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Miami Dolphins: 3 Best picks to make at No. 18 in 2021 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) during the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Tulsa won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) during the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Tulsa won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins
Travis Etienne, Miami Dolphins (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Miami Dolphins have a chance to get better right now. Who they pick at No. 18 in the 2021 NFL Draft is just as important as the No. 6 overall pick.

Miami Dolphins fans are understandably excited for the 2021 NFL Draft. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier put them in an excellent position to get better now while also building for the future.

Who they pick at No. 18 in the 2021 NFL Draft is just as important as the No. 6 overall pick. Picking the best available player with the 18th pick, however, won’t be enough. There’s more to it than that.

Grier should look to fill a need based on the value that exists at certain positions on Day 2. Mock drafts are pandering to fans by having the Dolphins select Najee Harris with the No. 18 pick. While he’s an excellent prospect and a great fit there are other options. In fact, these are the three best options with the selection.

3. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Myles Gaskins and the addition of Malcolm Brown aren’t enough for the Miami Dolphins backfield. They’ll look to add a running back and No. 18 is the perfect spot. There’s arguably no other prospect outside of Justin Fields being more slept on than Travis Etienne. Najee Harris and Javonte Williams are getting all the love from draft circles. However, Etienne brings a spark the Fins missed in their offense from their backs.

After returning to Clemson for his senior season, he showed he’s one of the more complete backs in the 2021 NFL Draft. For starters, Etienne is electric with the ball in his hands. He’s a big play waiting to happen thanks to elite speed and quickness. He averaged over 7.2 yards per carry for his career, including 8.1 in 2018.

The ACC’s all-time leading rusher has a compact build, excellent burst and great contact balance. Etienne runs with power, often falling forward. On third downs, he’s a reliable option; he caught 102 passes during his college career.

Miami runs with power and need a feature back that can do-it-all. He’ll come in right away as an X-Factor in the Fins offense. Having a three-headed monster lead by Etienne is a real possibility for the Fins.

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