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2021 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins 7-round mock

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a five yard touchdown ahead of Sevyn Banks #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a five yard touchdown ahead of Sevyn Banks #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Dolphins mock draft, Javonte Williams
CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 10: Javonte Williams #25 of North Carolina runs after catching the ball during a game between Virginia Tech and North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Myles Gaskin gave the Dolphins decent production at running back last season, but the offense could benefit from adding a player with more big play ability. Williams was highly productive during his final collegiate season at North Carolina and projects as a potential starter at the next level.

Williams presents opposing defenses with a real challenge with his combination of physicality and speed with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t go down very often to first contact. Williams’ ability to break tackles and quickly transition to a higher gear in the open field makes him a threat to score every time he touches the football.

Williams also flashed some ability as a pass receiver during his time in Mack Brown’s offense. He’s never going to lead the NFL in receptions, but he does possess the versatility to be a three-down back in Miami’s scheme. Throw in his willingness to contribute in pass protection and it’s easy to see why he could be a steal in Round 4.

Spending a premium pick on a running back is a mistake in the modern NFL, but gambling on a potential starter late in the draft can really pay off for teams looking to add a little offensive punch. Williams can combine with Gaskin to give the Dolphins an above-average duo in 2021.