Dolphins draft preview: Depth needed with top defensive linemen set to become free agents
The Dolphins have a strong nucleus along their defensive line that should once again anchor their defense in 2023.
However, Miami’s best-player-available approach in the NFL Draft could lead the team to select another defensive lineman to add to the rotation. While the Dolphins don’t have a clear need for a starter, depth would be valuable for a position room that had a pair of contributors log significant snaps in 2022 due to injuries and lost a key reserve in free agency. And with three members of the defensive line set to become free agents after the 2023 season, it would be wise for Miami to have insurance for the future.
In the fourth and last of a series of draft previews, the Miami Herald will look at the team’s interior defensive line options.
Depth chart
Projected starters: Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, Raekwon Davis
Reserves: Emmanuel Ogbah, Josiah Bronson, Jaylen Twyman
What do the Dolphins need?
Depth — and possibly a 2024 starter. Christian Wilkins is set to play out the final year of his rookie contract on the fifth-year option but the Dolphins are hoping to keep him in Miami long-term. At last week’s predraft news conference, general manager Chris Grier said he’s had “good talks” with Wilkins’ agent. Wilkins isn’t the only lineman scheduled to be a free agent, though.
Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis can also become free agents after the 2023 season and a tight cap situation could lead to tough decisions. Emmanuel Ogbah will return from a torn triceps injury that prematurely ended his season but the Dolphins could offload his contract after 2023 with a minimal dead cap hit. And Miami needs a backup nose tackle to Davis after John Jenkins left to join the Las Vegas Raiders.
Here are the defensive linemen the Dolphins could target in the draft:
Michigan’s Mazi Smith
Why he’d fit: Smith, 6-3 and 323 pounds, is an imposing figure who demands double teams because of his size and power. But Smith also has remarkable athleticism and the agility to sift through traffic. He could be a backup to Davis as a stout run defender.
Why he might not: Smith is still developing as a pass rusher and learning counter moves. While he has the size and athletic profile to dominate the line of scrimmage, he’s not always quick to react to the snap, which puts him behind plays.
Projection: Round 2
Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton
Why he’d fit: Benton, 6-4 and 309 pounds, is a former high school wrestler who has a good feel for leverage. While his size makes it hard to move him in the middle of the defense, he also knows how to use his hands to dislodge blockers.
Why he might not: Benton isn’t very explosive out of his stance and needs to maintain a low pad level more often. He has the strength to push the pocket but needs to enhance his pass-rush moves.
Projection: Round 2
Baylor’s Siaki Ika
Why he’d fit: Ika, 6-3 and 335 pounds, has prototypical size for the nose tackle position with the quickness to penetrate gaps if he gets a good jump on the snap. He uses his hands well to disengage from single blocks and his athleticism offers him some upside as a pass rusher.
Why he might not: Ika’s range could be a concern — his arm length measured below the 20th percentile for his position — and he needs to be more consistent in taking on double teams. His lack of pass-rush moves could also limit his impact to early downs.
Projection: Round 3
Florida’s Gervon Dexter Sr.
Why he’d fit: Davis, 6-5 and 310 pounds, is a prospect with all the traits to be an impact player if he can put it all together. He has the power to take on and shed blocks and as a former basketball player, he has the foot speed and agility to work around blockers and get to the ball carrier.
Why he might not: Dexter can be slow to react to the snap and undisciplined with his technique, which leads to stretches of inconsistency. He also can struggle to take on double teams because of high pad level and leverage issues.
Projection: Round 3
![Florida Gators defensive lineman Gervon Dexter (9) pressures Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Ken Seals (8) in the first half. The Florida Gators lead 21-0 at the half over the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday afternoon, October 9, 2021 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2021 Flgai 100921 Gatorgamevandy](https://www.miamiherald.com/public/latest-news/o0i6i3/picture274609586/alternates/FREE_1200/USATSI_16922331.jpg "USATSI_16922331.jpg")
Bowling Green’s Karl Brooks
Why he’d fit: The Dolphins brought Brooks, 6-3 and 303 pounds, to their facility for a predraft “30” visit after a five-year career at Bowling Green in which he totaled 27.5 sacks. Brooks mainly played on the edge in college but projects as a player who could play multiple spots along the defensive line. He’s a former high school wide receiver with quick feet who uses his hands well to disengage from blockers. With a repertoire of pass-rush moves, Brooks could provide an early impact on third down.
Why he might not: Brooks doesn’t have the athletic profile to play on the edge and hasn’t been as productive between the tackles. He will need improvement in the run game, where his play strength and pad level are questioned. In a Vic Fangio-led defense that uses light boxes and needs strong run defenders, Brooks might not be ready to contribute on early downs.
Projection: Round 4
