There’s a whole lot of discussion and debate about how exactly the Miami Dolphins should invest the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. And with two months left between now and the big event, there doesn’t figure to be an end to the discussion any time soon.
Draft Penei Sewell out of Oregon. Draft DeVonta Smith of Alabama. Trade back and collect more picks.
All good options. But the trade back scenario is an interesting one in that the other side of the coin is never considered. No, we’re not suggesting Miami trade up from No. 3 — but rather from No. 18. The debate around Sewell, Smith or the field largely comes down to Miami fans wanting the team to get better both in the trenches and in the skill group and the though process is only one can be achieved with that early pick to secure a blue chip talent.
But the Dolphins also own the No. 18 pick in the NFL Draft — one which puts them on the fringe of having the best of both worlds: a top talent for the line and the wide receiver room alike.
What teams would be potentially in the market to move down? Miami would be wise to have these team’s numbers on speed dial come April.
Detroit (No. 7 overall pick)
So you really want to make a splash? Call up Detroit. It will cost a pretty penny to climb back up the draft order and into the top-8 for a second pick — but you may end up walking away with Sewell and the Alabama wide receiver of your choice if you do (assuming Sewell is the pick at No. 3).
The cost here is the tough call, as a move up 11 spots likely costs a 2021 2nd-round pick (No. 36 overall) and some change, too.
San Francisco 49ers (No. 12 overall pick)
If the 49ers can’t figure out their quarterback situation with an upgrade, the team may look to regroup and build around Jimmy Garoppolo. The scenario here for a trade environment with Miami would likely require Miami to kickstart the run on skill players at No. 3 and see quarterbacks and wide receivers come quickly off the board. From there, San Francisco wouldn’t have an appealing QB investment to make and may be willing to concede draft space to let Miami leap up in front of two offensive line hungry teams picking at 13 & 14 for a lineman of their own.
Los Angeles Chargers (No. 13 overall pick)
If Penei Sewell and Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater are gone, perhaps the Chargers would be interested in moving out, too. The appeal for Miami for Miami would be edging in front of either Minnesota (offensive line) or New England (skill players) for their second investment.
Minnesota Vikings (No. 14 overall pick)
Minnesota is known for their habitual collection of draft selections. No one loves trading back more than the Minnesota Vikings (aside of maybe the Seattle Seahawks). If the Vikings once again are looking for a massive haul of mid-round selections, Miami will be well positioned to oblige them and jump in front of New England, Arizona and Las Vegas. Aside of beating out New England for a wide receiver, another motivator here may be if a standout linebacker like Penn State’s Micah Parsons slips in the order — as both the Patriots and Raiders could use help on the second level of the defense.