Dolphins need a defensive tackle. Who should they target in NFL draft? Ranking 5 best options

Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post

The Miami Dolphins had an offer on the table to defensive tackle Christian Wilkins a year ago, but when he passed on it, they faced an uphill battle to keep him for 2024.

In the end, the Las Vegas Raiders stepped in with a four-year, $110 million offer that the Dolphins could never match. As general manager Chris Grier has said, Wilkins bet on himself. And now he's on the Las Vegas Strip after hitting the jackpot.

That leaves the Dolphins with Zach Sieler as the lone returning, proven interior defensive lineman. There's no question what Sieler can do, but even he cannot do it alone.

So where do the Dolphins turn?

Texas' Byron Murphy celebrates a sack against TCU.
Texas' Byron Murphy celebrates a sack against TCU.

Dolphins NFL draft DT targets by round:

Round 1, Pick 21: Byron Murphy, Texas

Is only 6-0 1/2 and 297 but explosive and athletic. Big 12 defensive player of year enjoys spending time in backfields with 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Round 1, Pick 21: Kris Jenkins, Michigan

Father, Kris, was an All-Pro. But the younger Kris is on the smaller side (6-3, 299), which puts him 60 pounds lighter than his father. Doesn't take plays off. Can improve as pass rusher.

Round 1, Pick 21: T'Vondre Sweat, Texas

Outland Trophy winner as top interior lineman but recently arrested on DWI charge, so we'll see how that affects him in the draft. Tough to move out of the way at 366 pounds.

Round 2, Pick 55: Braden Fiske, Florida State

Weighs 292 but makes up for it with quickness.

Round 5, Pick 158: Mekhi Wingo, LSU

His tape makes it easy to overlook that he's only 6-0 and 284. Doesn't get overpowered. Quick.

Dolphins DT depth chart

Zach Sieler - By far most-accomplished DT on the roster.

Benito Jones - Returning to Miami after starting for Detroit last season. Six QB hits.

Da'Shawn Hand - Seventeen tackles in 16 games last season.

Jonathan Harris - Made 43 tackles and was part-time starter in Denver in 2023.

Neville Gallimore - Backup made 16 tackles for Cowboys in 2023.

Teair Tart - Cut by Titans after their rally to beat the Dolphins last season but had eight tackles for loss. From FIU.

Dolphins NFL draft picks: List of selections in 2024

  • Round 1, Pick 21

  • Round 2, Pick 55

  • Round 5, Pick 158

  • Round 6, Pick 184 (from Chicago)

  • Round 6, Pick 198

  • Round 7, Pick 241

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 2024 mock draft: Ranking top defensive tackle targets

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