The Miami Dolphins have a tough conversation going on about this month’s 2021 NFL draft. Every decision you make regarding players to invest in is challenging. There is a slew of dynamics going on for each choice that causes ripple effects during the rest of your roster; so no decision should be taken lightly.
But the Dolphins have another unenviable decision to make with the overall choice no. 18 at the end of the month: do you set up a high value position like a pass rusher and run the risk of missing a running rugby that can give your running game a big boost? Or are you setting out on a journey to address the need and hope for the best to find someone who can promote your pace?
Miami does not have to wait too long for their next scheduled pick at no. 36 overall, but there is a reasonable chance that the team’s preferred target will not be there next time they get in line. If the Dolphins are committed to upgrading the pass, they’ll probably be wise to stay at number 18 and make the choice – whether it’s Kwity Paye, Jaelan Phillips or Azeez Ojulari. The demand for passers-by will quickly emerge in this concept, and the Dolphins currently have the proverbial high ground at a potential run.
But if Miami wants to set up a running rugby, it may be the best cards for Miami to investigate a decline in the situation. The Dolphins roster overhaul is well underway, and while it is unlikely the team will be able to have an addition to a 12+ player rookie class this season, Miami is currently lacking first-day pick. The Dolphins, who have four top-50 picks and five in the top-100, have just three picks the rest of the way: one in the 5th round and two in the 7th round. A decrease from 18 is an excellent opportunity for the Dolphins to make additional choices to get more swing from the bat in this year’s draft class.
And, best of all, if you trade from the age of 18 and still manage to ensure you are the choice of a runner, the Dolphins will probably have completed their draft position twice in the first round, as the Dolphins presumably again in the draft order after trading out of the overall number 3 to ensure that they would be able to line up the same player they won at number 3 overall anyway.
Assuring the same players that you would line up on overall numbers 3 and 18, but getting both in later slots while picking up more, is a way to open up an NFL concept. We will see in the coming weeks whether Chris Grier and the Dolphins are keen on such an approach.