Dolphins need a receiver. Who should they target in NFL draft? Ranking the best options
The Miami Dolphins can't have any complaints about production in 2023 from their top two receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Together, they caught 191 passes for 2,813 yards and 17 touchdowns. They were electric. But it wasn't enough -- not from the receivers as a whole, anyway. Their "No. 3" receiver actually was a blocking tight end, Durham Smythe, who had 366 yards. Cedrick Wilson (296 yards) had his moments but he's gone now. In short, the Dolphins need a third receiver who can cash in on the single coverage he's sure to get. Maybe that need will be filled by Odell Beckham Jr. Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed at the Combine that an offer was made to Beckham, but so far, there's no contract. So the Dolphins have to operate as if there's a need at WR3.
Dolphins NFL Draft receiver targets by round:
Round 1, Pick 21: Brian Thomas, LSU
The Dolphins love speed. Thomas runs a 4.33. But of course, it would be a shock if Miami took a receiver this high. GM Chris Grier would have to be convinced he's the best-available player by a comfortable margin.
Round 2, Pick 5: Keon Coleman, Florida State
Seminoles fans came to expect his circus catches. Has skills to go up and pluck the ball out of the air as if he's going up for a rebound.
Round 5, Pick 158: Tahj Washington, USC
Slot receiver has no problem operating over the middle in traffic. Can block, helping turn 20-yard plays into much more.
Round 6, Pick 186: Luke McCaffrey, Rice
Yes, he's Christian's brother, so Dolphins would bank on that McCaffrey work ethic to kick in.
Round 6, Pick 198: Joshua Cephus, Texas-San Antonio
Had 3,655 career receiving yards. Dad played for Texas Southern; uncle was with Saints, Eagles.
Round 7, Pick 241: Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State
Stands 5-10 but athletic and can run a 4.43.
Dolphins receiver depth chart
Tyreek Hill: All-Pro flirted with NFL's first 2,000-yard receiving season last year.
Jaylen Waddle: First receiver in Dolphins history with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Dolphins scoffed at speculation he would be good trade bait while Hill may have gotten physically ill at the thought.
Braxton Berrios: Primarily a return specialist but had 238 receiving yards in 2023.
River Cracraft: Valuable on special teams.
Erik Ezukanma: Mystery player with only 22 career receiving yards.
Other young players on roster: Anthony Schwartz, Braylon Sanders, Mathew Sexton.
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
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 2024 mock draft: Ranking top receiver targets
