Monday, February 26 marks the start of the NFL’s annual scouting combine, which gives teams the chance to assess each 2024 NFL draft prospect’s athleticism through on-field workouts, interviews, and physical examinations.
Starting with the defensive line, this series will give fans players to watch and keep an eye on in each of the Miami Dolphins’ most critical areas of need.
Star players abound on the Dolphins defensive line, but many questions remain about who will be there come playoff time.
Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, two inside players, may be eligible for free agency next month. Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are on the verge of suffering serious injuries. Additionally, Andrew Van Ginkel, the primary backup, is set to become a free agent.
Let’s look at a few options at each defensive line position.
Sweat should be considered a replacement for Davis if he leaves in free agency. Sweat is a massive interior rusher who is probably the draft class’s best pure nose tackle.
With new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver saying he wants to emulate some of what the Baltimore Ravens did last season, nose tackle should be high on the Dolphins’ priorities. Baltimore had Michael Pierce and Travis Jones in that spot last season.
The big question for Sweat is how much he actually weighs. He chose not to weigh in at the Senior Bowl and looks closer to 400 pounds on tape. If he does come in that heavy, it could push him down boards a bit.
Still, Sweat’s run defense, power and football IQ would make him an excellent replacement for Davis in Miami’s new defense.
Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois, 6-2, 295
Newton has been regarded as the top IDL prospect for most of the draft process. However, Texas’ Byron Murphy has started to climb past Newton in most mock drafts.
Newton appears to be a little better option for the Dolphins than Wilkins. Newton’s technique against the run is his strongest suit. Newton is tiny, yet he sheds blocks and anchors quite well.
That’s what Wilkins was the best at on the team at before he became a standout pass rusher this past season. The Dolphins need to find someone with that skill level immediately if he leaves. Although Newton is skilled enough to be selected first, it will likely cost them that pick.
Listen to Newton’s assessment. That would be a major victory if he finishes at his listed 295 or higher. Reevaluating his fit would be worthwhile if his score is less than 290.
Michigan’s Kris Jenkins, 6-3, 305
In many aspects, Jenkins and Newton are comparable. Similar to Newton, Jenkins’ greatest asset is his run defense. In the running game, Jenkins is a pain for offensive linemen because of his hand placement and effort.
And he’s gotten better every season for the past two. Jenkins is a rising star even though he isn’t receiving any recognition at the moment.
Still, there are good reasons why he isn’t as popular as Newton. As a pass rusher, Jenkins doesn’t have a lot of potential. He doesn’t really help much when chasing the passer; his bull rush is his sole weapon of choice.
Still, the Dolphins stand to gain from it. Jenkins is the ideal second-round player because of his talent. Jenkins may play a rotational role the following season, grow as a pass rusher, and eventually replace Wilkins in 2025 if the team tags Wilkins.
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