Don’t “B” mad at me, Dolphins fans.
What the Miami Dolphins are doing overall in the 2021 NFL Draft is still a thing of beauty.
The first of three picks on the night was at No. 36 overall in the third round. Our analysis had the Dolphins targeting UNC running back Javonte Williams. Clearly, the Denver Broncos felt the same way, as they traded up just ahead of the Dolphins to select Williams.
This series of events did not phase Miami and might have been exactly what they expected. The Dolphins quickly submitted their pick for safety Jevon Holland. Miami found a ball-hawking safety who led the Oregon Ducks in interceptions in his two years there. We love this pick, as this was one of 305 Sports players to watch on Day 2.
Build the wall.
The Dolphins got aggressive with their second pick of the second round. Miami originally was going to draft at 50 and traded up to 42. With that pick, the Dolphins selected the 6-foot-5, 302 lbs tackle Liam Eichenberg. With Eichenberg as a projected starter, the Dolphins are one player away from completely rebuilding their offensive line with high draft picks. The addition of Eichenberg, coupled with the second-year progression of the current lineman should see Miami with much improved o-line play.
Because two is better than one.
Fans salivated over the possibility of a two tight end offense in Miami. However, many envisioned that being a Kyle Pitts, Mike Gesicki combination. Well, Miami liked that idea also. They just had a different vision of what it would look like. With their third-round pick, the Dolphins selected TE Hunter Long.
Out of Boston College, Long led all FBS tight ends in receptions. Long’s performance at the Senior Bowl coached by the Dolphins staff might have clinched the job for him. With this pick, Miami has provided Tua Tagovailoa with another weapon.
Day 2 Grade.
These were really good picks for the Dolphins. Nonetheless, for the second year in a row, Miami did not prioritize a running back in the draft. While it is true that you have limited picks so you can’t get everything you need, Miami should have found a creative way to nab one. With that said, the Dolphins’ day two draft is a B just because they couldn’t have it all.
