The Miami Dolphins‘ biggest surprise of Day 1 of the NFL Draft wasn’t that they took Penn State pass rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st pick. (The smart money always was on them taking an EDGE or an offensive tackle in Round 1.)
No, the most interesting thing we learned came during Chris Grier’s news conference, when he told reporters that he tried hard late in the evening to trade up for a second first-round pick.
Miami Dolphins Targets in Round 2 of NFL Draft
Here’s what Grier told reporters after R1 ended:
“We were active on the phones; I’ll just say that. So I don’t know how close we got, but we were active probably through the backend of the draft.”
Grier didn’t reveal any more specifics, but common sense suggests they were targeting one of two players at the very end of the first round: Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (whom the Chiefs took at 28 after trading up) or Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton (Cowboys, 29, also in a trade up).
What this information should tell us: Even without a third or fourth-round pick this year, the Dolphins are going to be aggressive in targeting players they really like.
Which is why our list of best remaining NFL Draft options for the Dolphins includes all available players, not just the ones expected to be left at 55, when Miami is scheduled to pick.
DT Johnny Newton | Illinois
- Age: 21
- Height: 6’1 5/8″
- Weight: 304 pounds
- Length: 32 3/8″
- Wingspan: 75 7/8″
- Hand: 9 1/2″
- Current year: Redshirt junior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 12 overall
“Johnny Newton is a versatile two-phase disruptor whose penchant for production should only persist in the NFL. He bears a lot of similarities to former five-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro Jurrell Casey and has the same kind of all-league upside.” — PFN draft analyst Ian Cummings
DB Cooper DeJean | Iowa
- Age: 21
- Height: 6’0 1/2″
- Weight: 209 pounds
- Length: 31 1/8″
- Wingspan: 74 7/8″
- Hand: 9 5/8″
- Current year: Junior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 15 overall
“Cooper DeJean is an extremely role-versatile player based on the game script. And in a role that plays to his strengths on a situational basis, he has impact-starter potential.” — Cummings
OL Jackson Powers-Johnson | Oregon
- Age: 21
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 320 pounds
- Position: Center
- School: Oregon
- Current year: Junior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 25 overall
Jackson Powers-Johnson Draft Profile
“Like most young players, Jackson Powers-Johnson still has room to improve — particularly with his leverage management working across-face and his timing in recovery on pass-protection reps. But overall, he has the tools to be a high-level starter at center with built-in scheme versatility.” — Cummings
WR Adonai Mitchell | Texas
- Age: 21
- Height: 6’2 1/4″
- Weight: 205 pounds
- Length: 32 3/8″
- Wingspan: 77 5/8″
- Hand: 9″
- Current year: Junior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 28 overall
“Adonai Mitchell has the tools and unique separation ability to grow into an impact-starter at the X-receiver spot. His projected versatility, gleaned from his athleticism and high-end blocking ability, will be an added boon for an NFL team.” — Cummings
OG Christian Haynes | Connecticut
- Age: 24
- Height: 6’2 1/2″
- Weight: 318 pounds
- Length: 33 7/8″
- Wingspan: 80 3/8″
- Hand: 8 7/8″
- Current year: Redshirt senior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 32 overall
Christian Haynes Draft Profile
“As a sixth-year senior, Christian Haynes may be an older rookie, but he has the traits to make a Day 1 impact, and the runway toward being an impact two-phase starter shouldn’t be a long one.” — Cummings
S Tyler Nubin | Minnesota
- Age: 22
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Current year: Redshirt senior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 34 overall
“Tyler Nubin isn’t the most dynamic blitzing threat, nor is he a perfect fit playing the nickel spot. However, Nubin has enough versatility between two-high, single-high, slot, and second-level roving roles, and he can be an impact player as an NFL field safety with his blend of football IQ, coverage mobility, physicality, and ball-hawking instincts.” — Cummings
WR Ja’Lynn Polk | Washington
- Age: 22
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 204 pounds
- Current year: Redshirt junior
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 36 overall
“Ja’Lynn Polk is a supremely well-rounded three-level threat. Very early in his career, he can be an impact starter at the movement-Z spot and a go-to option on must-have downs with his hands of steel.” — Cummings
KEEP READING: Why the Miami Dolphins Didn’t Take an Offensive Lineman in Round 1
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!