How can you not like what the Miami Dolphins are building?
The world knew the priority for Miami was to add a dynamic playmaker on offense. Doing so would be a surefire way to help second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Not only did the Dolphins accomplish that by selecting Jaylen Waddle with the No. 6 in the 2021 NFL Draft. Miami also picked up additional draft picks by trading back from the third overall pick and still hit the goal. When a player is drafted in the first round, the objective is for them to contribute immediately. Waddle’s familiarity with Tua and special team skills would suggest that he would be ready to rack up stats in week one.
Polish those turnover chains
The icing on the cake for the Dolphins was the No. 18 pick. Emmanuel Ogbah was a brilliant addition to the Dolphins in 2020, as he led the team with nine sacks. While that was impressive, that’s not enough. Shaq Lawson was to be the answer on the other end. Lawson was good, but Miami needed an upgrade. The Dolphins moved on from Lawson, creating an even bigger need at the defensive end position.
Well, queue up sack master Jaelan Phillips. After concussion issues forced Phillips to step away from the game for a year, he returned to football reinvigorated. Phillips was a monster on defense at the University of Miami. He was no stranger to the backfield with 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2020. The addition of Phillips will elevate Ogbah’s game and make Miami’s defensive front one to be feared.
Can’t spell Jaylen or Jaelan without …
Can’t spell Jaylen, Jaelan, or Jamie for that matter without “J”. But this isn’t about me, it’s about Miami. For that matter, you can’t spell Jaylen and Jaelan without an “A”.
That’s also the grade I am giving the Dolphins for Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Miami didn’t reach for any player. They also filled needs with players that can claim starting positions in year one.
What to watch for in Day 2
At this point in the rebuild, the Dolphins haven’t addressed just two positions with high draft picks: running backs and safeties.
With Najee Harris and Travis Etienne off the board, keep your eye on running back Javonte Williams. From the safety standpoint, Jevon Holland from Oregon could fill the need at safety. He would also keep the J named player trend going. Lastly, the Dolphins could look to continue to build the offensive line with Landon Dickerson or select Quinn Meinerz to be the center of the future on the offensive line.
As seen in recent years, it was another exciting day one draft for the Dolphins.
Anonymous
April 30, 2021 at 9:41 am
Great article as always 👏