The Dolphins had some key losses in the offseason, but all the speed is still there for Mike McDaniel’s squad. If you like the analysis here, consider signing up for our free newsletter to get can’t-miss NFL news and insights straight to your inbox every week.
- 2023 finish: 11-6 (second in AFC East); lost to KC in WC Round
- Over/under: 9.5 wins
Notable additions
WR Odell Beckham Jr., TE Jonnu Smith, TE Jody Fortson, OL Jack Driscoll, C Aaron Brewer, DL Calais Campbell, DL Neville Gallimore, DL Benito Jones, DL Teair Tart, DL Jonathan Harris, ILB Jordyn Brooks, ILB David Long Jr., ILB Anthony Walker Jr., ILB Cam Brown, CB Kendall Fuller, DB Siran Neal, S Jordan Poyer, DC Anthony Weaver
Notable losses
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., WR Chase Claypool, WR Robbie Chosen, TE Tyler Kroft, G Robert Hunt, C Connor Williams, C Jonotthan Harrison, DL Christian Wilkins, DL Raekwon Davis, LB Bruce Irvin, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB Melvin Ingram, OLB Justin Houston, CB Eli Apple, CB Justin Bethel, S DeShon Elliott, S Brandon Jones, DC Vic Fangio
2024 draft class
OLB Chop Robinson (1.21), OT Patrick Paul (2.55), RB Jaylen Wright (4.120), OLB Mohamed Kamara (5.158), WR Malik Washington (6.184), S Patrick McMorris (6.198), WR Tahj Washington (7.241)
Projected starters
QB: Tua Tagovailoa
RB: Raheem Mostert
RB: De’Von Achane
WR: Tyreek Hill
WR: Jayden Waddle
TE: Jonnu Smith
LT: Terron Armstead
LG: Isaiah Wynn
C: Aaron Brewer
RG: Robert Jones
RT: Austin Jackson
DL: Zach Sieler
DL: Calais Campbell
OLB: Jaelan Phillips
ILB: Jordyn Brooks
ILB: David Long Jr.
OLB: Bradley Chubb
CB: Jalen Ramsey
S: Jevon Holland
S: Jordan Poyer
SCB: Kendall Fuller
CB: Cam Smith
2024 outlook
The Dolphins committed to Tua Tagovailoa with a four-year, $212.4 million extension to erase any outside questions about him being their franchise quarterback, and the team needs to now show they can play their best football down the stretch after back-to-back end-of-season disappointments. Still, the overall success under Mike McDaniel shouldn’t be discounted with a playoff berth in each of the past two seasons, and the offense should again be among the NFL’s best.
One concern—and it’s a potentially fatal one—is the offensive line losing Robert Hunt after he signed a nine-figure contract with the Panthers, which will likely make rushing lanes for Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane more difficult to come by. I’m sure McDaniel will scheme his way around it with more touches in space for Achane (plus Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle), but not being quite as good up front isn’t the formula to turn things around as the weather gets colder.
The defense also lost a huge piece up front with Christian Wilkins heading to Las Vegas, and Miami missing his presence as a guy that not only has top-tier talent but can also get in the head of opponents is worrisome. Furthermore, edge defenders Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) might not be themselves when on the field this year, and first-round rookie Chop Robinson is still developing as a pass rusher—but new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver might be a better overall fit for the unit than Vic Fangio was.
Position battle to watch: Cornerback
Jalen Ramsey is obviously locked in as the No. 1 cornerback in Miami, but the roles are up for grabs behind him—especially with Kendall Fuller and Cam Smith both getting banged up to begin camp. That opens the door for Kader Kohou to keep his starting job with a strong month, but in general, we can expect Ramsey to play more shadow coverage in 2024.
Breakout candidate: CB Cam Smith
Smith was one of my favorite players in last year’s draft, but he simply wasn’t trusted to see the field under Vic Fangio, so hopefully the 23-year-old can get fully healthy and have more of a shot this summer. If he does work his way into the starting lineup, Smith showed extremely high confidence at South Carolina—including requesting to shadow top opponents, which he did successfully.
Circle on the calendar: Week 13 (@ GB) | Thursday, November 28 – 8:20 PM ET
Hosting the Bills in the first Thursday Night Football game of the season drew strong consideration here, but I’m looking ahead to a primetime clash versus the Packers on Thanksgiving as a game that could be a pivot point for Miami. Showing they can beat a top NFC contender at a potentially chilly Lambeau Field in late November might give the Dolphins confidence into December… but losing could cause the doubt to set in.
Bottom line
Miami has perhaps the fastest offense in NFL history with rookie Jaylen Wright joining last year’s explosive group, and their effectiveness on the ground should have them prepared to win games in January. However, they need to prove they can beat top teams in the AFC, especially on the road and in the cold when the games really matter.