Dolphins Predicted to Replace $150 Million Departure With Rare 6-Foot-5 Talent
The Miami Dolphins have done a great job replacing most of their early free agent departures, but two big-name exits remain unaccounted for.
At the start of free agency, the Dolphins lost defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and guard Robert Hunt on both sides of the trenches. General manager Chris Grier has brought in a few depth signings at these two positions since then, but he has yet to find players that can truly step in and have a similar impact.
With free agency beginning to narrow, Grier might look to fill these two holes in the draft. And both ESPN scouting expert Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network counterpart Daniel Jeremiah recently predicted that Miami would spend their 2024 first-round selection on a new right guard.
“Miami has lost a few starters over the past few weeks as a result of its salary cap situation, including guard Robert Hunt,” Kiper stated on March 19, projecting Duke’s Graham Barton as the pick at No. 21 overall.
“I still like the pairing of Barton and the Dolphins… because of the way he could improve the middle of this O-line,” the ESPN analyst explained. “Barton played mostly left tackle in college, but he has the traits to move inside and command the game. Miami ranked 31st in pass block win rate (49.2%) last season, so it has to improve.”
As Kiper alluded, most expect Barton to convert to either center or guard at the NFL level, and that’s part of what makes him so unique.
“Barton has legitimate five-position flexibility [on the offensive line],” Jeremiah noted as the major selling point in his write-up.
It may not be the flashy choice but considering the Dolphins’ run-first offense and the importance of keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa healthy long-term, a Barton selection might be the most prudent.
Potential Dolphins Draft Target Graham Barton Viewed as ‘Day-One Impact Starter’ & ‘Explosive Drive Blocker’
It can be difficult replacing a $100 million man in one offseason, but Barton has the skill set to do so. The Draft Network called him a “day-one impact starter” that has “consistent all-pro potential.”
“Graham Barton is an instant upgrade at virtually any spot along most NFL offensive lines,” the scouting website praised, touting the Duke product’s “identity as a finisher.” They also noted that the 6-foot-5 blocker “has a knack for overpowering opponents and displacing defenders with the help of some impressive physical traits.”
