The Miami Dolphins have the 3rd overall pick in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. Although the Dolphins finished the season with an impressive 10-6 record, they were able to acquire the 3rd overall pick due to a trade with the Houston Texans from 2019. In return for the pick, the Dolphins sent OT Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills to the Texans. The Texans finished the season with a poor record of 4-12, setting the Dolphins up with the very high draft pick they have now.
Although the Miami Dolphins have improved greatly under head coach Brian Flores, they still have many key needs that they will need to address in the near future. Although there have been talks that the Dolphins could take a QB in the first round for a second year in a row, the team has more important needs to deal with. Despite a weak performance in the final game of the season against the Buffalo Bills, rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showed some promise in the 2020 NFL season. The Dolphins should look to aid his future development with either more offensive weapons or protection. If the Dolphins feel as if they need to add another quarterback to the roster, they can always sign a veteran with more stability.
Choice Number 1: Penei Sewell-OT-Oregon
Although the offensive tackle position is not the biggest need for the Dolphins this year, Penei Sewell is a generational talent. In a draft that is stacked with very talented offensive linemen, Penei Sewell still manages to stand out above the rest. Although Sewell opted out of the 2020 college football season at Oregon, his incredible talent was still on full display as an underclassman. Sewell acquired the Outland Trophy (best college football interior lineman) and the Morris Trophy (best offensive lineman in the Pac-12) after a fantastic sophomore campaign in 2019. As stated earlier, the Dolphins could really use a guy up front to protect Tua, and Sewell is just that type of guy. With only one sack allowed in two seasons for Oregon, Sewell is right for the job. Dolphins fans can expect to see Tua feel more comfortable at the quarterback position with Sewell up front.
Choice Number 2: Devonta Smith-WR-Alabama
Perhaps the biggest need for the Miami Dolphins this year is getting strong offensive weapons. There is a possibility that half of the current Dolphins wide receivers will not return for next year. Although there is the option of getting a receiver in free agency, the Dolphins should look to add some more young weapons. Look no further than Devonta Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy this year. Smith would be a perfect weapon for Tua, as the two have experience playing with each other at Alabama. Smith caught 83 passes from Tua at Alabama, including the National Championship winning catch in 2018. In the 2020 CFB season, Smith finished 1st in receiving yards (1,641) and receiving touchdowns (20). Smith has also proven to be a disciplined wide receiver at Alabama. If the Dolphins want someone who is amazing on and off the field, Smith is definitely the best option.
Choice Number 3: Ja’Marr Chase-WR-LSU
The Miami Dolphins need help at the wide receiver position as stated earlier. Although Devonta Smith is likely the best option at the WR position, Ja’Marr Chase would not be a bad choice either. Despite opting out of the 2020 CFB season, Chase put up staggering numbers at LSU in 2019. He finished 1st in receiving yards (1,780) and receiving touchdowns (20) in 2019. Chase also won the 2019 Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the most outstanding wide receiver in college football. Many fans believe Chase could have been the best wide receiver in college football in 2020 had he not opted out. Although many people believe Chase could go to the Bengals at five, it would not be a stretch for the Dolphins to take him here. If the Dolphins do take Chase, he could very well be Tua’s number one target.
Conclusion
Overall, the Dolphins should definitely go with someone to aid Tua on the offensive side of the football. With either better weapons or protection, Tua should show more production in 2021. Of course the Dolphins have plenty of later picks in the NFL Draft as well. Many of the other holes they need to fill on both the offense and defense can be addressed there.