The South Florida Sun Sentinel concludes its eight-part series previewing top players in the 2023 NFL draft (April 27-29) with defensive tackles. The Dolphins are good with their top three among Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis, but they could use some more depth. John Jenkins left via free agency so he must be replaced.
The Dolphins were good against the run last season. If they can get a bit more inside push from the pass rush they’ll be hard to stop up front defensively. It’s a good year to get Day 2 help from the inside and it’ll be interesting to see how the Dolphins approach the interior defensive line when it comes to the draft.
Jalen Carter, Georgia
Carter (6 foot 3, 314 pounds) has the versatility and skill to cause havoc all over the field. He’s got a quick first step that he can employ as a lead-in to using his strength for a pass rush or using his amazing range to pursue runners along the line of scrimmage. He had involvement in a postseason fatal car crash and reportedly was out of shape for his Pro Day, but the guy can dominate.
Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Bresee (6-5, 298) can play all along the defensive, and such versatility is a valuable asset in the NFL. He had 15 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 10 games last season, but don’t get caught up in the stats. He’s a good pass rusher and adequate run-stopper although he could use some polish.
Mazi Smith, Michigan
Smith (6-3, 323) uses power as his main tool. Whether it’s bringing the run game to a screeching halt or collapsing the pocket against the pass, his strength is tough to match. He had 48 tackles, 2.5 for losses last season. He’s most likely a top Day 2 selection.
Siaki Ika, Baylor
Ika (6-3, 335) is tough to handle because of his power and quickness. He’s mostly a run-stuffer who can win one-on-one blocks but might need work to handle double-teams at the NFL level. Still, he’s an exciting prospect.
Calijah Kancey, Pitt
Kancey (6-1, 281) is a South Florida kid; he’s a Miami Northwestern High alum. He’s highly disruptive. Last year he had 31 tackles, 14.5 for a loss including 7.5 sacks. He’s not big or especially strong but he’s smart, athletic and tough.
Best of the rest
Karl Brooks, Bowling Green; Moro Ojomo, Texas; Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin; Keondre Coburn, Texas; Zacch Pickens, South Carolina; Jaquelin Roy, LSU.
Class grade: C+
This crew is headed by perhaps the best player in the draft, Georgia’s Carter. After that there’s decent talent through the second round among guys such as Bresee (Clemson), Smith (Michigan) and so on. There could be as many as eight players selected on Day 2 (second and third rounds), which is where you’ll see the real strength of this group.
Teams in need
Seattle gets the first chance and there’s a good chance it selects Carter. Detroit, Philadelphia, Houston, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Minnesota, Dallas and New Orleans are the other teams looking for defensive tackle help.
Dolphins’ focus
The interior defensive line is led by Christian Wilkins, who is approaching Pro Bowl level, with Zach Sieler after him, and he’s at a steady and consistent level, and then there’s Raekwon Davis, who can make plays but doesn’t do it consistently. So, the Dolphins are OK, but not great at this position. Jaylen Twyman and Josiah Bronson could earn roster spots but the Dolphins will likely bring in veteran free agents and/or undrafted free agents for more depth.
Previously addressed
Dolphins draft options: Edge rushers
Dolphins draft options: Defensive backs
Dolphins NFL draft options: Linebackers
Dolphins NFL draft options: Wide receivers
Dolphins NFL draft options: Tight ends
