The Miami Dolphins go offense-heavy in this early 2021 NFL mock draft.
There may be an unprecedented pandemic barreling head-first toward football season but that’s not stopping teams from getting ready for the season anyway. So why should we stop getting ready for the 2021 NFL Draft? Bill Belichick has been prepping for this draft since Tom Brady left.
All kidding aside, it’s fun to have fun. And mock drafts this early are mostly just for fun. That’s why I did one a few weeks ago, where the Miami Dolphins focused a bit more on the defensive side of the ball. The only thing the two mock drafts have in common? Uncertainty.
There is no way the following draft picks come to exact fruition in April. But there’s still some value to be had here. The players drafted in this mock draft — through The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine — represent an early forecast at positional rankings. Consider it a “Dudes to Watch” board.
As for the Miami Dolphins, this mock draft touches on their current needs and their potential needs in the future. So as Dolphins do, let’s dive right in.
This is a steal. Yes, it’s a little crazy to make that claim with a whole season of football still ahead of us (hopefully). But the 2019 Outland Trophy winner — given to the nation’s best interior offensive lineman — is being praised as one of the best offensive tackle prospects of this generation. He could even be the best player in the 2021 NFL Draft class.
Penei Sewell is the best OT prospect since Joe Thomas. Planning on having a full scouting video on him within a few weeks. Can’t wait. Already watched all his snaps from 2019. https://t.co/FAYqJPkWXS
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) June 8, 2020
This works perfectly for Miami because they need all the help they can get on the offensive line. Sewell could protect one side of the line while first-round pick Austin Jackson mans the other side. Both are natural left tackles, but Sewell is way better as a prospect than Jackson. Barring a severe drop in Sewell’s production, this would be a dream selection for the Dolphins.
Another offensive lineman? That’s right; general manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores don’t care about the sexy pick. Also, Humphrey is a very good interior lineman. Before he opted to return for another season, the redshirt junior was nearly a lock for the first round. Maybe most importantly, though, is that Humphrey would fill Miami’s biggest need.
Humphrey would not only be an instant starter but he can play anywhere along the interior line. Again, anything can happen between now and April 2021 but Humphrey would likely help the Dolphins continue to makeover their historically mediocre offensive line.