Miami Dolphins: 6 Perfect fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has a chance to help Tua Tagovailoa take the next step with a few prospects from the 2021 NFL Draft that would be perfect fits.
Before getting into the 2021 NFL Draft for the Miami Dolphins, let’s take a look back. After a career-threatening hip injury, not many anticipated Tua Tagovailoa starting for the Dolphins. Even fewer people saw the Fins having a winning record.
Yet, head coach Brian Flores coached the Fins to a 10-6 record, barely missing the playoffs. The Fins’ opportunistic and stingy defense was a large part of their success. So did Flores’ gutsy call to throw the rookie into the fire wield impressive results?
Tagovailoa threw 11 touchdowns, five interceptions and completed 64 percent of his passes with a 6-3 record as a starter. Still, the Fins looked putrid on offense, leading to Chan Gailey’s firing and rumblings of another major change.
If you haven’t heard, Miami could move Tua trade for the disgruntled DeShaun Watson. Trading away Tua for Watson seems enticing but isn’t going to solve all the Fins’ problems. Flores believes in Tua, and so should Dolphin fans after what they saw in 2020.
Flores is right to support his guy. Instead of trading away future draft picks for Watson, Chris Grier should build around Tua. With a ton of draft capital in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Fins could help Tua take the next step with the help of a few perfect prospects.
Miami Dolphins perfect draft fit No. 6: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Getting a wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft must happen. The Fins have one of the highest-paid receiving corps in the NFL without the production to show for it. Their leading receiver, DeVante Parker, hasn’t lived up to the hype of his draft status.
Guys like Lynn Bowden, Isaiah Ford and Jakeem Grant were prominent fixtures in the offense; but wouldn’t be starters on other teams. DeVonta Smith solves more problems than one for the Fins.
For starters, the Heisman Trophy winner loves football, as evidenced by his accepting the invite to the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl. It’s like he’s asking for the Dolphins to draft him. Tagovailoa was his quarterback prior to 2020 at Alabama, so he knows how to catch passes from the lefty. Smith may not have the big frame at 6-1, 175 pounds but he doesn’t need it.
The Bama wideout is sensational at his craft. He’s an elite route runner who understands how to get open. Thanks to his intellect, he excelled at exploiting coverages on intermediate and deep routes. Miami and Smith are a match made in football heaven and he should be the No 3 pick.
Trading down is a likely option for the Fins. Even then, there’s a possibility for Smith to fall into their laps. If not, Jaylen Waddle would be one heck of a second option.