The Dolphins shook up the landscape of the 2021 NFL Draft order one week ago. And while the mock draft scene for the Dolphins had been growing stale, this new development offers a fresh chance to try on some new combinations of players and fits for the team.
The Draft Network’s Drae Harris is among the NFL Draft analysts to try out a recent forecast for this month’s NFL Draft this past week. Harris, who has six years of NFL scouting experience between the Kansas City and Cleveland organizations, puts his prior experiences to good use in order to project not just one round but instead a full three round forecast of the 2021 NFL Draft. His haul for Miami? It’s a good one.
Here are Harris’ thoughts on his 3-round haul for the Miami Dolphins:
No. 6 overall – WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
“Miami has already made some noise and the draft is still a month away. Surrounding Tua Tagovailoa with weapons and protection ensures that he has the opportunity to maximize his potential. Ja’Marr Chase is considered by some to be the best WR in this class. He’ll have the opportunity to grow with a young QB as well.” – Drae Harris, TDN
No. 18 overall – EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
“Miami has a slew of picks. One of their positions of need is EDGE. They choose Azeez Ojulari here, who is one of the best pure pass rushers in this draft. Chris Grier and Brian Flores are doing outstanding things in Miami.” – Drae Harris, TDN
No. 36 overall – RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
No. 50 overall – LB Baron Browning, Ohio State
No. 81 overall – OL Josh Myers, Ohio State
In all, Miami secures a starring wide receiver, a primary pass rusher, a featured running back, a replacement for Kyle Van Noy (and a defender who is exponentially better in coverage in Browning) and competition for Matt Skura at center courtesy of the Myers selection. Would you take this haul for the Dolphins now if you know it would come to reality?
At the very least, this collection of projected picks gives the Dolphins a strong chance of fully filling out their needs this offseason and sets the team up for a competitive 2021 — with a much more explosive offense in tow.