Miami Dolphins: Grading Day 2 picks in 2021 NFL Draft

Miami Dolphins Round 2, Pick 42: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

Grade: B+

Miami Dolphins fans know this pick was a Chris Grier pick through and through — he loves himself some lineman. The 2021 NFL Draft saw the Fins nab three offensive linemen. Austin Jackson went in the first round Robert Hunt in the second, and Georgia’s offensive guard Solomon Kindley was a fourth-round pick.

And the year before, he drafted Wisconsin’s offensive lineman Michael Deiter in the third round. Taking a lineman was inevitable for Grier, and he got a good one.

Liam Eichenberg is ready-made for what Brian Flores’ offense may want to do. Miami has plans to run a power scheme, and he’s able to anchor the run. The Fighting Irish tackle fits ideally in a gap power scheme. He anchors well against the run, and he’s a powerful player with strong hands. He does a great job locking out and controlling his man. Eichenberg isn’t fleet of foot by any means, but he has functional athleticism.

The Fins could play him next to Jackson at left guard. Kindley could line up on right guard next to Hunt. Or he could slide to right tackle and kick Hunt into his natural position as guard. The Fins are building a wall around Tua to ensure he succeeds in year two.