The Miami Dolphins have effectively addressed most of their early free agent departures, but there are still two significant losses that need to be addressed. At the beginning of free agency, they saw defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and guard Robert Hunt depart, leaving gaps on both sides of the trenches. While the General Manager, Chris Grier, has made some depth signings for these positions, he has yet to find players capable of making a comparable impact.
As free agency options dwindle, Grier may turn to the draft to fill these gaps. Both ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah have predicted that Miami will use their first-round pick in 2024 to address the vacancy at right guard.
Kiper projected Duke’s Graham Barton as the potential pick at No. 21 overall, emphasizing Barton’s ability to enhance the team’s offensive line, which struggled significantly in pass protection last season. Barton, primarily a left tackle in college, possesses the versatility to transition to guard or center at the NFL level, a quality highlighted by Jeremiah.
Despite not being a flashy choice, Barton’s selection aligns with Miami’s run-first offensive strategy and the imperative to safeguard quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s long-term health.
Barton’s potential impact has drawn praise from various scouting sources. Described as a “day-one impact starter” with the potential for consistent All-Pro performance, Barton’s technique, toughness, and athleticism have been lauded. His ability to overpower opponents and excel in both run blocking and screen plays make him an enticing prospect.
While Barton may require some adjustments to fit into Miami’s system, particularly under coach Mike McDaniel, he appears to be a suitable replacement for Hunt in the coming season and beyond.
Despite the allure of adding offensive playmakers or defensive standouts, the Dolphins’ primary focus in the draft should be bolstering the trenches. Despite significant investments in other positions like linebacker and cornerback/safety, the team’s recent financial allocations have neglected defensive tackle and guard positions. To maintain their competitive edge, Miami must prioritize strengthening their interior lines to ensure success in one-on-one battles.
