The 2023 NFL Draft is hours away, and the Miami Dolphins still have holes on the roster to fill. Keeping Tua Tagovailoa healthy has to be the No. 1 priority, even if some of that responsibility falls on Tua himself. However, the offensive line continues to be a big issue in South Florida, one GM Chris Grier has been unable to adequately address for years now. Will this year be different?
Miami Dolphins Team Needs Following Round 1 of the NFL Draft
- OT
- G
- S
- DT
The Dolphins have big needs along their offensive line and in their backfield. The O-line is too reliant on its left tackle, who is often injured, its right tackle, who is underdeveloped and often injured, and interior play, which is inconsistent at best. This has stunted the potential of the running game and made Tua’s job a bit harder as he waits for plays to develop downfield.
MORE: 100% FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator (With Trades)
Adding a pass catcher is not a priority — Miami has that in droves. Yet, a tight end who better fits their scheme is not off the table.
On the other side of the ball, the Dolphins need more help at every level of the defense. They need more consistency on the edge opposite Jaelan Phillips, an upgrade at safety, and buttress the defensive line’s interior, especially if they can’t come to terms with star Christian Wilkins. Without a first-round pick, it will be interesting to see how the Dolphins plan to address those needs in the draft.
Results for Dolphins 2023 Draft Picks
The Dolphins did not have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. There is some top talent still on the board following the first round. Miami must be hoping that talent gets pushed down a little bit further towards their second-round pick.
Predictions for Remaining Dolphins 2023 Draft Picks
Round 2, Pick 20 | Darnell Washington, TE
This isn’t a huge area of need for Miami, but Darnell Washington blocks like he’s a starting right tackle. Not only that, but with increased opportunity, he will be an added receiving option that gives them multiple looks from the tight end position, which was missing with Mike Gesicki last year. Washington has tremendous size and will make a Day 1 impact.
Round 3, Pick 21 | Jordan Battle, S
Again, the best player available fills a need for Miami. This would be a dream scenario for the Dolphins, as Jordan Battle has good size and burst to be stout in the box without being a big liability in coverage. He should complement Jevon Holland well in the defensive backfield.
Round 6, Pick 20 | Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB
This is a luxury pick and a result of going three full rounds without a selection. As much as Miami needs OL help, there just aren’t any at this point of the draft.
MORE: List of Miami Dolphins 2023 NFL Draft Picks
After signing Mike White to be Tua’s backup, Dorian Thompson-Robinson can come in and develop on the practice squad and compete with Skylar Thompson.
Round 7, Pick 21 | Mohamed Ibrahim, RB
Again, more of a luxury pick. The Dolphins are returning each of last season’s rushers, but they’re all on short-term contracts. Mohamed Ibrahim brings big-time college production to Miami’s backfield and could be a good developmental piece.