The Miami Dolphins didn’t get their playoff win against the Buffalo Bills, but they got the next best thing: Hope for the future. In this Dolphins NFL Mock Draft, Miami uses the NFL draft capital they have to build on the steps they took under Mike McDaniel in Year 1. In this scenario, simulated trades were active among other teams via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Dolphins held steady and did not make any moves.
Latest Miami Dolphins 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | Round 2, Pick 51
Just a couple of offseasons ago, it seemed as though the Dolphins’ cornerback position was set. Byron Jones and Xavien Howard formed one of the best CB tandems in the league on paper, and the monetary investment reflected that. But now, Jones is struggling to stay healthy, and Howard is nearing 30 years old. And behind them, there’s little proven depth.
Cornerback is not a position to neglect in the modern NFL. So in spite of the team’s recognizable talent, they should look to capitalize on a strong CB class. Devon Witherspoon would be a dream pick just outside the top 50. He’s a twitchy, explosive athlete with a rare mix of competitive toughness, mental acuity, physicality, and alignment versatility.
Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia | Round 3, Pick 77
Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are both free agents. There’s a good chance Miami brings back at least one of them, given their familiarity with McDaniel. That said, Mostert turns 31 later this year. If the right prospect comes along at the right pick, Miami should keep an eye out for a young, dynamic piece.
Kenny McIntosh could be a phenomenal fit in the Dolphins’ scheme. At 6’1″, 210 pounds, he’s an explosive runner with a long-striding element in space, but surprising lateral agility and instincts in close quarters. He’s also an elite receiving threat, who can split out wide, run routes, and make plays at the catch point.
Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma | Round 3, Pick 84
Austin Jackson is under contract for 2023, but his future as Miami’s right tackle is looking less and less certain. It’s the blindside for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, so it shouldn’t go unaddressed if the Dolphins think a potential successor might be out there.
MORE: Miami Dolphins Offseason Preview 2023
In this Dolphins NFL Mock Draft, Oklahoma’s Wanya Morris brings ideal upside in Round 3. He’s still a little underdeveloped technically, but he made strides in 2022. With some time to keep growing, he has the elite explosiveness-length-power combination to be a dominating starter in both phases.
Arquon Bush, CB, Cincinnati | Round 6, Pick 164
Even after adding Witherspoon, Miami might be inclined to add more depth and versatility at the CB spot. Undrafted rookie Kader Kohou showed promise in his first year and should remain a presence in the team’s rotation. But if anything, 2022 proved the Dolphins can’t cut corners here.
At the top of Round 6 in this Dolphins NFL Mock Draft, Arquon Bush is another high-value acquisition in a strong CB group. Bush, like Witherspoon, can play both on the boundary and in the slot. He’s another physical, high-energy athlete, who improved his technique in 2022.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OL, Oregon | Round 7, Pick 216
Injuries hurt the Dolphins quite a bit in 2022, and not just at quarterback. Once the offensive line caught the injury bug, it was tough for Miami to maintain a respectable unit. Whether it’s for future development or immediate depth, double-dipping late in the 2023 NFL Draft isn’t a bad idea.
Late on Day 3, Oregon’s Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu provides the elements of depth and developmental ability that the Dolphins might want. He has an abundance of experience at right tackle, but he’s also played guard and projects well inside. At 6’6″, 330 pounds, he has impressive power and leverage acquisition — traits that translate.