Using the Miami Dolphins' NFL draft history to predict what they'll do in 2024
Chris Grier has been general manager of the Miami Dolphins since 2016.
That means that he's had the largest hand in the past eight Miami drafts.
For the past five drafts, he's had complete control.
Miami has no playoff wins but two playoff appearances in the eight years.
What Dolphins have done with Round 1 picks in the past
Miami's first-round picks since 2016 are: Laremy Tunsil, Charles Harris, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Christian Wilkins, Tua Tagovailoa, Austin Jackson, Noah Igbinoghene, Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips.
Miami has not had a first-round pick in either of the past two seasons after trades for Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb as well as an NFL penalty for tampering.
Among the nine players listed above, seven (all but Harris and Igbinoghene) were good picks.
It is unfortunate that Fitzpatrick essentially forced a trade, Tunsil needed to be traded as part of a massive rebuild and Miami didn't have the resources to keep Wilkins.
But Tunsil and Fitzpatrick have Hall of Fame potential. And Wilkins should be a future Pro Bowler.
Grier likes players from power schools. He likes players who have played in championship games. He likes players from the SEC. And he likes players who have been captains.
As listed above, of the nine picks, there are two offensive tackles, two edge rushers, one quarterback, one safety, one defensive tackle, one cornerback and one receiver.
Miami, like everyone else in the NFL, does put a premium on offensive tackles, edge rushers and cornerbacks. This year, Miami needs a tackle, edge rusher, guard, defensive tackle or receiver.
Dolphins' history with second-round picks
Miami's second-round picks since 2016 are: Xavien Howard, Raekwon McMillan, Mike Gesicki, Robert Hunt, Raekwon Davis, Jevon Holland, Liam Eichenberg and Cam Smith.
Howard, Hunt and Holland were very good picks.
Gesicki and Davis were good picks.
The jury remains out on Liam Eichenberg, but not awesome so far.
As for the cornerback Smith, we don't know yet and 2024 is key.
McMillan was OK but his career was derailed by injury.
Of the eight players listed above, Grier took two cornerbacks, one safety, one tight end, one linebacker, one defensive tackle, a tackle who ended up at guard and a tackle who ended up at center.
If Miami stays at No. 55, they may take the best available tackle, guard, defensive tackle, edge rusher or wide receiver. The phrase "best" available is, shall we say, malleable.
How Dolphins have picked in fifth round in recent years
The Dolphins' fifth-round picks since 2016 are: Isaac Asiata, Davon Godchaux, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jason Strowbridge and Curtis Weaver.
Godchaux and Van Ginkel have had good careers.
Asiata, Strowbridge and Weaver played 11 total NFL games.
In 2010, when Grier was Miami's director of college scouting, Reshad Jones was a fifth-round pick.
That one worked out.
What Dolphins have done with sixth-, seventh-round picks
The Dolphins' sixth- and seventh-round picks since 2016 are: Jakeem Grant, Jordan Lucas, Brandon Doughty, Thomas Duarte, Vincent Taylor, Isaiah Ford, Cornell Armstrong, Quentin Poling, Jason Sanders, Isaiah Prince, Chandler Cox, Myles Gaskin, Blake Ferguson, Malcolm Perry, Larnel Coleman, Gerrid Doaks, Cameron Goode, Skylar Thompson, Elijah Higgins and Ryan Hayes.
The names that stand out are: Jakeem Grant, Jason Sanders, Myles Gaskin, Blake Ferguson and Skylar Thompson.
This is where Grier, obviously, is willing to take some fliers.
But this year, half (three of six) of Miami's picks are in Rounds 6, 7.
It would be great if at least two players made the 53.
It would be great if one of those players ended up as a solid eventual contributor.
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
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Predicting Dolphins' 2024 picks based on their draft tendencies
