Should the Miami Dolphins Take A QB Early In 2021 Draft

Dolphins fans don’t need to be reminded just how much they’ve needed a quarterback since Dan Marino retired. Between the draft busts and the swing and miss free agents, it’s been a long hard road for the Miami Dolphins. They’re one of a handful of teams still struggling to find their next franchise quarterback. When they drafted Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall in this year’s draft they assumed they found their man. But what if they haven’t? With 4 picks in two rounds, should they target another quarterback?

Considering the Dolphins have gone all-in on Tagovailoa, they’re not going to get through this year’s draft without trying to build around him. They’ll have double-digit picks again this year and will more than likely draft at least a running back with speed and who can spread the field. Then, of course, there’s their rebuilt offensive line. They have three rookies now and a couple of veteran stop-gaps. There’s a good chance they’ll pony up for at least one more big man in the first two rounds.

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Defensively they’ll want to beef up along the front line as well. While Miami is getting a bunch of pressure on quarterbacks this year with schemes and blitz confusion, teams can never have enough solid pass rushers. Expect Miami to draft another big man up front on defense. That’s 3 out of 4 of their early picks the last one could and should be used on a quarterback to push Tagovailoa.

Yes, Tua had to win the starting position from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Of course, Fitzpatrick was dealing and winning games. But Tua already knew he would eventually be taking over that position. Whether it was a few games in or next season, all he had to do is wait it out. If there’s another quarterback brought in, he knows he has to take his game to the next level. He already has a strong work ethic and desire to learn, but he needs to get to more than just understanding.

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For Tua Tagovailoa to excel, he’ll need to be pushed daily to the skill set above his competition. In doing so, he’ll be forced to take more chances, think outside the box, and develop more chemistry and trust with his receivers.

Keep in mind this isn’t a knock on Tua. If the Dolphins believe he’s their guy, then let him take the time to develop. However, when your franchise hasn’t found the guy in decades, it’s time to start having a backup plan. What’s the worst that happens? If the Dolphins draft another quarterback who pushes Tua to excel the same way he was pushed in college.

If Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t work out, they have a quarterback who’s been polishing his skill set for 2-3 seasons and they can move on from Tua’s rookie contract. If he does work out, Miami has the bargaining chip with a developed quarterback they can move to keep those draft picks coming rolling in. There are zero risks so long as Brian Flores assures his quarterback that it’s his job to lose and every position will have competition.

The Miami Dolphins have 10 picks in next year’s NFL Draft, and Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t be around forever. Not only do they need a backup, but having a second quarterback to develop couldn’t hurt.