The Miami Dolphins’ offseason has seen its share of ups and downs. One significant blow came at the start of free agency when Christian Wilkins departed for the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a notable gap in the defensive lineup. Now, the team is turning its attention to the draft to fill this crucial position.
Who are the experts predicting the Dolphins will choose in the first round? As the draft approaches, Byron Murphy II has emerged as a popular prospect. According to analysts like Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus and Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports, Miami is likely to select the Texas Longhorns defensive lineman with the 21st pick.
Murphy had an impressive 2023 season, tallying 29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and even scoring two touchdowns. With his prowess as a pass-rushing interior lineman, Murphy presents a promising replacement for Wilkins.
Another contender in the mock drafts is Johnny Newton, a defensive lineman from Illinois. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports predicts that the Dolphins will opt for Newton, who earned recognition as the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Newton’s impressive stats include 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Rhett Lewis of NFL Network suggests a different path for the Dolphins, favoring UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, an edge rusher with notable achievements in the 2023 season. Latu’s impressive performance includes 49 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Considering the injury status of current roster players like Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, adding Latu to the lineup could address an immediate need for an edge rusher.