2021 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins 7-round mock
The Dolphins enter the NFL Draft with a chance to really upgrade their roster. Here’s who Miami should target with each selection.
Determining whether or not Tua Tagovailoa deserves to be the team’s quarterback of the future is the Dolphins’ biggest priority this offseason. The sheer amount of draft capital at the franchise’s disposal makes replacing him a distinct possibility. After all, Miami has both the No. 3 and No. 18 overall selections in Round 1 at their disposal.
The answer to the Tua question will have a clear impact on what the Dolphins do in Round 1. Elsewhere, the team needs to add playmakers to help whatever quarterback they chose to go with in 2021. The receiving corps could really benefit from the right Day 1 selection.
Defensively, the Dolphins would love to add an impact edge rusher. Finding a versatile linebacker capable of helping out in coverage would also benefit Brian Flores and his staff.
Without delay, let’s jump right in with the potential superstar the Dolphins project to select with the third overall pick in April’s draft.
3. player. 59. Alabama. WR. DeVonta Smith. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Some NFL executives might flinch at the idea of picking a wide receiver this high, but Smith’s dominant performance against Ohio State’s secondary in the National Championship game perfectly illustrated his ability to devastate high-quality cornerbacks. He destroyed Buckeyes’ corner Shaun Wade’s draft status in just one half of football.
Clearly, Miami might choose to use the No. 3 pick on a quarterback if they decide to bail on Tua. The more logical course of action is to give Tagovailoa one more year to develop. Giving him a dynamic playmaker like Smith to work with will remove all doubts about his surrounding talent in 2021.
Scouting Report. Tulsa. 18. player. 59. Pick Analysis. LB. Zaven Collins
The Dolphins should stick with the idea of picking the best player available here. Their needs aren’t a great fit for the way the board currently projects to shake out. As such, landing a linebacker like Collins who can really rush the passer seems like a solid choice.
Miami should be a team that pounces on any high-level prospect that experiences a tumble on Draft night, but Collins represents a reasonable backup plan for a front seven that needs more juice on the edge.