The Miami Dolphins are in need of a defensive tackle to throw into the rotation with fellow lineman Christian Wilkins and Davon Godchaux.
It sounds silly, but perhaps.
And this is for a few reasons.
Back in February, general manager Chris Grier was asked about his ideal positional targets in the 1st round, whether it be quarterback, offensive tackle, or pass rusher. He replied: “I don’t think we can rule out anything. We have a lot of spots we need to fill.”
And with Grier’s previous drafts, he likes the idea of taking BPA- Best Player Available. (So, if Brown falls, would the Dolphins take him?)
***FRIDAY*** https://t.co/jTLjtUE3tr Podcast https://t.co/EneoDqZ7bf
— DolphinsTalk.com (@DolphinsTalk) April 10, 2020
And knowing the Dolphins draft history with quarterbacks post-Dan Marino, Miami hasn’t acted aggressively in the 1st-round in order to acquire one (outside of Ryan Tannehill, of course).
And though the team likes Oregon’s Justin Herbert a lot, they could view Herbert’s limitations as a downfield passer as something they’d like to wait on later in the 1st round.
According to NFL.com’s draft tracker, Derrick Brown is a Top-5 prospect coming into this draft with the ability to play odd or even fronts. Brown doesn’t get huge sack numbers but makes up for that in pressure and disruption.
— DolphinsTalk.com (@DolphinsTalk) April 10, 2020
Lance Zierlein, their NFL analyst, had this general take on Brown:
“Defensive tackle with rare combination of size and disruptive traits who frequently bludgeoned inferior competition across from him. Brown’s snap quickness allows him to take muddy running lanes by re-setting the line of scrimmage. He has the ability to power into gaps, but he really shines when he drops his anchor to stall double-teams or punch, press and prey on runners as a two-gapper. Brown’s upright rush style means he might be more of a pressure rusher than a sack-man, but he should keep improving as a rusher with more dedication to the craft. He could become a high-impact starter early in his career with an All-Pro ceiling and good starter floor.”
Keep in mind, Davon Godchaux is entering his 4th and final year of his contract which will make him an unrestricted free agent by the start of the 2021 season. So, the Dolphins will not only need to find a defensive tackle for the rotation, but possibly a starter at the position if Godchaux departs from Miami following the 2020 season.
Probably not what Dolphins fans want, but something to think about.
I like it a lot. Watched this kid from Auburn for a couple years. Phins run defense could improve to one of the league’s best. Team that with a great OT in the first round and we’ve shored up both sides of the trenches where the game is determined.