The Miami Dolphins have effectively replaced most of the early departures in free agency, but there are still two notable absences that need to be addressed.

During the initial stages of free agency, the Dolphins saw the departure of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and guard Robert Hunt, crucial players on both sides of the trenches. While General Manager Chris Grier has made some depth signings for these positions, he has yet to find suitable replacements who can make a significant impact.

As free agency options dwindle, Grier may turn to the upcoming draft to address these gaps. Both ESPN scouting expert Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah have recently suggested that Miami is likely to use their first-round pick in the 2024 draft to acquire a new right guard.

“Miami has seen a handful of starters leave in recent weeks due to salary cap constraints, including guard Robert Hunt,” commented Kiper on March 19, predicting Duke’s Graham Barton as the potential selection at No. 21 overall.

“I am still a fan of the Barton-Dolphins connection…due to his potential to bolster the interior of the offensive line,” explained the ESPN analyst. “Barton primarily played left tackle in college but possesses the skills to transition inside and have an impact. With Miami ranking 31st in pass block win rate at 49.2% last season, there’s a clear need for improvement.”

As Kiper hinted, Barton is expected by many to transition to center or guard in the NFL, which adds to his appeal.

“Barton’s significant selling point is his versatility across all five positions on the offensive line,” highlighted Jeremiah in his evaluation

While it might not be the glamorous decision, taking into account the Dolphins’ emphasis on a run-focused offense and the crucial factor of ensuring quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s long-term health, opting for Barton could be the most sensible choice.

Prospective Dolphins draft pick Graham Barton is seen as a “Day-One Impact Starter” and an “energetic force in drive blocking.

Replacing a high-value player worth $100 million in just one offseason can pose challenges, but Barton possesses the abilities to step into that role. The Draft Network labelled him as a “day-one impact starter” with the potential to achieve All-Pro status consistently.

According to the scouting website, Graham Barton is seen as an immediate improvement for most positions on NFL offensive lines. His strength lies in being a finisher along with his ability to overpower and displace defenders due to his remarkable physical attributes, as highlighted by the 6-foot-5 lineman.

In a similar vein, NFL Network scout Lance Zierlein expressed that Barton possesses the ideal mix of technique, toughness, and athleticism sought after by teams in search of an early starter with the potential to make it to the Pro Bowl.

Zierlein noted that evaluating Barton’s performance on the offensive line is a rewarding experience due to his relentless nature and expertise on display. Barton excels as an explosive drive blocker with the ability to control his body and drive opponents back, showcasing remarkable hand skills in both offensive phases. Despite some challenges due to his shorter reach, Barton’s agility aids him in climbing to the second level effectively and showcasing his proficiency in screen plays.

According to Bleacher Report scout Brandon Thorn, Barton served as a three-year starter in a run-centric offense. While he may require some adjustments to fit into Mike McDaniel’s system at guard, Thorn believes Barton is the ideal candidate to seamlessly transition into the role left by Hunt starting in 2024 and beyond.

The Dolphins need to make the trenches a top priority in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The allure of adding another wide receiver or defensive standout is attractive, but what Miami truly requires in the upcoming draft is more focus on strengthening the offensive and defensive lines. Despite their recent acquisitions, losing players like Wilkins and Hunt can be detrimental, underscoring the need for Grier to prioritize bolstering the trenches instead of neglecting them.

Up to this point in the offseason, the Dolphins have allocated the majority of their resources to positions like linebacker and cornerback/safety. Furthermore, significant investments have already been made in positions such as wide receiver, cornerback, and offensive tackle.

From a financial standpoint, defensive tackle and guard have not been given the same level of attention in recent years due to players like Wilkins and Hunt. However, in April 2024, this approach must shift if Miami aims to remain competitive in physical matchups along the interior lines.