Dolphins 2023 Draft Grades

When asked to complete draft grades for the Dolphins’ 2023 draft, I only had one question. Did they actually take part in the draft? The Dolphins only made four picks total. They had to vacate their first-round pick due to team violations, had one selection in the second and third rounds, and then had to wait for 113 picks before they were on the clock again. So how did they do with their limited resources? Let’s take a look.

51st Overall Selection (Rd 2) – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Miami had already traded for Jalen Ramsey this offseason, but they doubled down by picking one of the best cover corners in this year’s draft. Not only that, but Smith is a fluid corner that can play outside, in the slot, or even safety. Xavien Howard regressed last season, and will turn 30 in July. Cam will look to push him for a spot alongside Ramsey, but his versatility means that he should still see plenty of action as a rookie regardless.

Grade: A

84th Overall Selection (Rd 3) – Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

The Dolphins already had two of the league’s faster playmakers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. So why not add another blazer in running back Devon Achane. I would expect to see Achane get plenty of playing time and touches, giving the Dolphins three players that can take it to the house on any play.

Grade: A

197th Overall Selection (Rd 6) – Elijah Higgins, WR, Stanford

After Hill and Waddle, Miami’s wide receiver room does drop off considerably. And at this point in the draft, you’re looking for traits and potential more than anything. Still, I think there were other areas they could have looked to fill more, and I think there were better options on the board as well. Higgins does give the Dolphins a bigger body for potential red zone targets, but he works best out of the slot where I would expect Hill and Achane to get most of the looks.

Grade: C

238th Overall Selection (Rd 7) – Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

A big-bodied developmental prospect that’s a solid blocker and moves well. Still think I would have tried and focused on the interior of the offensive line.

Grade: C+