After enduring two years with the least favorable draft position in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins find themselves marginally better off as they approach the 2024 draft, although the improvement is minimal. Currently slated for six picks, compared to just four in each of the past two years, the Dolphins still face the reality that four of these selections will come in the fifth round or later. Consequently, it’s worth considering the prospect of trading down their 21st overall pick to acquire additional picks, possibly including a third-rounder, a strategy previously employed by General Manager Chris Grier.
This isn’t uncharted territory for the Dolphins, as they’ve executed similar maneuvers in recent drafts. Notably, in 2021, they traded the 3rd pick to San Francisco for the 12th pick, a move that garnered praise for its value, although opinions were mixed regarding subsequent decisions. Likewise, in 2020, they traded the 26th pick to Green Bay for the 30th pick, securing an extra fourth-round selection, which, in hindsight, didn’t fully pan out due to the underwhelming performance of the chosen player.
Reflecting further back, the Dolphins have a history of trading down in the first round, often yielding mixed results. Notable instances include the 2016 trade with Philadelphia, where they moved from the 8th to the 13th pick and acquired key players who significantly contributed to their success. Conversely, the 1998 trade with Green Bay, which saw them move down 10 spots, ultimately proved costly as they missed out on selecting Randy Moss, who became a star player.
Despite some disappointments, there have been successes, such as the 1994 trade with Green Bay, where they acquired an additional third-round pick and still secured valuable players. Ultimately, each trade carries its own set of risks and rewards, and as the Dolphins approach the 2024 draft, they must weigh their options carefully to optimize their selections and bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
