Miami Dolphins Mock Draft: Few picks to fill holes

The Miami Dolphins concluded a promising season in 2022 with their first trip to the playoffs since 2016 and just their fifth since 2000. Can they keep up the momentum heading into the draft?

The 2022 offseason was one of immense change for the Miami Dolphins. A new head coach in Mike McDaniel, a healthy Tua Tagovailoa, and a blockbuster trade for wide receiver Tyreek Hill showed the franchise was serious about righting the ship. It’d had been a playoff drought spanning five seasons and it was time for sweeping changes.

Those changes would prove fruitful as the Dolphins started the year 8-3, including a thrilling victory over the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Despite a fantastic start, they found themselves limping to the playoffs behind a 1-5 finish that saw Tua Tagovailoa get shut down due to injury the last two weeks of the season. Their playoff dream was short lived after a first-round exit and the Dolphins once again found themselves back at the drawing board to prepare for 2023.

The Dolphins started this offseason relatively quiet, opting to sign their own free agents and make lower impact moves. That all changed on March 14, when the Dolphins made yet another blockbuster move, trading for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

The move would pair Ramsey with Xavien Howard giving the Dolphins one of the leagues best pairings at the position.

With much of the free agency frenzy now in the rearview, attention turns to the draft. Unfortunately, the Dolphins possesses the fewest picks of any team with a total of four. It will require a lot of work from the scouting department and management to ensure each pick is used on someone who can help this team make another playoff push in 2023.

51st Overall: Tucker Kraft, Tight End, South Dakota St.

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 254lbs

The Dolphins recently signed tight end Durham Smythe to an extension, but that does little to alleviate the need at the position for Miami. Lucky for them, the talent and depth at the position in this class is widely regarded as among the best. Sam LaPorta was a bit under-the-radar as a small-school prospect, but his combination of plus athleticism and capable blocking ability make him an intriguing prospect. Kraft may take some time getting used to more elite competition, but he’s a tough player who has shown the talent to get on the field early.

84th Overall: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 229lbs

The Dolphins will need to continue adding to the core of linebackers, something they seem to do year after year. The next prospect up is DeMarvion Overshown out of Texas. Overshown is a former safety who converted to linebacker and his awareness in coverage reflects this background. He’s an athletic mover in space and plays with the hustle you look for at the position. While he certainly improved over the course of the last two seasons, Overshown will need to continue developing to make an impact early. He lacks the size and strength to get off blocks, limiting his current role, but the Dolphins should be able to bring him along slowly. The upside is definitely working with. It helps he’s an official 30 visit as well.

197th Overall: TJ Bass, OL, Oregon

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 317lbs

The Miami Dolphins continue to add depth to their offensive line. TJ Bass is a converted tackle who projects to play guard in the NFL due to athletic limitations. Bass possesses the power and toughness to drive defenders back, but will need to develop his footwork and hand placement to have a long-term role. He should be in the hunt for a backup role early.

238th Overall: Isaiah Land, EDGE, Florida A&M

Height: 6’3.5”

Weight: 236lbs

At this stage, the Miami Dolphins just need to focus on developmental prospects that could play a role down the road. Land is small-school pass rusher with flashes of natural ability to get after the quarterback. While he lacks the strength to hold up against the run or play with his hand in the ground, he shows enough athleticism to potentially work him into a variety of roles. He could be an outside linebacker in either an odd or even front, but will need some time to develop his abilities.