The Miami Dolphins are poised to make their selections at No. 21 in the first round and No. 55 in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, marking their first first-round pick since 2021. General Manager Chris Grier is under the spotlight to secure an impactful player early on to steer the team towards success, with the added challenge of making a significant second-round pick.
Recent drafts have seen limited success for the Dolphins, with only one out of eight players picked in the last two years making a considerable contribution immediately. The 2022 draft class, including Channing Tindall, Erik Ezukanma, and Cameron Goode, has yet to prove its worth on the field. The notable exception has been seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson, who as a backup quarterback, showcased his skills in a nearly victorious playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
Running back De’Von Achane stands out as a major success from the previous drafts, emerging as a significant player after being selected in the third round of last year’s draft—the only true standout alongside a less impactful Cam Smith.
This year’s draft presents a challenge for Grier, who faces a significant gap in the Dolphins’ draft capital, spanning from their 55th pick all the way to the 158th, primarily due to penalties from tampering charges and trades, including the notable absence of their third and fourth-round picks.
Grier’s draft history has been a mix of hits and misses, with his first second-round selection, cornerback Xavien Howard, turning out to be a major success. However, subsequent selections in the second round have had varying degrees of success, with some players leaving the team via trades or free agency.
As Grier prepares for this critical draft week, his selection strategy, particularly with the first-round pick, will heavily influence the prospects available at No. 55. With the Dolphins in need of valuable additions to their roster, the pressure is on for Grier to make the right choices and avoid the drafting pitfalls of the past.