National writers grade Miami Dolphins on 2024 NFL draft
The Miami Dolphins have concluded their 2024 NFL Draft and the experts have weighed in. The grades were not great but expected with the top two picks appearing to be more projects than premiums. These morning-after grades average out to a C. Truthfully, no one really will know how the players selected in the last three days will fare when the season begins in September and in the future.
But it's always fun to guess ...
USA Today: B-
Taking Penn State pass rusher Chop Robinson in the first round was probably a good call given the injuries to veteran OLB Bradley Chubb (ACL) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and fact a surplus of edge players is never a bad thing. Choosing OT Patrick Paul in Round 2 was a defensible hedge given the appearance that LT Terron Armstead seems to be coming to the end of the line – though Miami seems to remain quite vulnerable up the middle. Mid-round RB Jaylen Wright (Tennessee) and OLB Mohamed Kamara (Colorado State) could add bonus juice.
More: 2024 Miami Dolphins undrafted free agent tracker
Sports Illustrated: C+
Analysis: The Dolphins were predictable but effective. They built along the offensive and defensive lines with their first two picks, grabbing Chop Robinson and then Patrick Paul, who should eventually replace Terron Armstead when he retires. For Miami, Robinson’s early maturation will be key with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb working back from injuries.
Pro Football Focus: B-
Robinson, ranked 40th on the PFF big board, could be considered a bit of a reach, but his potential is undeniable. ... Paul has terrific length and movement skills. He led all FBS tackles in 2023 with a 91.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. ... Speed is the name of the game in Miami, and Jaylen Wright supplies plenty of burst.
NFL.com: C
They made their only Day 2 pick count, though, selecting the heir apparent to left tackle Terron Armstead in Round 2.
Bleacher Report: C+
General manager Chris Grier added some fine players who should bolster all three phases. However, he may have prioritized value over need too much, and the Dolphins still have question marks along the offensive interior and in their secondary.
New York Post: C+
Of course, the blazing fast Wright went to the speed-obsessed Dolphins. Add some more 40-yard touchdowns. Paul thought he was going to be a first-rounder — few agreed, so that could leave a chip on his shoulder. The athletic Robinson gets pressures, not sacks.
More: NFL Draft. It was real, Detroit. When will it ever come to Miami?
Yahoo Sports: B+
It's a strong draft haul for the Dolphins. They found a potential 10-sack edge rusher with Chop Robinson in the first round and grabbed a future starter at offensive tackle with Patrick Paul. Their trade-up for Jaylen Wright in the fourth was perplexing. Overall this is still a good group of players. Malik Washington and Tahj Washington are two wide receivers who had a lot of buzz in college and could compete for reps behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
CBS Sports: C-
I like many of the prospects the Dolphins picked, but their plan was somewhat confusing. Robinson was my EDGE1. Sensible. Paul is the opposite of a scheme fit for what McDaniel asks of his blockers. Wright is a rocket when given space, which is fun, but now the running back room is super crowded. I'm all about adding more weapons at receiver today, but two slot types?
NBC Sports: C+
The Dolphins went to work on their trenches, both sides of which were beaten up via late-season injuries and eventually free agency. ... In turn, the Dolphins added freak athlete Chop Robinson and small-school producer Mohamed Kamara in rounds one and five, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Experts grade Miami Dolphins on 2024 NFL draft
