The Miami Dolphins have missed the playoffs 11 times in the last 12 years but made strides with only their second 10-win season since 2008. There are a few holes to fill to elevate the Dolphins to the next level. With the NFL Draft approaching, here are some Dolphins draft picks 2021 do’s and don’ts with regards to early-round selections.
At sixth in the league in fewest points allowed and 15th in scoring, the Dolphins need more help on the offensive side of the ball. Here are three players that would immediately help that unit.
Wyatt Davis, Ohio State (offensive line)
While the offensive line’s interior isn’t at the top of the Dolphins’ priority list, it never hurts to have enough quality bodies up front. Davis doesn’t grade at the top in terms of athletic ability, but he’s an excellent blocker in both the running and passing game. He uses his extreme intelligence and aggressiveness, which are much needed to succeed at the NFL level. Also, selecting Davis could provide competition with Ereck Flowers for a starting spot.
DaVonta Smith, Alabama (wide receiver)
There is an increased suspicion that the Dolphins will select Smith with the 3rd overall pick in the draft. He displays great speed, runs precise routes, and has a knack for finding open spaces in the secondary. Smith is not a large receiver, but he’s such a big-time playmaker that the Dolphins currently lack. His skills would be a great compliment on the other side of the field to DeVante Parker. Smith caught 117 passes for 1856 yards last season and 23 touchdowns.
Najee Harris, Alabama (running back)
Could the Dolphins select two skill positions out of Alabama in the first round? That’s entirely possible, as Najee Harris would team up nicely with Myles Gaskin. A legitimate rushing attack is essential to take the heat off Tua Tagovailoa. What Harris would provide is a threat around the outside with this speed, to go along with a solid between-the-tackles runner. Harris rushed for 1466 yards and 26 touchdowns last season and 3843 yards and 46 touchdowns in four seasons at Alabama.
Here are three players the Dolphins should avoid with the third pick.
Micah Parsons, Penn State (linebacker)
There’s no question that Parsons has the chance to be a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. Miami has other more pressing needs than selecting a linebacker early in the draft. That could change should the Dolphins trade back, but the team really needs to focus on the offensive side of the ball in the first round.
Parsons has the unique ability at the linebacker position to come in and be ready to rush the passer and cover at the NFL level. Despite this notion, the Dolphins need to look at a top-notch skill player at running back or wide receiver, leaving another team to grab Parsons as their next great linebacker.
Penei Sewell, Oregon (offensive tackle)
For a team that needs help offensively, one may question why the Dolphins should pass on the top offensive lineman in the draft. Last year’s pick, Austin Jackson, could move to the other side of the line should the Dolphins select Sewell, but that would mean Robert Hunt is the odd man out. Along with Jackson, Hunt are up and coming tackles and need to stay put and develop. The only way I see the Dolphins going after Sewell is if they get a trade offer that is too ideal to pass up.
Zach Wilson, BYU (quarterback)
This one should be rather obvious, considering the Dolphins have already decided that Tua Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback for the 2021 season. The only way it makes sense to take a quarterback at number three is if he is projected to be better than Tagovailoa, i.e., Justin Fields or Trevor Lawrence.
Wilson does have considerable ability, given the fact he has a cannon for an arm and excellent accuracy. On the flip side, Wilson doesn’t really project to be any better than Tagovailoa; thus, it’s a wasted pick should the Dolphins go in that direction.