Dolphins Mock Draft: What can Miami do to put roster over the top?
By Hunter Haas
Another pass rusher is needed after an injury-riddled 2023 campaign
Round 1, No. 23: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
After picking twice on Day 1 in the 2020 and 2021 drafts, Miami has not had a first-round pick in either of the past two events. Barring a trade, that will change in 2023, as the Dolphins are slated to pick in the early twenties.
A worthwhile target for the Teal and Orange? Washington’s Bralen Trice. The defense lost its two best pass rushers down the stretch, as Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb succumbed to season-ending injuries.
While both are under contract for the 2024 campaign, given the degree of the injuries, especially for Phillips, it would be wise for Miami to be proactive rather than reactive. Bringing in Trice gives the defense an insurance piece if either guy cannot regain form.
With Trice, the Dolphins would receive a lanky, disruptive pass rusher. He thrives at out-powering his opponents, using a strong lower half to push his assignment back into the pocket regularly. He’s a capable run defender but needs to work on his read-and-react ability, as he can get caught out of position by acting too late on a running lane.
Still, his unprecedented length will make Trice a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. He continually adds new moves to his pass-rushing repertoire and has the talent and opportunity to become one of the better edge rushers in the league if developed properly.
The Dolphins can upgrade the offensive line on Day 2 of mock draft
Round 2, No. 56: Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
The offensive line in Miami dealt with a litany of injuries itself. Cooper Beebe, a versatile lineman from Kansas State, is a hand-in-glove fit for the Dolphins at No. 56 overall in this mock draft. Beebe can line up at either tackle position in a pinch, but he profiles best as an interior blocker at the next level.
The Wildcat veteran logged thousands of snaps in college, only allowing one sack in his final 2,500 reps at Kansas State. He is proficient as a pass protector, using refined hand technique and underrated footwork in a scrum.
Beebe is a needle mover in the running game as well, projecting best as a gap blocker. He has absurd strength, both in his lower body and upper half, constantly gaining leverage on his assignments and maneuvering them around at his will. I’d expect Beebe to find a spot in the starting five, whether it’s at guard or tackle.