Getting a quarterback is priority No. 1 for the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft but it’s not the only position of need for them to compete.
No one expected the Miami Dolphins to win a single game in the 2019 regular season. Week after week, it seemed they trotted out different lineups facilitating the stigma associated with the franchise: tanking. It was all for one cause, “Tank for Tua,” a slogan associated with drafting Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Brian Flores wasn’t having any of it, winning five games in 2019 — to the disappointment of some.
All the while, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier was looking forward to the 2020 NFL Draft. Miami has six picks inside the first three rounds. But despite being in rebuild mode, the Dolphins have an opportunity to add a few more wins to their win total in 2020 with the help of the draft, especially after Grier made some solid signings in free agency to solidify the base of their identity under Flores.
On defense, Grier made major moves. Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones inked a massive deal with Miami. He’s a versatile defensive back whose presence alongside Xavien Howard gives the Dolphins a scary duo on the boundary. With Reshad Jones gone, however, drafting a playmaking safety on Day 2 is a necessity to cement their secondary.
Miami also had issues up front on defense last season. They were bad against the run and pass in the trenches, which they looked to address. Adding Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah and Kyle Van Noy are all moves to play right into what Flores loves to do. But even still, they could use a young, dynamic pass-rusher.
In addition to the quarterback on offense, the Dolphins still have major holes to fill. They added power-zone runner Jordan Howard in free agency but need to add both a younger, complementary back and some help on the offensive line. They added Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras to help in the trenches but still need more to help Howard and a change-of-pace, home-run threat at running back. Additionally, they could use a wide receiver to supplement the passing attack.
The Fins are draft rich and could use the 2020 NFL Draft to help them win sooner rather than later. With their moves in free agency, the Fins have established an identity that will likely carry over into the draft and next season. Here are the prospects that can help.