2021 NFL Draft Grade: Miami Dolphins

Picks

Round 1 Pick 6: WR Jaylen Waddle

Round 1 Pick 18: EDGE Jaelen Phillips

Round 2 Pick 36: S Jevon Holland

Round 2 Pick 42: OT Liam Eichenberg 

Round 3 Pick 81: TE Hunter Long

Round 7 Pick 231: OT Larnel Coleman

Round 7 Pick 244: RB Gerrid Doaks 

Analysis

With four picks in the first two rounds, the Miami Dolphins were able to find a ton of talent that they can use right away. Most notable, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was taken with the sixth overall pick. Waddle is a dynamic playmaker out of the slot while also showing promise on the outside. I love this pick for Miami as I believe Waddle to be the best wide receiver in this draft. 

Not only does Waddle have a high ceiling, but Jaelen Phillips is an edge rusher that flew up the board in the last weeks leading up to the draft. The former Miami Hurricane shows lots of potential in the pass rush, and while he may need a bit of time to polish some of his technique, he should be an immediate contributor. 

Miami’s Day Two picks guys with great upside,  but like Phillips, there may be some growing pains early on. Jevon Holland is one of the top safeties in this draft, but with Trevon Moehrig still on the board, I don’t love the pick. Liam Eichenberg needs to shore up his hand usage on his blocks, but he is technically sound and moves his feet well. 

The interesting pick here is Hunter Long out of Boston College. Long is a reliable route runner and has decent receiving ability out of the tight end position. His blocking needs some work, but that is not for a lack of effort. Long does not shy away from blocking duties, so if he can get his technique down, he could turn into a very good TE. 

Grade: A-

With five picks in the top 100, it’s hard to go wrong. Miami got a ton of talent in this draft and should have some immediate targets for Tua Tagovailoa to throw to as well as defensive playmakers.