Miami Dolphins Could Replace Christian Wilkins with 2024 First-Round Pick, Says Expert
According to an NFL draft expert, the Miami Dolphins may have to find a replacement for star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in 2024 due to salary constraints. The Dolphins currently have a deficit of $51.898 million, making it difficult to re-sign Wilkins, who is expected to command a salary of over $20 million. As a result, the expert suggests that the team should consider selecting Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Matt Miller, an ESPN scouting expert, believes that Newton would be a suitable replacement for Wilkins. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 295 pounds, Newton is known for his ability to outmaneuver blockers and make impactful plays. During his college career, he recorded 18.0 sacks, 27.5 tackles for a loss, and 187 combined tackles in 44 appearances. His disruptive style of play has earned him praise from scouts, who describe him as a powerful hand striker and a disruptive force on all three downs.
Both Miller and Damian Parson from The Draft Network envision Newton as a starting 3-technique interior defensive lineman. They believe that his impact will be felt on both run and passing downs, with a particular emphasis on his ability to generate pressure up the middle of the offensive line. Additionally, Bleacher Report scout Matt Holder commends Newton for his strength, athleticism, and ability to stun offensive linemen.
In conclusion, Newton is seen as a Pro Bowl caliber prospect by Parson. If the Miami Dolphins are unable to re-sign Wilkins, selecting Newton with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft could be a viable solution to bolster their defensive line.
In a recent mock draft on ESPN, analyst Miller identified a position that could be affected by free agency in 2024. He suggested that the Dolphins will likely look to add a guard or center early in the draft, as Robert Hunt, Connor Williams, and Robert Jones all hit free agency this offseason. Miller’s pick for the Dolphins was Cooper Beebe, a talented guard from Kansas State. Beebe has excelled at left guard, but there is speculation about his potential as a center. The scout noted that Beebe’s movement ability in the run game aligns perfectly with Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Miami’s offensive line is expected to be a top priority in 2024. General manager Chris Grier needs to inject youth and cost-effectiveness into the position group. This is especially important with left tackle Terron Armstead considering retirement and Williams recovering from a torn ACL, assuming he is re-signed as a center.
Michael Obermuller provides coverage for several NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals.
