Dolphins need an edge rusher. Who should they target in NFL draft? Ranking 5 best options
The Miami Dolphins can't know for sure when Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) or Bradley Chubb (ACL) will return next season.
Miami signed veteran pass rusher Shaq Barrett from the Bucs. And Barrett and the Dolphins believe there is something left in his 31-year-old tank.
But Miami doesn't have much beyond Barrett. Unproven Quinton Bell, Zeke Vandenburgh and Cameron Goode return but Goode is also coming off a season-ending knee injury.
Emmanuel Ogbah was cut. Andrew Van Ginkel signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Miami must add at least two edges in the draft and/or late-wave free agency.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has hit on first-rounder Phillips (2021) but didn't hit on first-rounder Charles Harris (2017).
Miami also did not hit on first-rounder Dion Jordan (2013). Miami most famously hit it big with Hall Of Famer Jason Taylor in Round 2 (1997).
Dolphins NFL draft edge targets by round:
Round 1, Pick 21: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
Latu reminds everyone of former UCLA standout Jaelan Phillips and for good reason. He's quick and delivers relentless effort and has had an injury history, like Phillips did. This is the ideal stopgap until Phillips is ramped up.
Round 1, Pick 21: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Verse is versatile and powerful. He has some good pass rush moves and he's not a liability against the run. If Verse is available at No. 21, he is an ideal stopgap until Chubb is ramped up.
Round 1, Pick 21: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
Robinson can play edge, defensive end and even defensive tackle. He's physical. He's tough. He's aggressive. He's violent. Incoming defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver could be creative in his usage.
Round 2, Pick 55: Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
Kneeland is strong against the run. And tough. And strong. He could really help Miami hold up in early passing downs, especially when facing a physical rushing attack. This is a high-energy player with upside.
Round 5, Pick 158: Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Christian
Hunt is from DeBary, Florida, which is in Volusia County, not far from Orlando. A former safety, Hunt has excellent speed and athleticism. Hunt began his career at Cornell. Hunt had 6.5 sacks last season and 7.0 sacks in 2022. A developmental pass rusher who could also contribute on special teams.
Dolphins edge depth chart
Bradley Chubb - Pro Bowler, but injured
Jaelan Phillips - Future Pro Bowler, but injured
Shaq Barrett - 59 career sacks
Cameron Goode - 17 games on special teams
Quinton Bell - nine NFL games
Zeke Vandenburgh - zero NFL games
Dolphins NFL draft picks: List of selections in 2024
Round 1, Pick 21
Round 2, Pick 55
Round 5, Pick 158
Round 6, Pick 184 (from Chicago)
Round 6, Pick 198
Round 7, Pick 241
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 2024 mock draft: Ranking top edge rusher targets
