2021 NFL Draft: 5 Teams that made the leap to contenders

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: A fan holds a jersey after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Justin Fields being selected 11th by the Chicago Bears during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Miami Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle, 2021 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Miami Dolphins

Whenever the Miami Dolphins had three first-round picks in 2020, I was high on what that could mean for their rebuilding process and the leap they could make. To be frank, outside of Tua Tagovailoa, their trio of picks in that draft class left me feeling a bit lukewarm.

Of course, Brian Flores’ club was still able to make a leap as the head coach, in addition to general manager Chris Grier, have executed this rebuild in South Beach to near perfection. They have a defense emerging as one of the better units in the league while the offense is starting to take shape. They just needed to add the right pieces — and they did that in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jaylen Waddle was their first selection at No. 6 and he’s an ideal fit for this offense, a speed threat that can attack downfield and with yards after the catch. He was followed by Jaelan Phillips, an edge rusher taken at No. 18 that can immediately be a 7-9 sack threat with top-tier upside moving forward. The additions of Liam Eichenberg on the offensive line and Jevon Holland at safety also provide immediate quality starters.

All told, the Dolphins were on the cusp of making the playoffs last season. Now they’ve noticeably improved weaker points of the roster with enticing young players. If that’s not the mark of a team making a leap, I’m not sure what is.

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