An NFL draft expert believes the Miami Dolphins could replace defensive tackle Christian Wilkins with their 2024 first-round selection.
It will be difficult for the Miami Dolphins to retain star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in 2024 considering their cap situation and his expected salary projections.
The Dolphins are currently $51.898 million in the hole according to Over the Cap. That means in order to re-sign a potential $20 million-plus free agent like Wilkins, they must first shed over $52 million in salary.
A more realistic route is to replace Wilkins with a rookie. On February 5, ESPN scouting expert Matt Miller predicted that the Dolphins would select Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton in round one of the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins hits free agency this spring, and his replacement could be found at pick No. 21 if Miami doesn’t re-sign him,” Miller stated.
Reasoning: “Newton is a first-step magician who can either slip between blockers or straight-up run over them. The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder had 7.5 sacks during the regular season while playing multiple alignments on the Illinois front. Put him at 3-technique in Miami, with a healthy cast of defensive ends such as Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips around him, and Newton has the goods to make a Grady Jarrett-like impact.”
Over that span, the two-time All-American totaled 18.0 sacks and 27.5 tackles for a loss in 44 appearances. He also forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles, knocked down five passes and accumulated 187 combined tackles.
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