2023 Season Review
Passing Game
The Miami Dolphins seem to have a hot start to their season but would fade down the stretch and barely make the playoffs again. The passing game on the offensive side of the ball was amazing to watch. Tua Tagovailoa would stay healthy and have an air show with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While the three of them were amazing together, it was clear that the rest of the offense was lacking something.
The mix of Braxton Berrios, Cedrick Wilson, and Chosen Anderson could not help when Hill and Waddle were out or needed a break. If you watched Dolphins games as I did, you saw that the trust level with those players was not good. Hill and Waddle had over 100 QBR for Tua when they were targeted. Meanwhile, the three backups were all under 100 QBR. All three receivers will be free agents in 2024.
Another position that didn’t have an impact was the tight end position. Durham Smythe is a decent TE2 for a team due to his blocking, but they don’t have that impact player over the middle of the field. He had 366 yards and zero touchdowns last season. It’s clear it’s a position that could use a big upgrade despite the lack of usage towards it. The Dolphins offensive line has some important pieces: free agents like Connor Williams and Robert Hunt. Despite the team holding opponents to 31 sacks, it always felt like they’d allow big sacks at the wrong time. Terron Armstead is also potentially considering retirement so that the Dolphins could be left with many holes on their offensive line.
Running Game
The run game was very successful last season, as the Dolphins ranked sixth in rushing yards per game. Raheem Mostert led the way with 1,000 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Mostert will be 32 years old but doesn’t have the same usage as other backs due to his age. The Dolphins also got DeVon Achane, who was lightning in a bottle, but his size is a factor for long-term value. The Dolphins have one of the best backfields in football. Jeff Wilson is still there, too, but he could be cut, and Salvon Ahmed is a free agent.
Defense
For the Dolphins defense, they were a top-ten unit overall. They had 15 interceptions and the third-most sacks with 56 in 2023. The Dolphins could potentially lose key pieces like Christian Wilkins, Jerome Baker, and Andrew Van Ginkel to free agency. They have already cut Emmanuel Ogbah due to cap issues. DeShaun Elliott, Brandon Jones, and Eli Apple are free agents in the secondary. The team had to make a big move and cut aging star Xavier Howard due to cap issues. The Dolphins could be cutting more players to being over the cap.
The 2024 Mock Draft
1.21 Troy Fautanu, OT Washington
For the Dolphins’ first pick, they select Fautanu from the University of Washington. He fits a significant need for the Dolphins if they lose half of their starting offensive line this offseason. Fautanu played a lot of left tackle and guard during college. In his last 25 games, he only allowed two sacks. Fautanu is a solid blend of athleticism, strength, and length, which makes him a beast on the line. His IQ is impressive, and he knows how to strategically stop pass rushers from getting to the quarterback. Fautanu could start day one, or if Armstead returns, he could start his career as a guard. He also knows how to pull well and get up the field to make a blocker at the position. Fautanu will be an anchor for the Dolphins’ offensive line.
2.55 Kamren Kinchens, S Miami
Kamren Kinchens | #ItsAllAboutTheU® pic.twitter.com/bekGRnPATd
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) March 3, 2024
The Dolphins secondary will look a lot different in 2024, and they need to get new faces in there. Kinchens would be a great addition to the Dolphin’s secondary. He is a ball-hawking defensive back who is a very fluent athlete. In the last two seasons, he had 11 interceptions, and two have been returned for a touchdown. Kinchens knows the position and is a stout tackler who can run through a running back. He is a very versatile safety. He could play multiple positions and schemes at the NFL level. The Dolphins could use a player like Kinchens to help improve this retooled secondary.
5.157 Sataoa Laumea, IOL UTAH
The Dolphins’ third pick isn’t until round five, and they select Laumea from Utah. He has interesting skills, but he must be coached up a bit. Laumea has the right speed and agility to hit his block and get to the second level on plays. He has high-end physical traits that offensive-line coach Butch Barry would love to have on his line. He does struggle to keep his play speed high for each play. Laumea is consistently coming off the line of scrimmage and has adequate feet. He could be a great project player in this round, which could pay off in a big way for the Dolphins. Laumea will need to sit and be coached up the right way before making an impact in the NFL.
6.186 Justinm Ebiogbe, DL Alabama
Ebiogbe was the first All-SEC in 2023 with seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. The Dolphins could lose Christian Wilkins if he falls out of their price range. They need to re-pair someone with Zach Seiler on that defensive line. Eboigbe has a high motor and can work in any scheme he is put in. He also has the physical tools and size to be an interior defensive lineman at the NFL level. Ebiogbe relies on his star power to win on the line, but strong offensive linemen can slow him down. This also leads to Ebiogbe needing to develop a counter to linemen trying to stop him. He needs to win off the bat, or he usually can’t make that next move. In the sixth round, he is an excellent addition to this defense.
6.200 Curtis Jacobs, LB Penn State
Jacobs was a four-year player who finished with 171 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions during this time at college. He can quickly read plays and attack the ball. Jacobs is quick off the edge and is also a rangy run defender. The Dolphins could lose two of their starting linebackers this offseason, so Jacobs would come in and be able to rotate in as a starter. He will need to bulk up a bit more for the NFL. He can overcommit his run and get turned around by a ball carrier. With Jacobs in the sixth round, they get another player who could be coached up and eventually make an impact on the team.
7.239 Dallin Holker TE, Colorado State
Dallin Holker thought the drill was over then caught the ball with one-hand 😂 🔥
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 2, 2024
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/OgUXg8IHHS
The Dolphins may have found a gem from Colorado State in round seven. Hollker had an interesting college career. He started at BYU in 2018 and followed up the next two by not playing football for a mission trip. He would return in 2021 and miss most of 2022 with an ankle injury. In 2023, Holker would explode for 767 yards and six touchdowns. The Dolphins need to bring in someone to help compete at tight end. Holker had chain-moving play in his game, which the Dolphins love to do when they aren’t airing the ball out. His quick footwork could also work well in a red-zone situation. He is a good route runner and can separate from a defender. Holker is an older prospect who doesn’t have elite speed and could use more strength at the NFL level. He could make an impact in the seventh round if he can flash in training camp.
Fantasy Impact
I doubt Holker would be a drafted player even in TE premium leagues, but they would be a wavier wire pick to stash on taxi squads. He could develop into a solid tight end in a few years. Kinchens would be an interesting IDP player to second, as he would be a late-round two pick with his upside to picking off quarterbacks. He would be a day-one starter at the NFL level. Ebiogbe and Jacobs would likely not be drafted in normal four-round IDP leagues.
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