Dolphins need a guard. Who should they target in NFL draft? Ranking 5 best options
The Dolphins, understandably, allowed right guard Robert Hunt to leave in free agency for $100 million.
Hunt is a very nice guy and a very good player.
But $100 million! My goodness, Carolina.
Anyway, once the Dolphins picked themselves off the floor after hearing about that contract, they re-signed Isaiah Wynn, who may play left guard for about $1.9 million.
It's possible Miami rolls with Wynn at left guard and Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, Lester Cotton, Jack Driscoll or Chasen Hines at right guard.
But they'll probably add at least one more guard capable of competing to start.
They really need to add at least one more capable guard.
Let's take a look at Miami's top guard draft options:
Dolphins NFL draft edge targets by round:
Round 1, Pick 21: Troy Fautanu, G/T Washington
Looks, it's kind of improbable to think that Fautanu will slide to 21. He seems to be a popular player among at least three or four teams drafting ahead of Miami. It's a shame because Fautanu could play guard in 2024 and left tackle as early as 2025. But he probably won't be there.
Related Story Fautanu is the perfect Dolphins draft target
Round 1, Pick 21: Graham Barton, G/C/T, Duke
Barton has played tackle and many project him as a top NFL center, but for Miami, he would likely start out as a guard. The versatility is a huge asset for Miami. Barton is a finisher, a nice combination of agility and strength. Barton is considered a technician and would impact Miami's run game.
Related Story Barton is versatile, athletic and powerful
Round 2, Pick 55: Christian Haynes, G, UConn
Haynes is a former wrestler and defensive tackle. He has length and strength. He was a team leader for the Huskies. He's a four-year starter and has already shown he can be an effective zone scheme right guard.
Round 2, Pick 55: Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State
Beebe is a former power lifter and defensive tackle. He's working on his master's degree. He's a finisher with good technique. Some folks say he's not a dynamic athlete and has short arms. But he's a really good football player.
Round 5, Pick 158: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College
This former tackle certainly could go in, say, Round 4. But he's intriguing if he's still on the board for some reason. Was coached by former Dolphins line coach Matt Applebaum. This guy craves contact and is strong in the run game.
Dolphins guard depth chart
Isaiah Wynn - Was effective at left guard before injury last season.
Robert Jones - Only 2 sacks allowed in 418 snaps last season.
Liam Eichenberg - About 73% of his NFL snaps have been at center.
Lester Cotton - Grade of 46 with 3 sacks, 20 pressures last season.
Jack Driscoll - Probably the backup RT, but can play guard.
Chasen Hines - Developmental interior offensive lineman.
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.
89th NFL DRAFT
Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, Detroit
Round 1, Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m.
Rounds 2-3, Friday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Rounds 4-7, Saturday, April 27, noon
To follow along: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio
First pick: Chicago Bears
Dolphins' picks: Round 1/21; Round 2/55; Round 5/158; Round 6/Pick 184 (from CHI); Round 6/198; Round 7/241
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 2024 mock draft: Ranking top guard targets
