The 2022 NFL Draft has officially kicked off, and the Miami Dolphins have made their first selection. As the seven rounds progress and the team makes all of their picks, we will provide a live draft grade and analysis for each of the Dolphins’ selections. How do these new prospects fit with the roster, what kind of impact will they have on the team, and what do the team’s needs look like now that the draft is complete?
Make sure to continue to check back as the 2022 NFL Draft continues for live Miami Dolphins draft grades and analysis.
Miami Dolphins grades for 2022 NFL Draft
What are the Dolphins‘ grades for their selections in the 2022 NFL Draft as they look to address their main needs this offseason?
Round 3, Pick 102: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
The Dolphins had to wait until the 102nd pick to make their first selection. But all things considered, they were able to acquire an exciting prospect at that point. At the 102nd pick, the Dolphins selected Georgia LB Channing Tindall.
Tindall is one of the highest-upside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft. There’s also a lot of projection that comes with him. Tindall has good size at 6’2”, 230 pounds, with arms near 33” long. He’s also an elite athlete with 4.47 speed and a 42” vertical. Tindall very much needs to hone his instincts. He wasn’t an every-down linebacker at Georgia, and when he had to read the play, he was inconsistent. But in a run-and-chase role, his explosiveness and tackling ability will provide value. In the meantime, he can develop on the operational side.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 125: Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech
The Miami Dolphins’ offense will be predicated on run-after-catch ability with Mike McDaniel in town. That’s evident in the presence of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, but you can never have too much in that department. The Dolphins spent their 125th pick in hopes of adding more talent, selecting Texas Tech WR Erik Ezukanma.
Ezukanma in a McDaniel offense is a dream. The 6’2”, 209-pound WR has elite contact balance and great lateral agility, and he’s explosive in open space. He’s a phenomenal RAC threat, but he also has 33.5” arms and is an alpha in contested situations. This is a perfect fit for Ezukanma, who could go on to be a Day 3 steal at wide receiver.
Grade: A+
Round 7, Pick 224: Cameron Goode, LB, California
Cameron Goode by name. Cameron good by nature. The Dolphins land an athletic playmaker who has some positional versatility. Furthermore, he is an exceptional special-teams player who has made his money on coverage units for Cal. He offers some impressive pass-rush upside, with good hand usage, excellent agility to change direction well, and can get into the backfield in a hurry. Meanwhile, he’s flashed coverage ability, too. With limited draft capital, the Dolphins make a solid addition here in the seventh.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick 247: Skylar Thompson, QB, Kansas State
The Dolphins already have quality second and third quarterbacks in Teddy Bridgewater and Chris Streveler. Tua Tagovailoa might not be in Miami for long if he doesn’t take a leap in 2022, but Skylar Thompson isn’t moving the needle either way. Thompson is a decent athlete, but he doesn’t have much discernable upside outside of that. It’s tough to criticize a seventh-round pick, but the Dolphins could’ve gotten much better value and utility elsewhere.
Grade: D
What were the Dolphins’ biggest needs entering the draft?
- C, S, OT, EDGE, LB
The Dolphins roster is looking close to complete around QB Tua Tagovailoa. There remains uncertainty on the offensive line at center and at right tackle. If they can find starting-caliber options ahead of the 2022 NFL season, this offense will be extremely intimidating.
On defense, there is a lot of talent, but there are some holes to fill. Brandon Jones is far from a surefire starter at safety. Meanwhile, they need to add more depth in both their pass rush and at linebacker.