Dolphins' biggest remaining needs heading into Day 2 of NFL Draft

With the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft officially in the books, the Miami Dolphins still have a lot of needs to attend to entering the second rounds.  However, with 23 offensive players taken, a number of potential options that appeared to have been first-round picks have dropped into the second round. 

Unfortunately, given the Dolphins forfeited their third-round pick as part of the penalties for the tampering claims involving Sean Payton and Tom Brady, the Dolphins currently don't pick again until the fifth round, barring any trades.  As such, the team's second round pick is particularly crucial. 

Let's take a look at the team's biggest remaining needs after picking Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson at 21st overall on Thursday night.

1) Interior offensive line

Despite not addressing the team's seemingly most pressing area of need in the first round, there are still a number of options still on the board that could end up being impact players.  Jackson Powers-Johnson, Christian Haynes, and Zach Frazier are all still available after the conclusion of Round 1.  

2) Defensive line

Miami signed a bevy of free agent defensive tackle, but does quantity mean quality? A player like Michigan's Kris Jenkins could be a strong option if he's still on the board at 55. Clemson's Ruke Orhorhoro also could be a fit. As much as Miami needs to get stronger on its offensive line, it still needs some dudes on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage as well.

3) Tight end

The Dolphins don't have much behind Jonnu Smith in their tight end room, but there really wasn't much of an option for them to address it in the first round at pick 21.  Texas' Ja'Tavion Sanders could be in play in Round 2, or the team could end up waiting until day three, when names like Dallin Holker and Jaheim Bell could be in play. 

4) Edge Rusher

Yes, yes, the Dolphins drafted Robinson with pick 21, but this team probably shouldn't be done looking for pass rushing help in this draft.  At least if the right player in Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel's minds presents himself as an option when Miami is on the clock at 55 - or near it. 

Utah's Jonah Eliss has upside as a pass rusher, but likely needs to bulk up to hold up against the run on the NFL level. Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland has the physical tools to be a solid edge rusher, but he might need to work to develop a deeper pass rushing arsenal.

5) Tackle

This isn't a pressing immediate need, but it very well could be one sooner than later.  As such, if the Dolphins like a tackle with a high ceiling, then perhaps they could be on their radar in Round 2.  Houston's Patrick Paul has significant upside at 6'7" with a massive wingspan but could take some time (which Miami can offer) to develop into a quality starter.