2023 NFL Draft: Analyzing Miami Dolphins Picks
The 2023 NFL draft occurred in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, where the Miami Dolphins made lesser but significant moves to strengthen their roster.
The 2023 NFL draft occurred in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, where the Miami Dolphins made lesser but significant moves to strengthen their roster.
Let’s dive into their draft picks and provide some analysis:
Round 2, No. 51 overall: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
My take: The Dolphins’ selection of Cam Smith, a cornerback from South Carolina, showcases their commitment to fortifying their defensive backfield.
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With new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio bringing his expertise in zone coverages, Smith’s versatility will be valuable.
The team’s acquisition of Jalen Ramsey in March raised eyebrows, but considering Nik Needham’s injury recovery, adding depth at cornerback was necessary.
However, it’s clear that Smith is more than just a depth pick; the Dolphins have their sights set on him for the future.
Round 3, No. 84 overall: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
My take: Miami’s choice of Devon Achane, a running back from Texas A&M, addresses their need for speed and depth in the backfield.
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Despite re-signing their running backs this offseason, the Dolphins recognized the importance of adding explosive playmakers.
Achane’s blazing speed, evident in his 4.32 40-yard dash time, will add dimension to Miami’s offense.
While he may not start immediately due to the presence of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., Achane’s abilities as a receiver make him a valuable asset in the passing game.
Round 6, No. 197 overall: Elijah Higgins, TE, Stanford
My take: In the sixth round, the Dolphins opted for Elijah Higgins, a tight end from Stanford.
Although Higgins primarily played as a wide receiver in college, the Dolphins see potential in his transition to the tight end position.
Standing out among the team’s smaller, agile pass-catchers, Higgins brings a physical presence that will be valuable in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
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His unique skill set adds depth and versatility to Miami’s tight-end group.
Round 7, No. 238 overall: Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan
My take: The Dolphins selected Ryan Hayes from Michigan in the seventh round to bolster their offensive line depth.
The team faced injury challenges on the offensive line last season, highlighting the need for reliable backups.
While Hayes may not project as an immediate starter, his experience playing on one of college football’s best offensive lines will aid his development.
Working alongside veteran tackle Terron Armstead, Hayes can learn from one of the NFL’s finest mentors.
As the draft continues, the Dolphins still have additional picks to utilize.
General manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel prioritize selecting the best available players rather than solely focusing on specific positional needs.
They may address the tight end position or strengthen the offensive line with their upcoming selections.
The Dolphins’ draft picks demonstrate their commitment to building depth, addressing specific positional needs, and infusing the team with talented players who can contribute to their success in the future.
