Miami Dolphins Draft Recap - 2021 Edition

For the second year in a row, the Miami Dolphins had a quiet, yet impressive draft. They didn’t make all the splashy moves fans had hoped for but they made the moves they wanted. There’s plenty to take away from the 2021 NFL Draft so let’s dive right in.

Biggest Impact:

Easily the guy who will have the biggest impact will be their number 6 overall pick, Jaylen Waddle. The WR out of Alabama will join an already talented group where he can come in and contribute. His skillset will complement receivers like Devante Parker who can go up and get the 50/50 jump ball. He’s got the separation that will cause mismatches with either he or Will Fuller. By requiring so much attention, he’ll force defenses on their heals making it easier for guys like Mike Gesicki or Preston Williams underneath. Each player’s skills in the receiving room balance out the others.

Biggest Surprise:

Hunter Long was the headscratcher for most Dolphins fans. While Miami seems to always want to upgrade the position, many fans thought there were other issues to address. Some thought Miami should’ve targeted a running back, others thought center was the right call, and some even wanted a linebacker. Still, Miami took a tight end.

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Sleeper:

Gerrid Doaks is the loan runningback the Miami Dolphins selected showing faith in the current roster. However, Doaks can be a power runner if he makes the team without having to be the major workhorse. If they develop him to be a third-down or short-yardage back he’ll be a deep league fantasy value.

Easiest Transition To NFL:

Jevon Holland should be the guy who has the least pressure coming in. Despite being a rookie, he’ll have a great supporting cast helping him develop. The Dolphins had one of the best defensive backs in the NFL when it comes to take aways and were close to the top in total defense. With a unit that was dominant without Holland, his mistakes will be less highlighted so long as he makes minimal mistakes. Miami gets a solid ball hawk that could add to the total takeaways in an already stingy defense.

One thing is for sure, Brian Flores and company know what they want out of a football team. They don’t go out and find the best player available so much as they find the best fit available. The Dolphins aren’t going to get the superstar players with big egos but rather prefer the ones that can make an impact in multiple areas. The new regime prefers to pass on guys who are an A- at one position in favor of guys who are B+ in different aspects of the game. The more they contribute, the better Miami gets.