Ten potential Dolphins draft targets to watch at the 2024 Senior Bowl
If the Dolphins don’t make a trade between now and late April, the team is set to have its greatest draft capital since 2021.
Miami currently is slated to have six picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including selections in the first and second rounds. In the past two years, though, the Dolphins have traded their first-round pick to acquire star players. At the team’s end-of-season news conference, general manager Chris Grier didn’t commit to keeping its top picks.
But for now, Miami’s scouts will be in Mobile this week for the 2024 Senior Bowl, getting an up-close look at highly touted prospects and some under-the-radar gems.
Here’s a look at 10 Senior Bowl players the Dolphins could target in the draft:
Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell
Braswell arrived at Tuscaloosa as a five-star recruit but it wasn’t until his senior season that he broke out with 10.5 sacks. Braswell, 6-3 and and 225 pounds, plays well against the run and has the power to bull rush offensive tackles as a pass rusher. He’s not the most fluid athlete when it comes to dropping into zones and man-to-man coverage, but he could be part of a team’s rotation at outside linebacker. With Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb rehabbing from significant lower-body injuries and Andrew Van Ginkel set to hit free agency, the Dolphins need to restock their depth at edge defender.
Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II
Murphy, 6-1 and 308 pounds, is a disruptive lineman who has the athleticism to make an impact against the run and pass. In the run game, he’s able to slip his way into the backfield or pursue on the backside of the runs. In the pass game, he has the quickness to beat slow-footed blockers. His size may be a bit of a concern; he’s not viewed as a lineman who will consistently take on double teams and he might have to play in specific schemes to maximize his talent. Miami could be looking for defensive linemen as Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis are both unrestricted free agents.
Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu
Fautanu, 6-4 and 320 pounds, was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection as Washington advanced to the National Championship Game. He’s an impressive athlete who performs well as a run blocker. His less-than-average arm length for a tackle will likely be scrutinized in the draft process and will cause many to question whether a move to guard will be in his future in the NFL. Miami might need offensive line help with guard Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn both set to his free agency and left tackle Terron Armstead floating retirement after another season battling injuries.
Miami safety James Williams
Both of UM’s standout safeties will be at the Senior Bowl and could help the Dolphins in different ways. At 6-5 and 215 pounds, Williams, a Plantation American Heritage alum, has impressive size for a safety and could make most of his contributions in the box as a hybrid safety/linebacker. How well he matches up against tight ends and running back in coverage drills will be key during the week of practice. DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones are both unrestricted free agents.
Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson
Powers-Johnson, 6-3 and 320 pounds, was an All-Pac 12 selection this past season. He has good size for the position and his lateral quickness makes him a fit for the Dolphins’ zone running scheme. He has a physicality to his game but will have to show he can hold up against more powerful defensive linemen. Connor Williams is rehabbing a torn ACL and is an unrestricted free agent, so Miami needs depth at center.
Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey
The Dolphins have one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL but not much behind them. And a player who just starred at Hard Rock Stadium in the Orange Bowl could be on their radar. McConkey, 6-foot and 185 pounds, is a nuanced route runner who has the burst to separate from defensive backs after the catch but also beat them on longer-developing downfield routes. McConkey also has experience as a return specialist.
Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell
Bell, 6-3 and 235 pounds, is a versatile player who could fit in a Dolphins offense that loves to use its skill position players in interchangeable spots. Bell has lined up as a traditional inline tight end but has also taken snaps out wide and in the backfield, where he’s even received carries like a running back. He will have to show he can handle the blocking duties that come with being a tight end, especially to play in Miami’s offense, but he’s an explosive athlete who can make plays with the ball in his hands.
UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu
Latu was a first-team All-Pac selection in 2023 and 2022, racking up 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons. He’s a refined pass rusher who also has the frame to hold up as a run defender on the edge. The major concern with Latu is his injury history; he medically retired in 2019 because of a neck injury. But if the medicals check out, Latu appears to be a player who could make an early impact.
Auburn CB D.J. James
The Dolphins’ ongoing search for a new defensive coordinator will play a big role in what type of players the team targets in free agency in the draft, especially in the secondary. But James, an All-SEC selection in each of the past two seasons, has the athletic profile to thrive in a man- or zone-heavy scheme. The 6-1 and 165-pound defensive back has had a ton of ball production his college career, recording 18 pass deflections in the past two seasons. He has good instincts and can play outside or inside but has a light frame that will raise questions about his physicality and ability to get off blocks and make tackles.
Miami safety Kam Kinchens
Kinchens, 5-11 and 202 pounds, is a Miami Northwestern alum and could be one of the first safeties off the board this spring. He’s one of the best ball hawks in class, with 11 interceptions in the past two defenses. This makes him a prototypical free safety for defenses that want to play a lot of single-high coverages. However, he can be manipulated in coverage because of his aggressiveness.
