The Miami Dolphins can go from fringe playoff team to perennial threat with a strong showing in the 2021 NFL Draft that adds the right playmakers to the mix.
The Miami Dolphins are sitting pretty in the 2021 NFL Draft, a familiar sight in recent years as the franchise has been undergoing a massive facelift under the watch of general manager Chris Grier. But this year could be the most important yet for the Dolphins in the NFL Draft.
After picking three times in the first round of last year’s draft, the Dolphins now have five top-100 selections in 2021. Miami has the draft capital the franchise needs to bring in more offensive and defensive playmakers and difference-makers to, in essence, complete the rebuild and get over the playoff hump.
We explore who they could add as we run through a 7-round mock draft for the Miami Dolphins here.
Miami Dolphins 7-round 2021 mock draft
Round 1, Pick 6: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Kyle Pitts is the best offensive playmaker in this class. He’s far from the typical tight end as he can be lined up in the slot, with his hand in the dirt or even outside. But his versatility in the passing game is one of his most dangerou assets.
The Dolphins need to give Tua Tagovailoa as many weapons as they possibly can; there isn’t a better weapon than Pitts.
Round 1, Pick 18: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Miami’s running back room is atrocious. They need a reliable bell-cow that Tua can rely on to get consistent yards and maintain a balanced offense. Najee Harris is powerful but quicker than meets the eye. He can run through defenders or jump over them, as he has shown fans.
Grabbing both Pitts and Harris would put Miami in the conversation of best offenses on paper in the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 36: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Back-to-back members of the Crimson Tide taken for the Dolphins as they give Tagovailoa some protection by selecting Alex Leatherwood. Miami would have options here in terms of their offensive line assignments. They could have Leatherwood step in at left tackle and move Austin Jackson to the right side, or vice versa. Regardless, protecting their young quarterback is a must; Leatherwood can do that wherever he is lined up.
Round 2, Pick 50: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
This could end up being one of those picks we look back on and think “How did the NFL let Miami have Rondale Moore at No. 50?”
This would be a match made in heaven. Imagine Moore lined up in the slot, catching quick slants off RPOs and taking them to the house with his game-breaking speed. Moore could also be utilized as a return specialist and as a deep threat in the slot as well. Should this happen, it could be an absolute slam dunk for the Dolphins.
Round 3, Pick 81: Drew Dalman, IOL, Stanford
More offensive line help for the Dolphins and it definitely couldn’t hurt. Drew Dalman is a versatile guy that the Dolphins could line up at center or guard considering he played both positions at Stanford. Being that his second-level ability is something that several scouts have raved over, it’s more likely he’ll be used at guard where he can pull on outside runs.
Round 5, Pick 156: Shaka Toney, EDGE, Penn State
Shaka Toney was one of the lone bright spots in Penn State’s 2020 season. He had five sacks in eight games and showed how quick he is off the edge opposite of Jayson Oweh. Adding Toney would give Miami some help and quickness off the edge and someone who can contribute right away as a mid-round pick.
Round 7, Pick 231: Chris Rumph II, EDGE, Duke
Chris Rumph has the versatility to contribute to Miami’s pass rush as a seventh-round rookie. He can come off the edge or be lined up on the interior in sub-packages and contribute to stopping the run. The Dolphins would get very good depth and a reliable defender by taking Rumph.
Round 7, Pick 258: Tre Walker, WR, San Jose State
Everyone and their brother knows that Miami needs help at the receiver position. They added two pass-catchers already in Pitts and Moore but Tre Waker would give them another speed demon to plug into the rotation.
On top of his speed, Walker is a crisp route runner, and the ability to make spectacular catches look routine. If he played at a bigger school, there’s a good chance his name is called earlier in the draft.