Draft Preview: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins got off to one of the worst starts by being outscored 102-10 throughout the first 2 games of the 2019 season. Things wouldn’t get better for Miami as they would end up finishing off the season with a record of 5-11.

Throughout the season the Dolphins made trades that got rid of several team starters but in return, they got a couple of first-round picks. This past season wasn’t the best for Dolphins fans but this team could be closer to improving, and possibly a .500 team. Miami currently has the most picks in this year’s draft with 14 picks in seven rounds, with 3 of those picks coming in the 1st round. Here are some positions the Dolphins could address in the draft.

Quarterback

When the Dolphins traded for quarterback Josh Rosen after his 1 year for the Cardinals they thought they found their next starting quarterback. Rosen would lose his spot to veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick before the start of the 2019 season. 

The Dolphins hold the 5th overall pick and with some NFL scouts saying Tua Tagovailoa is the best quarterback after Joe Burrow they might have found their next starter. Tagovailoa was having an incredible season throwing for 2,840 yards and 33 touchdowns but 9 games in to the season, he suffered a dislocated hip that would keep him out for the rest of the season. This injury may result in teams passing on him resulting in him falling to the 5th pick. Miami can take a risk in selecting Tagovailoa to see if he returns as an impressive quarterback after 1-2 years. If Tagovailoa doesn’t work out Miami still has a young quarterback filled with potential in Josh Rosen, a quarterback who is 23 years old who can always take back the starting job.

Offensive Tackle 

The Dolphins have been known for their terrible offensive line and their ranking for the most sacks allowed doesn’t help their reputation at all. Miami gave up 58 sacks, the most in the league that’s about 3 sacks every game. Starting Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was along with a package deal with wide receiver Kenny Stills and a 4th round pick the Houston Texans for 2 first-round picks, a 4th round pick cornerback Johnson Bademosi, and offensive tackle Julien Davenport.

The Dolphins could look to add an offensive tackle with the 18th overall pick they got from the Pittsburgh Steelers. A prospect to look out for is Isaiah Wilson. Wilson is an absolute bull when it comes to run blocking and with Miami ranking dead last for rushing yards per game they need it. Wilson 6’6 350 lbs frame gives him an advantage as it is harder for pass rushers to get around him and with his surprising quick feet, it is even more of a challenge for pass rushers. Wilson is an ideal pick for Miami as he adds to their run game and their passing game. 

Defensive End

The Dolphins defense ranked dead last one again with 23 sacks for the whole season. Miami went down in numbers as last year they had 7 more sacks and a major factor is before the 2019 season they let defensive ends Robert Quinn their 2018 sack leader and Cameron Wake there second sack leader in 2018 walk-in free agency. Their 2019 sack leader was rookie linebacker Sam Eguavoen with 3.5 sacks which as you can see the Dolphins could get some help on their d-line. The Dolphins could look to take a pass rusher with their 26th overall pick they got from the Houston Texans.

A prospect to look out for is defensive end A.J Epenesa. Epenesa recorded 11.5 sacks along with 4 forced fumbles. With one of his best games, against USC left tackle Austin Jackson who is considered top 10 at his position where Epenesa recorded a multi-sack game. Epenesa’s ability to beat a blocker on the edge or hit his second- step slide to beat blocker inside is a pick your poison for offensive tackles.