Facing a tide of departures that saw key players like Christian Wilkins head to the Las Vegas Raiders, Robert Hunt move to the Carolina Panthers, and Andrew Van Ginkel set sail for the Minnesota Vikings, the Miami Dolphins were left in a precarious position just a short time ago. Amidst a backdrop of salary cap challenges, with the team starting the year $40 million over the limit and almost half of its roster hitting free agency, many doubted the potential for a comeback.
However, as the new league year kicked off, General Manager Chris Grier sprung into action, ingeniously remolding the team’s fabric. The Dolphins saw a rejuvenation in their linebacker corps through the acquisition of Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr. The secondary received a significant boost with Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer joining the ranks, and the team even managed to carve out enough cap space to enhance their offensive line with a seasoned center.
Despite the departure of significant talents such as Wilkins, Hunt, and Van Ginkel, a fresh analysis reveals a situation far from dire as the Dolphins approach the 2024 NFL Draft with renewed optimism. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has fueled this optimism by placing the Dolphins as the AFC’s fourth-best team, and seventh overall, in their power rankings released ahead of draft week.
As the Chiefs, 49ers, and Ravens hold the top spots in the rankings, the Dolphins find themselves in a favorable position, notably ahead of division rivals Buffalo Bills, and significantly above the New York Jets and New England Patriots, who find themselves ranked 19th and 31st respectively. With the draft on the horizon, there’s a palpable sense of expectation amongst the Dolphins’ ranks, supported by strategic signings and a vision for the future that might just turn the tide in their favor.