The Miami Dolphins’ options ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft are endless. With three picks currently in the top-25 and four picks projected in the top-40 selections, the Dolphins are going to have ample opportunities to overhaul their roster and target the youth necessary to kickstart a new era of successful football in South Florida. But these assets will only go so far for the Dolphins — the team must choose wisely and also choose the biggest difference makers for the team.
What does that look like, exactly? In the eyes of USA Today’s Draft Wire, that means finding fresh talent to score more points on offense. Each of the Dolphins’ three 1st-round picks in Draft Wire’s latest mock draft are invested into skill players on offense, surprisingly foregoing offensive line.
Here are the picks:
4. QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Crimson Tide
“After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire
22. WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado Buffaloes
“After getting their franchise quarterback, the Dolphins need to surround him with as much help as possible. There’s not much value in terms of offensive line help here, so Miami tabs one of the most complete pass-catchers in the draft in Shenault, who excels at breaking tackles and making big plays after the catch.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire
23. RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Badgers
“Few (if any) teams need an upgrade in the backfield more than the Dolphins, and this scenario lets them have their pick of a deep, talented class. With three first-round picks, they can afford the luxury of using one at running back, where they land one of the most productive runners in college football history.” – Luke Easterling, Draft Wire
And here lies the challenge to the Dolphins — Easterling is right. Miami needs upgrades at each and every one of these positions and about 15 more. How can Miami possibly hope to find clarity in the best avenues to explore? And could the Dolphins really forego the offensive line all together in the first round despite a dire need for protection? Should the Dolphins draft Tua, it would seem to further amplify the need for quality offensive line play.
There will be no easy answers or solutions, even with the prospect of drafting Tua Tagovailoa. With no guarantees that his injured hip will go on to provide him with a long, healthy career in the pros, the Dolphins must carefully glean over every option. And when the time comes to act, they must do so decisively to execute their plan and ensure this team acquires the talent necessary to make a push back to the top.
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