Currently, the Dolphins hold the 4th-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft behind the Cincinnati Bengals (0-10), the Washington Redskins (1-9) and the New York Giants (2-8). Miami fans have felt some discomfort with that positioning — considering the entire objective of the team’s rebuilding efforts were to acquire a top quarterback prospect. Could Miami really do that with the 4th pick?
It’s more likely, now. The Dolphins could probably land Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, who was injured with a hip dislocation this past weekend against Mississippi State, with their number four overall pick. But such a significant injury introduces some questions and so since Tagovailoa suffered a major injury, there is a possibility that the Dolphins decide to go in another direction.
The scenarios could be endless, however, there are some quality options this year.
Option A: Joe Burrow (LSU) – How? Some will say he is the consensus number one and the Dolphins do not have the number one overall pick. Consider this: The Bengals still have to play the Dolphins, which could go either way. Add in the Bengals schedule elsewhere with the Jets, Cleveland Browns twice and the Steelers once. The Bengals could easily beat the Dolphins and win two more games. Miami still has a shot at the number one overall pick in that scenario, provided Miami flops. Should that fail, if Cincinnati at least fails to acquire the top pick, the Dolphins have picks to move up in front of Cincinnati.
Regardless, Burrow has the intelligence, fire and passion teams covet in a franchise quarterback. If the Dolphins are going to be bold, the time to do so is now.
Option B: Justin Herbert (Oregon) – Herbert has all of the tools teams look for in a franchise quarterback. He has the athleticism, size (6-foot-6 and 240 pounds), and a big arm. Last season, Herbert decided to stay in school and forego what many believed was the opportunity to be the first quarterback drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Herbert has quietly done everything he can do to improve his draft stock. In 2018, Herbert completed just 59.4 percent of his passes and 29 touchdowns in 13 games. This season (through 10 games) Herbert has improved to 69.6 percent of his passes completed and 28 touchdowns. He has improved in two of the more important areas. The best part? The Dolphins should be able to stay put at 4th-overall and draft Herbert.