The Miami Crimson Tide doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as easily as the Miami Dolphins does — but it certainly feels as though this Dolphins franchise is destined to tie itself to the most successful of college programs this offseason in their bid to build a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the years to come. There are worse programs you could marry yourself to. A lot of them. And with Miami destined to attack their offensive depth chart and the aspirations to build around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, tapping into the team and players who helped make him a record-setting passer at Alabama makes all the sense in the world.
But just how deep could this investment run? How many prospects from one program is too many?
If you’re the Dolphins and looking to pull from the Alabama program, you may run out of options before you end up finding a bad fit for this team. Here’s a run through the Dolphins’ draft picks and which Crimson Tide players would be in consideration at that spot. Get comfortable — we’re going to be here a while!
No. 3 Overall
Candidate: WR DeVonta Smith
Smith is the only option who feels to be in demand this high in the draft order — and if the team is unable to trade back a few spots for extra picks this feels like the most likely outcome for Miami as things currently stand. The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner enjoyed a spectacular season and his existing chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa makes him an obvious candidate.
No. 18 Overall
Candidate: RB Najee Harris, WR Jaylen Waddle, OL Alex Leatherwood
Smith won’t be an option this late, but plenty of other options off the Tide’s offense will be. First and foremost, running back Najee Harris — who will be partaking in next week’s Senior Bowl event alongside Smith as members of the Dolphins’ all-star roster. Speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is unlikely to be here, but he’s a home run fit if he is — he’s the more explosive weapon and the Dolphins need desperately to find some chunk plays in the passing game. They’d get some with Waddle, who is a Tyreek Hill type of talent.
Offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood offers the kind of versatility Miami covets up front. He’s played right guard and left tackle — meaning he can play inside or out and on either side of the line.
No. 36 Overall
Candidates: RB Najee Harris, OL Alex Leatherwood, C Landon Dickerson
Running backs are a rarity in the first round these days, so there’s a chance Miami could stretch picking Harris until the early 2nd-round. If they don’t wait, an offensive lineman would be on the board here at 36 worth considering in center Landon Dickerson. Dickerson enjoyed a booming season this year and will be in contention to be the No. 1 center drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. But if Miami wants him, they’d be wise to not wait to get him.
No. 50 Overall
Candidate: C Landon Dickerson, OG Deonte Brown
The “other” interior offensive lineman for the Tide, guard Deonte Brown, is yet another possible strong contender for a top-50 pick. He’s about as big of a man as you’ll find on the football field and pairing him with Solomon Kindley would give the Dolphins an absolute wall up front. Miami wouldn’t have the most athletic offensive line in all of football, but they’d undoubtedly have the biggest and would potentially (with development) have the most physical.
After 50? There’s a pretty steep drop-off, mainly because the Tide’s talent goes so early each year. So if Miami wants to lock in a run on Crimson Tide prospects to open their 2021 NFL Draft, the first four picks would be the expectation.