2024 NFL Draft interior offensive line prospects the Miami Dolphins should watch closing at the NFL Combine
The Miami Dolphins have some important tasks to handle this offseason. They have begun to address their salary cap issue by cutting talented yet expendable players, like Xavien Howard. Their next piece of business is finding cheap rookies that can be impactful for towards rhetorical team’s success. That begins with improving the offensive line. Starting […]
The Miami Dolphins have some important tasks to handle this offseason. They have begun to address their salary cap issue by cutting talented yet expendable players, like Xavien Howard.
Their next piece of business is finding cheap rookies that can be impactful for towards rhetorical team’s success. That begins with improving the offensive line. Starting center Connor Williams is headed to free agency without a new contract. If not re-signed, the Dolphins will have a major need to fill.
With Tua Tagovailoa under center, keeping the pocket clean is paramount to maximize his game paired with the talent at wide receiver.
Finding cheaper player contracts without completely sacrificing on-field play is a nuanced task. Of course, the best way to complete this is by going through the NFL Draft instead of free agency. That process began in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl, with the next step in the house that Peyton Manning built for the NFL Scouting Combine.
Interior offensive lineman who should be on Dolphins’ radar
Jackson Powers Johnson-Oregon
Arguably the best and most versatile IOL of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jackson Powers-Johnson showcased his full array of skills and versatility at the Senior Bowl earlier this month. He plays with a physical and nasty mentality. One of the biggest knocks of the Dolphins is they lack toughness. JPJ would give them an immediate boost in that department.
He is naturally a center but showed his ability to play guard without concerns in Mobile. JPJ could sure up the Dolphins' interior OL immediately.
Zach Frazier-WVU
As a day-two option for the Dolphins, Zach Frazier offers a dense build/frame with good power to move defenders off the ball. He is tough and gritty, which are aspects the Dolphins offense needs. He is more likely to remain at the center but the combination of intelligence, anchor, and functional strength would help Tua stay upright. Plus he has experience in zone concepts from the San Francisco 49ers in the run game and would fit Mike Mcdaniels' offense well. Listen to him break down a play with Brandon Thorn in the tweet below.
Sedrick Van Pran-Georgia
If you have not caught on yet, the growing theme is physicality and toughness with my choices. Sedrick Van Pran is well experienced with good athleticism and aggressiveness at the point of attack. He is a fantastic puller and leads blocker in the run game. I expect him to be a day-two pick as well as Frazier.
The conclusion
Whether the Dolphins were to add Powers-Johnson, Frazier, or Van Pran, their offensive line needs to be addressed this offseason. Especially if Williams is not retained, general manager Chris Grier did not leave a good impression this will happen. Becoming a tougher, more physical team on offense is a must if they are serious about being an AFC Super Bowl contender.
