyer alongside Patrick McMorris brings a mix of veteran savvy and fresh legs, albeit with tempered expectations due to Poyer’s age and performance dip.
As the Miami Dolphins calibrate their defensive lineup post-draft and free agency, the emphasis appears to be on leveraging strategic pickups and nurturing drafted talent, setting the stage for what they hope will be a transformative 2024 season.