The Miami Dolphins’ 2020 NFL Draft strategy is something of a mystery. That is, at the end of the day, a good thing. Teams knowing what Miami is going to do would be a big thorn in Miami’s ability to execute their plan. But what should the Dolphins be looking to accomplish in the draft later this month? There are a few clear objectives that Miami should be gunning for — accomplishing them will help the team’s rebuild stay on schedule and keep the Dolphins well positioned to stay flexible into the coming years.
Secure a quarterback of the future
This one is simple. If Miami’s rebuild goes according to plan, this team won’t be well positioned to draft a quarterback early again for quite some time. So they need to make it count with their pick near the top of the draft, whether that means it’s Tua, Justin, Jordan or possibly even Joe.
Land at least one starting offensive lineman
This can be a right guard, but the Dolphins’ offensive tackle situation is in a sorry state. Getting a plug and play starter at offensive tackle is a must — fortunately for Miami there’s a plethora of good ones that should be available at different junctions throughout the draft this year. The strategy should be simple: find good value and bring home a starting tackle. Period.
Keep as many top 75 picks as possible
This is where things can get a little complicated. Because Miami has plenty of assets but they may want to be aggressive in order to hypothetically jump up for either an offensive tackle from 18 or a quarterback from 5. If that’s the case, Miami needs to ensure they keep as many of their other early draft picks in 2020 as possible — and transition to replace the ones they lose if they do indeed make some deals. That may involve trading back from 26 or 39 if necessary to keep the picks inside the top-75; where there’s plentiful depth in this year’s class. The Dolphins currently own six picks in the top-75; that’s a needed infusion of talent that the Dolphins should hold onto tightly.