Dolphins NFL draft options: Offensive line
The South Florida Sun Sentinel continues its nine-part series previewing the top players in the 2024 NFL draft (April 25-27) with offensive linemen.
This draft is deep with offensive line talent, specifically at tackle where as many as eight could go in the first round. That’s 25% of the first-round picks, or one of every four selections.
The Miami Dolphins are set at starting offensive tackles with Pro Bowl selection Terron Armstead on the left side and upstart Austin Jackson on the right side. Behind them are veteran Kendall Lamm and youngsters Kion Smith and Ryan Hayes.
At center the Dolphins might have Connor Williams, if he chooses to return, but they certainly have Aaron Brewer, who can play guard or center, and at guard there’s Isaiah Wynn, Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones and Lester Cotton, among others.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Dolphins select Armstead’s successor.
As you might recall, the Dolphins have six picks in this draft — one in the first round (No. 21), one in the second (No. 55), one in the fifth (No. 158), two in the sixth (Nos. 184 and 198), and one in the seventh (No. 241).
Here’s a breakdown of the top offensive linemen in the draft:
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Alt (6-9, 321), a left tackle, combines long arms and good feet as the basic fundamentals for the most technically-sound offensive lineman in the draft. His father, John, was a Pro Bowl tackle and first-round pick for Kansas City.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C-G, Oregon
Powers-Johnson (6-3, 328) is a dominant player who could be a Day One starter at center or guard. Thick, powerful and nasty, Powers-Johnson is better at center, and is well-equipped as a run blocker or pass blocker.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Fuaga (6-6, 324) is a top-notch pass blocker at right tackle. He’s athletic and aggressive, and his footwork allows him to change direction smoothly. But as good as his feet are, his hands are even better.
Graham Barton, G-T, Duke
Barton (6-5, 313) spent the past three seasons at left tackle but projects as an interior offensive linemen, most likely a center. He’s a powerful, explosive run blocker who should be ready to start early.
Troy Fautanu, T-G, Washington
Fantanu (6-4, 317), a left tackle, is known for his aggression and athleticism. There’s a chance his NFL home is on the interior offensive line. Either way, his skills should allow him to be good early in his career.
Best of the rest
Alabama RT JC Latham (6-6, 342) is a strong run blocker; Georgia OT Amarius Mims (6-8, 340) is raw but could play on either side; Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton (6-8, 322) is a strong pass blocker who can also play either side; Arizona LT Jordan Morgan (6-5, 311) is athletic with good feet and quickness; Houston LT Patrick Paul (6-8, 331) is long-armed but might be too nice and probably needs a bit more of an edge.
Class Grade: A
There’s tremendous starting capability in the first round and good overall depth in the upper rounds. One NFL trend that’s evident in this class is versatility. Almost all of these guys are capable of playing guard as well as tackle or center.
Teams in need
Washington, New England, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Tennessee, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Seattle, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Green Bay, San Francisco, Kansas City
Dolphins’ focus
This is tricky. Miami could opt for Armstead’s successor in the first or second rounds. That player could actually see significant time this season considering Armstead’s injury history. Plus, backup tackle Lamm is entering his 10th season and will be 32 years old in June. However, you could argue the Dolphins have bigger needs in the first two rounds than offensive tackle. It’s unlikely the Dolphins would draft a guard or center in the first two rounds.
More 2024 NFL draft coverage
Dolphins NFL draft options: Running backs