MIAMI -- The 2023 NFL draft was held Thursday through Saturday in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
ESPN provided pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Miami Dolphins’ selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 2, No. 51 overall: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
My take: The Dolphins hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio this offseason and are expected to deploy several exotic zone coverages with him at the helm. It's an interesting move after the team traded for Jalen Ramsey in March, but with Nik Needham still recovering from a torn Achilles, Miami's depth at cornerback was suspect. But considering where Smith was drafted, it's safe to assume this was more than just a depth pick -- the Dolphins have their eye on the future.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time: Miami is expected to roll with the tandem of Ramsey and Xavien Howard for at least the 2023 season. Smith has the versatility to play all three cornerback positions but will have to beat out last year's undrafted star Kader Kohou for playing time in the slot. However, considering Howard's injury history, Smith could push for snaps if Howard is sidelined for any period of time. The competition between Smith and Kohou will be one to watch this summer.
Ties to the team to know: Although Smith and Dolphins GM Chris Grier didn't officially meet until their formal interview at the NFL combine, Smith was teammates with Grier's son, Landon, at South Carolina. The two of them weren't particularly close, but Smith said he was able to pick the younger Grier's brain about the ins and outs of the league while they were in Columbia.
Round 3, No. 84 overall: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
My take: If the NFL held a 4x4 relay race, the Dolphins would win with enough time to grab a snack before the next team finished. After re-signing their entire running backs room this offseason, the Dolphins still only realistically had two backs -- Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. -- who could see snaps in 2023. Both backs have an injury history, and Achane provides depth to an offense that struggled to run the ball last season. Achane has legitimate track speed and makes the NFL's fastest offense even faster.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time: Speed translates from college to the NFL -- Achane's 4.32 40-yard dash speed should immediately make an impact for Miami. He won't likely start with Mostert and Wilson splitting the majority of the carries, but he should be able to fill a role as a receiver out of the backfield or even out of the slot.
What’s next: The Dolphins have now used half of their picks in this year's draft. They'll pick again at picks No. 197 and No. 238 in the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively. Miami could opt for a tight end after passing on one with its first two picks or shore up its offensive line. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel both insist the Dolphins will take the best players available rather than draft for need.
Round 6, No. 197 overall: Elijah Higgins, TE, Stanford
My take: After passing on a tight end on Day 2 of the draft and losing Mike Gesicki to the Patriots in free agency, Miami adds to a thin room with a former Stanford wide receiver -- that's right, wide receiver. While Higgins is expected to transition to tight end in the NFL, he will likely play multiple roles for the Dolphins and their creative play designer, Mike McDaniel. He represents a unique skill set in the Dolphins locker room, which is full of smaller, shiftier pass- catchers. Higgins' wide frame should make him valuable in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
Round 7, No. 1 238 overall: Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan
My take: The Dolphins' offensive line was plagued by injuries last season, Terron Armstead is a locked-in starter at left tackle and Austin Jackson is expected to start at right tackle. While Hayes doesn't necessarily project as a starting tackle, he provides needed depth assuming he makes the 53-man roster. Hayes played on the best offensive line in college last season and is now teammates with one of the NFL's great mentors in Armstead.