Dolphins might have traded themselves into tough spot

Although praised for the move initially, the Miami Dolphins might be in a difficult situation on draft night at No. 6

When the trade was announced last month, the Miami Dolphins were herald as huge winners for moving back in the 2021 NFL Draft. Garnering three future first-round picks for a selection they received from the Houston Texans, it seemed too good to be true.

Miami currently will select at No. 6 come April 29 after giving up a first-round selection in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Naturally, the inclination was to move back up in order to grab a weapon for the offense to pair with second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Slight problem though; what if “their guy” is no longer there when on the clock.

According to FanSided Insider Matt Lombardo, the top player Miami’s big board is Florida’s Kyle Pitts. He also might be the No. 1 option on the Atlanta Falcons’ board should they remain at No. 4.

The second option is LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase. As one NFC coach told FanSided, Joe Burrow is “pounding the table” for the Cincinnati Bengals to select the former Bayou star at No. 5.

Alright, now what?

Can Miami still win overall after the trade?

Dolphins GM Chris Grier now has questions instead of answers, hoping to see his big board lean in his direction. Of course, with a rising need a quarterback position, Atlanta simply could trade out of the spot to fix their defense and let a QB-needy team give up the draft capital.

One report though believes the Dallas Cowboys could offer a deal with Atlanta. The pick should they do? Pitts would be the name.

As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Miami has fielded calls from teams looking to acquire No. 6 and is considering moving back. The reasoning behind it could be to garner more selections, but also draft a wide receiver that would make sense at the value of the spot.

The Dolphins likely are to consider both Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith as options should Pitts and Chase be gone. Waddle’s speed makes him an x-factor in the slot but Smith’s route-running and contested catch skills might better pair with DeVante Parker and new speedster Will Fuller.

However, what’s the asking price to move back? What will Miami be able to receive in return for the No. 6 pick? Is it worth the gamble?

The Dolphins traded twice within two hours to secure a spot to land to a weapon. They might not be done when the first round begins.  That doesn’t mean trading down.

They also could consider trading up.