2022 NFL draft guide: How to watch, potential Dolphins targets and more
For the first time in nearly two decades, the Dolphins won’t have a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. This year, the team’s pick belongs to the Kansas City Chiefs as part of the trade for All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The last time the Dolphins sat out the first round was in 2003, also the byproduct of another blockbuster trade, the one that brought running back Ricky Williams to South Florida.
This year will be a far cry from the last two drafts when the Dolphins used a combined five picks in the first round. The Dolphins have a league-low four picks after sending five selections, including three in this year’s draft, to Kansas City for Hill. The team also sent a 2022 fifth-rounder and wideout DeVante Parker to the New England Patriots for a 2023 third-round pick. The Dolphins’ first pick comes in the third round at No. 102; it’s the first time in franchise history they don’t have a top-100 pick.
Here is where the Dolphins are scheduled to pick:
▪ Round 3, No. 102 overall (from San Francisco 49ers).
▪ Round 4, No. 125 overall (from Pittsburgh Steelers).
▪ Round 7, No. 224 overall (from Houston Texans through New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens).
▪ Round 7, No. 247 overall (from Tennessee Titans).
Here is everything you need to know about the draft, including which players the Dolphins should target.
When is the draft?
The NFL Draft is being held in Las Vegas. Round 1 of the Draft is scheduled for 8 p.m Thursday. Day 2 of the draft, which includes Round 2 and Round 3, begins 7 p.m. Friday. Day 3, which includes Rounds 4 to 7, begins noon Saturday.
How can I watch?
ESPN, ABC, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes will all provide coverage of the NFL Draft. Viewers can also stream the draft on the ESPN app.
Who is picking first?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the honor of picking first for the second consecutive year after finishing with a league-worst 3-14 record. The Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, New York Jets and New York Giants round out the top five. A league-record eight teams, including the Dolphins, don’t have first-round picks
Who are the top prospects?
This draft class lacks the high-end talent of previous years but the top of the first round is expected to be dominated by offensive linemen and defensive linemen. Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Georgia defensive tackle Travon Walker and Alabama’s Evan Neal are among the players expected to be selected in the top five.
This year’s quarterback class is not nearly as heralded as last year when three were selected with the first three picks and five signal-callers went in the first round. Liberty Malik Willis, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder are among the quarterbacks who could hear their names called in Round 1.
Who might the Dolphins pick?
The Dolphins were active in free agency but still have needs at center, offensive tackle and inside linebacker. They could also use depth at outside linebacker, defensive line and in the secondary. The following players could be targets on Day 2 and Day 3:
▪ Cincinnati inside linebacker Darrian Beavers
▪ Georgia running back James Cook
▪ Kentucky offensive lineman Luke Fortner
▪ Nebraska offensive lineman Cam Jurgens
▪ Western Kentucky outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone
▪ Miami (Ohio) defensive end Dominique Robinson
▪ Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange
▪ South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong
▪ Georgia running back Channing Tindall
▪ Arizona State offensive lineman Dohnovan West
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 5:57 PM.
