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Miami Dolphins Rookie Report Card

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Miami Dolphins Rookie

NFL rosters are comprised of 53 players, and every player plays some role, whether that’s on offense, defense or special teams. The highly paid veterans generally get all the press and fanfare, in Miami those are names like Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle and Jalen Ramsey. But in a league where spending is confined by a salary cap, teams need contributions from their rookie classes to field a well-rounded roster. With the regular season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to turn in a 2024 Miami Dolphins rookie report card.

The Dolphins saw a good amount of success with their 2024 draft picks. They drafted seven players, four players of whom saw significant playing time, another who was a solid special teams contributor, and one who didn’t see a ton of action.  Seventh-round pick Tahj Washington was lost during camp to a season-ending injury. Without a big sample size, he will get an incomplete for his first season.

Miami Dolphins Rookie Report Card

LB – Chop Robinson – A

Miami’s top draft pick was also their best. The Dolphins selected Robinson with the 21st pick and turned in a phenomenal rookie campaign. The former Nittany Lion was limited to passing situations early in the season, as such, his tackle numbers are limited. He finished with 26. Robinson notched six sacks throughout the year, however, good for second amongst rookies, and he defended four passes as well. His pressure rate is what stands out though. He finished the season in the company of the league’s most elite pass rushers.

He harassed opposing quarterbacks all season long with 56 total pressures. It’s the fourth most by a rookie in the last five seasons. Robinson quickly became the most feared edge rusher in Miami and showed he’s a building block Dolphins fans should be excited about for years to come.

OT – Patrick Paul – C

Paul is tough to grade. The 6’7″ 330 lb tackle out of Houston, was drafted in the second round to be the future for the Dolphins at the left tackle position. Miami’s starting left tackle, Terron Armstead, has been one of the league’s best for years. The goal was for Paul to be able to learn behind Armstead until it’s his time to take the reins, but he was forced into action at various points. Paul played a total of 408 snaps, both on offense and special teams. The former Houston Cougar allowed three sacks, one quarterback hit, but faired better as a pass blocker than a run blocker.

He was drafted as a piece for the future and possesses elite size and traits to be a high-end starting left tackle for Miami. Whether he gets that opportunity next season or the year after, Miami should feel confident that this grade may someday be an “A” as well.

RB – Jaylen Wright – C

Wright came into Miami by way of Tennessee as another explosive weapon for Mike McDaniel to utilize. The rookie was stuck in a crowded running back room and firmly behind do-it-all lead back Devon Achane. He ended up playing 171 offensive snaps and had a few memorable runs, but failed to find the end zone. The biggest reason the talented runner didn’t pop as the Dolphins had hoped, most likely lies with Miami’s offensive line. They struggled to create rushing lanes all season and their rushing attack which ranked sixth in 2023, fell to 21 this year.

He finished with 249 rushing yards and 3.7 yards per carry. He figures to be a featured part of the offense next season along with Achane and possesses the home run ability McDaniel covets. Wright, like Paul, is a player that Miami hopes will grow into an improved grade in future seasons.

Edge – Mohamed Kamara – D

Kamara simply couldn’t get on the field much as a rookie. The former CSU Ram was a force in college, winning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He played just 56 snaps throughout the season, despite being a player many thought was a steal in the 5th round. Like Paul, he was a pick Miami hopes to develop into a piece that can consistently contribute.

WR – Malik Washington – B+

The former Virginia Cavalier was a sixth-round pick in 2024, the kind of pick teams make to supplement their special teams. After a very quiet start to the season, he became a weapon on offense and special teams. He pulled in 26 grabs for 223 yards, 8.6 yards per catch, and a rushing touchdown. Washington was also the only player to provide any type of threat in the return game, with a season-high 67-yard kick return. His contributions this season make him a likely lock for the roster next year and more than likely a lock for the third or fourth receiving spot, as well as a spot as the Dolphins top kick returner. A find like Washington in the sixth round is a gem and crucial for building a competitive roster.

Safety – Patrick McMorris – D-

McMorris was also a sixth-round pick and another depth piece drafted to help with special teams, with the hope he’ll develop into a contributing part of the defense. The Miami Dolphins rookie played a total of 105 snaps this season and recorded one tackle. He needs a strong offseason to hopefully stay on the roster through next season.

The Dolphins draft was filled with a few instant contributors, none bigger than Robinson. It was also filled with several long-term prospects that Miami hopes will continue to improve their depth, and help strengthen their roster for a long time. Looking at the results as they currently stand, Miami drafted with the future in mind, this rookie report card reflects that. In a few years, it’ll be clear if they pulled it off.

Main Photo: Kevin R. Wexler – USA Today Sports

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