Miami Dolphins draft crushes: Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott
The Miami Dolphins will surely be taking a very long look at draft prospects along the defensive line when the NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Dolphins are in dire need of an influx of talent on the interior of their line, with only Zach Sieler and Benito […]
The Miami Dolphins will surely be taking a very long look at draft prospects along the defensive line when the NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Dolphins are in dire need of an influx of talent on the interior of their line, with only Zach Sieler and Benito Jones being capable starters on the roster at the position. Fortunately, there will be a number of options on different days of the draft who could help them.
One such player could be an SEC standout who was productive but still largely underused in 2024: Tennessee Vols DT Omarr Norman-Lott.
The Dolphins should consider drafting DT Omarr-Norman-Lott with the 98th overall pick of the draft.
A transfer prior to the 2023 season from Arizona State, Norman-Lott was a substantial contributor for a Tennessee defensive line that drew national praise throughout the season for their dominant performance, one that helped propel the Volunteers to their first ever College Football Playoff appearance. Anchored by players like Norman-Lott and James Pearce, Jr., among other, the Vols allowed just two teams to crack 20 points in the regular season (Georgia 31; Vanderbilt 23).
Norman-Lott was particularly impressive in pass rushing situations. In 139 pass rushing snaps, he totaled 27 pressures for a pressure rate of 19.4%, which is particularly outstanding for a defensive tackle. He earned an 81.6 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus last year.
What's odd is how infrequent Norman-Lott was used. Tennessee does love to rotate their defensive backs often and keep guys fresh. However, Norman-Lott logged just 225 total snaps in 2024. With a player as disruptive as he is, that's a head scratcher by the Tennessee coaching staff.
Miami has picks in the second round (48), third round (compensatory, 98), and two in the fourth round (116, 135). Projections have Norman-Lott coming off the board anywhere from the second round to Day Three, so the range of where he could come off the board is pretty wide. However, if he's there at 98, the Dolphins should think long and hard about pulling the trigger and adding a pass rushing presence to their defensive line.
