Chris Perkins: How do they fit? A look at Dolphins’ 2024 draft class

There’s muted excitement regarding the Miami Dolphins’ 2024 draft. There’s a perception that this draft class is preparing the team to make a playoff run in 2025 — not 2024.

MIAMI GARDENS — There’s muted excitement regarding the Miami Dolphins’ 2024 draft, and with good reason.

It doesn’t seem that the Dolphins, who had first- and second-round picks for the first time since 2021, didn’t move the needle much among their fans.

There’s a perception, correctly or incorrectly, that the Dolphins’ 2024 draft is preparing the team to make a playoff run in 2025 — not 2024.

Here’s a closer look at each of the Dolphins’ draftees and how they might fit into the team: 

Edge rusher Chop Robinson, Penn State, first round (No. 21)

Robinson is considered as a guy with a fast first-step but who needs work on his overall game. That’s fine because the Dolphins really need his pass-rush skills while veterans Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) recover from their injuries.

The thing is, Robinson has to be the No. 1 pass rusher early in the season with those injuries.

Robinson still needs to work on his run defense.

But he seems to have potential as a pass rusher. The question is whether he can get off to a quick start to provide the Dolphins the pass rush help they need in the first, say, month of the season.

Offensive tackle Patrick Paul, Houston, second round (No. 55)

Paul is viewed largely as a backup as a rookie. However, considering Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead, based on recent history, seems likely to miss four or five games this season you can bet Paul will get some playing time. However, he’ll have to beat out veteran backup tackle Kendall Lamm.

Running back Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, fourth round (No. 120)

Wright is a speedy back who gets to the outside and gets yards after contact, which makes him a rare breed. The Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to move up and acquire Wright, which is a high cost considering he’ll likely have limited playing time this season. Regardless, Wright has good receiving skills that should help him earn playing time in a crowded backfield that also includes Pro Bowler Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Chris Brooks.

Edge rusher Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State, fifth round (No. 158)

Kamara is a bit small for the position but he recorded 13.0 sacks last season, which shows he knows how to get to the quarterback. The main issue for Kamara is making an impact. The Dolphins need pass rushers. They drafted Robinson in the first round but they only return veteran Shaquil Barrett and Quinton Bell. But Kamara will have to show he can be impactful at the NFL level.

Wide receiver Malik Washington, Virginia, sixth round (No. 184)

Washington, a slotreceiver, has a chance to compete for a roster spot mostly as a special teams contributor but he has an outside chance to make the roster from scrimmage. His big issue is the Dolphins use star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the slot a lot.

Safety Patrick McMorris, California, sixth round (No. 198)

McMorris (6-0, 207) is a bigger safety who has great special teams experience between his four years at San Diego State and California. The special teams play — he played all four at San Diego State, which means kickoff, kickoff return, punt and punt return — could give him a big edge in making the 53-man regular-season roster.

Wide receiver Tahj Washington, USC, seventh round (No. 241)

Washington is a slot receiver who shows good toughness and an ability to catch the ball in traffic. He’ll venture into the middle and he’s not afraid to block.