Dolphins draft preview: Who to add to an already deep defensive front
The Dolphins have a deep group along their defensive front, especially after re-signing multiple players in the offseason — headlined by defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. The team isn’t hesitant to play five or even six players throughout a game, though, leaving it with room to add a player from the 2022 NFL Draft to its rotation.
What do the Dolphins need?
The Dolphins have a strong core. Raekwon Davis serves as the team’s run-stuffing nose tackle, responsible for taking on blockers and freeing his teammates for clear lanes to the ball carrier. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins had his best season to date lining up next to Davis and flashed as a pass rusher. Ogbah is the team’s edge rusher and has the versatility to move inside as well. And Jaelan Phillips and Andrew Van Ginkel were the team’s top outside linebackers, given a variety of roles, from setting the edge against the run to rushing the passer to dropping in coverage.
The Dolphins ranked fifth last season with 48 sacks, with much of that production coming from the defensive front, but struggled against the run and rushing the passer earlier in the season. The Dolphins also value versatility along the defensive line and might covet a player who can play multiple positions.
When asked about the strengths of the draft class, general manager Chris Grier noted the defensive line.
“I think there are some high-level rushers in this draft and then at the end of the day, then it’ll be some projection. Guys that have some upside to work with,” Grier said Wednesday.
Here are the edge rushers and defensive linemen the Dolphins could target in the draft:
San Diego State’s Cameron Thomas
▪ Why he would fit: Thomas, 6-4 and 267 pounds, was a versatile player, lining up along the defensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, in 2021 he logged more than 150 snaps lining up in the B gap (on the offensive guard’s outside shoulder), over an offensive tackle as a 5-technique (on the tackle’s outside shoulder). He wins with his agility as an interior pass rusher but also has the strength to move outside and set the edge against the run.
▪ Why he might not: While Thomas has the quickness to win inside, his speed and length don’t project him as an impact pass rusher on the edge in the NFL. His body type also leaves him as a tweener; he likely won’t defend the run as well from the interior of the defensive line.
Projection: Round 2-3.
Miami’s (Ohio) Dominique Robinson
▪ Why he would fit: Robinson, who met with the Dolphins for a predraft visit, has the measurables — 6-4 and 253 pounds — and athleticism to project as an impact speed rusher over time. He also comes with vast special teams experience, having logged 221 snaps in college.
▪ Why he might not: Robinson is a converted quarterback and wide receiver who has just 16 games of experience as an edge rusher. He’s still growing into the position both physically — he has added 20 pounds since 2020 — and mentally. He projects more as a long-term project and likely won’t make a significant contribution as a rookie while he gets more comfortable with the position.
▪ Projection: Round 3
Florida’s Zachary Carter
▪ Why he would fit: According to PFF, Carter spent most of his time in 2021 lining up as a 5-technique but also logged more than 100 snaps in the B gap and over the tackle. At 6-4 and 282 pounds, he has the size to line up outside tackles against the run and the quickness to move inside and face guards on passing situations. Carter uses his hands well as a pass rusher to power through blockers.
▪ Why he might not: He’s not fully developed as a pass rusher — he doesn’t have the explosiveness to consistently beat NFL tackles — and will need to improve setting the edge against the run with a smaller frame.
▪ Projection: Round 5.
UCF’s Kalia Davis
▪ Why he would fit: Davis, 6-1 and 320 pounds, mainly lined up in the B gap but moved along the defensive line in college. He has the quickness to shoot through gaps and provides upside as a pass rusher.
▪ Why he might not: While Davis lined up as an interior defensive lineman in college, he doesn’t currently have the frame to do so at the pro level and might need to refine his body. His pass rush moves are still a work in progress, and he’s also relatively new to the position; he is a converted linebacker who has only played 18 games as a defensive lineman because of the coronavirus pandemic and a knee injury that cut his 2021 season short.
▪ Projection: Round 5.
Iowa State’s Eyioma Uwazurike
▪ Why he would fit: Uwazurike played everywhere on the defensive line in college and was productive doing so, increasing his sack production each season. At 6-6 and 316 pounds, he not only has the strength to control gaps but flashes the quickness to penetrate through them and be a factor as a pass rusher.
▪ Why he might not: While Uwazurike has the agility to get upfield, he’s not as comfortable moving laterally. He also needs to work on keeping his pad level low to maintain leverage, as well as further develop his pass rush moves.
▪ Projection: Round 5-6.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 8:56 AM.
