The Miami Dolphins have been suggested as a possible destination for Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. lately, but a recent Bleacher Report mock draft has the Dolphins giving up their right to pick Penix to the Las Vegas Raiders.
On April 1, the Bleacher Report scouting department — composed of Alex Ballentine, Brandon Thorn, Brent Sobleski, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen, Kris Knox and Matt Holder — predicted that Miami would trade their 2024 first rounder to the Raiders for a bunch of picks. In return, Las Vegas would then choose Penix after already picking Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu at No. 13 overall. Below is the complete proposed trade from B/R.
- Dolphins receive: 2024 second-round pick (44th overall), 2024 third-round pick (77th overall) and 2025 third-round pick.
- Raiders receive: 2024 first-round pick (21st overall), 2024 sixth-round pick (198th overall) and 2025 fifth-round pick.
This arrangement would give the Dolphins three chances to fill roster gaps from picks 44 to 77 (including their own second round pick at No. 55), and also gain a future third round pick next April. While giving up a top 21 selection is a big sacrifice, it is likely a net gain in terms of overall value according to the 2024 NFL trade value chart (estimating 2025 pick values).
It’s also important to consider Miami’s top needs: Guard, defensive tackle, WR3, depth at linebacker/edge.
These are positions that can be found in rounds two and three, rather than round one. Considering limited cap space, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Dolphins chose to trade their first-round selection in 2024.
Should Dolphins Consider Drafting Michael Penix Themselves to Replace QB Tua Tagovailoa?
The The idea of Penix going to Miami is odd — as many have described the Washington Huskies lefty as a very similar prospect to Tua Tagovailoa.
If the Dolphins were in the middle of a rebuild, drafting Penix might make sense. He’s similar enough to Tagovailoa, and it would restart a rookie contract at QB if he worked out at the NFL level.
The reality is that Miami is not in a rebuilding phase right now. They are fully committed to a narrowing championship window and an aging core consisting of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and left tackle Terron Armstead.
Replacing a proven quarterback with a rookie to save cap space would be a huge risk for general manager Chris Grier.
Swapping quarterbacks would only make sense if; one, the Dolphins completely lost faith in Tagovailoa — which doesn’t seem to be the case. And two, if they were replacing him with a quarterback they felt was a sure success.
But as we know, guaranteed successes don’t exist in the NFL. Even Caleb Williams replacing Justin Fields in Chicago comes with uncertainty, and Miami can’t afford to take any QB chances on a prospect like Penix before a crucial 2024 campaign.
Dolphins Re-Sign Swing OT Kendall Lamm
In other news, the Dolphins strengthened their offensive tackle depth on April 2, reaching an agreement with veteran swing tackle Kendall Lamm on a new 2024 contract.
ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano announced the development on X, calling it another “one-year deal” for Lamm and Miami.
“Kendall Lamm did very well when he replaced Terron Armstead last year,” Palm Beach Post reporter Joe Schad reacted after seeing the news. “This is an important depth signing for the Miami Dolphins.”
ESPN’s Dolphins beat writer Marcel Louis-Jacques also mentioned that this is a “critical depth signing” for Miami.
Lamm started eight games for the Dolphins in 2023, appearing in all 18 including the playoffs. Pro Football Focus rated him at a 64.3 overall with a 67.1 in pass protection and a 55.3 as a run blocker.
According to PFF, Lamm was charged with four sacks allowed and 20 quarterback pressures last year while splitting time between left and right tackle (96.5% pass-blocking efficiency). He did not commit a single penalty on the season and was on the field for 613 offensive snaps.
