Hot Takes, Predictions for Dolphins Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft
Hot Takes, Predictions for Dolphins Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft0 of 3
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The Miami Dolphins filled a need in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft with the selection of Penn State edge-rusher Chop Robinson.
After that, the picks were a little questionable because of the positions they drafted at, including running back in the fourth round.
Miami backfilled its roster with four Day 3 picks. If one of those players goes on to succeed in 2024 or beyond, it will be viewed as a successful draft class.
All of the rookie attention will be paid to Robinson, who has an opportunity to make an immediate impact on a defensive line that will look different in 2024.
No one player will replace Christian Wilkins’ output, but if the Dolphins get Robinson to perform at a high level, it will help the process of moving on from the All-Pro defensive lineman.
Chop Robinson Needs to Make Immediate Impact1 of 3
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The Dolphins enter 2024 with a defensive line that is in a rebuilding process.
Wilkins left in free agency and both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are returning after season-ending leg injuries.
Phillips and Chubb may not be at 100 percent in Week 1, or for most of September, as they work back to 100 percent strength on the field.
Robinson could alleviate some of the stress put on the defensive line with a few strong performances out of the gates in his rookie season.
Robinson produced 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his last two seasons at Penn State.
He needs to get after opposing quarterbacks not just to prove he belongs, but to provide some security off the edge for the Dolphins.
Miami’s front seven will be under a microscope to start the season, and if Robinson thrives, some of the questions about that unit will fade away.
Jaylen Wright Appears Sparingly in Offense2 of 3
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Fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright is intriguing to the Dolphins offensive system because of his speed.
The Tennessee product ran for over 1,000 yards last season and averaged a career-best 7.4 yards per carry.
While his speed is fascinating, Wright may not see the field much on offense with Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane in front of him on the depth chart.
Most of the things Wright does well match up with Achane’s skill set, which could make it tough for Wright to get on the field in third-down and pass-catching situations.
Wright could take over the No. 3 spot on the depth chart from Jeff Wilson Jr., but that may not guarantee playing time with two star rushers ahead of him and two more stars at wide receiver that command the ball on a frequent basis.
Patrick Paul Is More of a Project Than Starter3 of 3
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Miami’s second-round pick could be more about the future than the 2024 campaign.
Offensive tackle Patrick Paul will be a backup behind Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson during his rookie season.
The Dolphins should use 2024 as a learning opportunity for Paul to perfect his technique and adapt to what the Miami offense demands.
Armstead may be on the way out as soon as next offseason because of his age and injury history, but for now, he is the left tackle and mentor to Paul.
Paul’s process to becoming an NFL starter will be longer than other second-round picks and that means it may take a few years for Miami to truly feel the impact of its 2024 draft class.
