The Miami Dolphins were one of the biggest overachievers in the NFL last season, nearly making the playoffs after an abysmal 2019.
Now, the Fins will look to take the next step by adding help in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins draft needs 2021
Miami has eight total picks and the Dolphins draft twice in the first round and four times in the first 50 picks.
That should set up Miami to do some serious damage in the draft, so let’s take a closer look at the Dolphins’ draft needs in 2021 to see how they might use those early-round selections.
Running Back
The Dolphins had all kinds of trouble finding a consistent running back last season.
At the moment, Myles Gaskin, a 7th-round pick from the 2019 draft, is at the top of the depth chart. This is clearly a need that Miami is planning to address in the draft. The problem is there aren’t a lot of first-round-worthy running backs in this year’s class. It’d be a reach to take one with one of Miami’s two picks in the first round, which is why the Dolphins are more likely to address this need in the second round.
Wide Receiver
Even with DeVante Parker still on the roster and Will Fuller coming aboard in free agency, this might be the Dolphins’ biggest draft need.
There’s a good chance both Parker and Fuller won’t be on the roster after the 2021 season, so the Dolphins will need a young wide receiver who can grow into a prominent role.
There’s a good chance one of Miami’s two picks in the first round ends up being a wide receiver. One of Tua Tagovailoa’s former Alabama teammates, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, could end up joining their former college quarterback in Miami.
Offensive Line
Miami used three draft picks last year on offensive linemen, so the Dolphins are young at this position and can expect to see some improvement as those players mature and gain more experience.
The team also signed former first-round pick Ereck Flowers and veteran Matt Skura in free agency this offseason.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean the Dolphins are satisfied with this position group. If they can find a player who can make an immediate impact with one of their first or second-round selections, the Dolphins will jump at the chance.
Edge Rusher
Miami’s defense was the team’s biggest strength in 2020, yet the Dolphins did have a single player with at least 10 sacks.
Brian Flores could potentially take this unit to another level if Miami can add an impact pass rusher.
On paper, one could argue that Miami’s pass rush is a considerable weakness heading into the season. Despite some other needs, the Dolphins might look to address this need as early as possible.
Middle Linebacker
Elsewhere on the defense, the middle linebacker is a position where Miami could stand to improve. Jerome Baker was solid there last year while trading for veteran Benardrick McKinney should offer an upgrade.
But a little more depth at that position, not to mention someone who could push Baker and McKinney, would be a great addition for the Dolphins in the draft.