Dolphins NFL draft options: Pass rushers

UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, an almost certain first-round pick in the draft in April, thinks NIL money has ruined college football. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill) — UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu is someone who could be available for the Dolphins at pick No. 21 in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. Miami seems likely to select a pass rusher in the first two rounds. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)

By Chris Perkins | South Florida Sun Sentinel

PUBLISHED: April 17, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. | UPDATED: April 17, 2024 at 6:36 a.m.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel continues its nine-part series previewing top players in the 2024 NFL draft (April 25-27) with the pass rushers.

In this case, we use “pass rushers” as an all-encompassing term that could include defensive ends, outside linebackers and edge rushers. The terminology usually depends on scheme, coach and/or player.

This year’s draft offers a deep and diverse array of pass rushers even though they’re not as splashy as, say, the wide receivers, and they’re not going to have as many first-round selections as the quarterbacks or offensive tackles.

The class is led by Alabama’s Dallas Turner, a Broward native and St. Thomas product, and Florida State’s Jared Verse, who could both be selected in the top dozen picks. There might be as many as five first-round pass rushers.

The Miami Dolphins could be considered in dire need of an edge rusher.

Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) are both recovering from season-ending injuries. Behind them are newly-signed Shaquil Barrett and Quinton Bell.

Phillips and Chubb aren’t both likely to be ready for opening day, and there’s a chance neither is ready.

Miami has six draft picks, highlighted by its first-round pick (No. 21) and second (No. 55). After that, the Dolphins have a fifth (No. 158), two sixths (Nos. 184 and 198), and one seventh (No. 241).

Here’s a breakdown of the top pass rushers in the draft:

Dallas Turner, Alabama

Turner (6-3, 247), the St. Thomas product, a South Florida Sun Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year as a junior at American Heritage, used a combination of speed and athleticism to amass 10 sacks and earn first-team All-America honors. Turner has long arms and an explosive first step, which often overwhelm would-be blockers.

Jared Verse, Florida State

Verse (6-4, 254), who transferred from Albany, has a great bull rush, or overpowering upfield rush, and knows how to use his powerful build to his advantage. His 31 repetitions with 225 pounds at the combine were second-most among all players.

Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Latu (6-5, 259) is a sleek, slender pass rusher who knows how to use angles to beat offensive tackles. He had neck injuries at Washington but was healthy at UCLA. He has the best hands of any pass rusher in the draft.

Chop Robinson, Penn State

Robinson (6-3, 254) is big and athletic, the latter quality being his moneymaker. Robinson, who is uniquely explosive, overwhelms offensive linemen despite needing to sharpen his fundamentals and skills.

Darius Robinson, Missouri

Robinson (6-5, 285), who has experience playing inside, had 8.5 sacks last season. His size is a big advantage, but his power and versatility are what set him apart. He’s still raw.

Best of the rest

Penn State’s Adisa Isaac is a high-motor player who had 7.5 sacks last season; Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland is physical and explosive, and projects the same way in the NFL; Alabama’s Chris Braswell had limited snaps because there was so much talent in front of him, but he played well enough to be a Day 2 selection; Washington’s Bralen Trice doesn’t have outstanding physical traits but he’s high-motor and elusive; Utah’s Jonah Elliss is smallish (248 pounds) but his bloodlines say he’ll likely stick around considering his dad and three brothers played in the NFL.

Class grade: B-

There will likely be five first-round selections, but the strength of this class comes on Day 2 when the second and third rounds will still be stocked with pass rushers who could be Day One starters.

Teams in need

Miami, Chicago, Washington, Arizona, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Seattle, Jacksonville, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Detroit.

Dolphins’ focus

The Dolphins must keep in mind that there’s a chance that neither Phillips nor Chubb gets back to 100% this season. But even against that backdrop there’s no guarantee they’ll draft a pass rusher in the first or second rounds. Miami has needs on the offensive line and in the secondary. However, it’d be hard to believe the Dolphins would miss this opportunity to secure much-needed, high-quality young talent at one of the game’s prime positions.