The Miami Dolphins concluded their season over a week ago, and with no more playoff games ahead, attention now turns to a crucial offseason for the franchise. Currently facing a projection of being approximately $40 million over the salary cap limit, the Dolphins must make cuts, trades, and restructures to create financial flexibility for the upcoming season. To build a competitive team while managing star players’ salaries, the focus is on acquiring affordable, high-quality talent through the NFL Draft—a strategy the Dolphins have not extensively employed in recent years.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dolphins will have a first-round selection for the first time since the 2021 NFL Draft. It is vital for them to address a specific team need by selecting an outstanding player on an economical contract to sustain their competitiveness in the AFC.
Mel Kiper, ESPN’s senior NFL Draft analyst, and a prominent figure in NFL Draft coverage, recently unveiled his initial mock draft for the upcoming selection process. In Kiper’s projection, the Dolphins, with the 21st pick, aim to strengthen their offensive line.
Troy Fautanu, a left tackle from the Washington Huskies, is Kiper’s choice for Miami in the first round. Fautanu, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 317 pounds, is anticipated by some to begin his NFL career as a guard before transitioning to a tackle position with experience at the professional level. The Dolphins could consider him as a potential successor to Terron Armstead when the veteran decides to retire, possibly as early as this offseason.
Fautanu opted out of his senior year of eligibility following the Huskies’ defeat by the Michigan Wolverines in the National Championship game. He played in 31 games for Washington, starting all 28 games during the Kalen DeBoer era. Notably, DeBoer recently became Nick Saban’s replacement at the University of Alabama.
During the 2023 college football season, Fautanu earned recognition as an All-Pac-12 First Team selection, an All-America Third Team selection, and the Morris Trophy winner—an accolade presented to the Pac-12’s best offensive and defensive lineman.
Kiper’s complete mock draft is available behind the ESPN+ paywall.
