The Miami Dolphins pick sixth, but if the cards fall right and the sky is in line, they could fall back and still let Ja’Marr Chase end up.
The thought may sound crazy at first, but in reality it is not as far-fetched as one might think. Think about what could happen in this year’s draft and then remember that dolphins Chris Grier is open to almost anything.
Miami moves from three overall to 12 and then back to six. For all intents and purposes, the Dolphins added a first round of 2023 to put three places back. Can they still get their husband on nine occasions? If Chase is indeed the man their hope will fall?
First, Chase has to get out to the Bengals at five o’clock and this is where we pick up the phone with the Denver Broncos. Three things can happen at four. The Hawks can swap the pick, draft Kyle Pitts, or draft a quarterback. In one of the latter cases, the Dolphins can make a move.
Assuming the first round starts with Trevor Lawerence, Zach Wilson, Mac Jones or Justin Fields, the Hawks could be in the perfect spot for trading. We have discussed this before. If the Broncos want to pull up, Miami can not stop them, but we know the Bengals are not going to trade out of five, so we are waiting for Atlanta.
If the Hawks set up Pitts, it’s fine with Miami. If they set up a QB, Miami is in an excellent position to trade with Denver. Denver is reportedly high on Trey Lance and they will not be the only teams trying to move up. Miami should hope the Hawks take a quarter or trade back with Chicago or Washington sitting at 19 and 20 respectively. The Dolphins can then trade with Denver.
If 4th place is a QB, Miami can wait and see what the Bengals do and make the deal. Detroit at 7 can draft a player like Pitts, but they will probably not play for Chase and the Panthers will likely go along with a secondary player like Jaycee Horn. That puts Miami back on the clock, and Ja’Marr Chase in their lap.
The worst case scenario is that Atlanta Pitts and the Bengals take draft Chase, but even then Miami still has to move to nine because the Lions and Bengals are not going to return to WR again. Miami will likely choose DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle.
If the Lions and Panthers now both take WR and Smith and Waddle take and Chase were already gone, the Dolphins now have the choice of Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater plus the compensation they get from the Broncos.
When the Broncos call Miami at six o’clock, I’m taking the call. Unless I’m 100% all-in on Pitts and he’s available.