2018 NFL Draft first round re-draft: What changes one year later?
11. Miami Dolphins: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
Original Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick
There are a lot of options for the Dolphins here with the 11th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. They could try their hand at picking a new quarterback and move on from Ryan Tannehill, possibly drafting the quarterback that they ultimately ended up trading for in Josh Rosen. They could stick with their original pick, Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is a solid, versatile player for their defense.
I would say that they look for an immediate contributor on the offensive end with running back Nick Chubb. Frank Gore is still hanging tough, but isn’t getting any younger and ended up leaving in free agency this offseason. The Dolphins are probably not ready to give up on Kenyan Drake, but from what we’ve seen of him, Drake seems more like a complimentary, third down/receiving back.
Nick Chubb was incredibly productive for the Browns once he was finally given the opportunity to be the feature back after the departure of Carlos Hyde. Despite starting just nine games, Chubb ran for just under 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. Chubb has an incredible combination of power and explosiveness that teams desire in a feature back.
It may be a little early for a running back like Chubb, who teams have found in later rounds, but if they decide not to address the quarterback position, a solid playmaker on offense is hard to pass up.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Original Pick: Vita Vea
Three running backs in the top 12? Back to back running backs from the same school? Why not? These three running backs had great rookie seasons and would be immediate playmakers for the teams that are selecting them in the re-draft.
Michel managed to become the clear lead back for the New England Patriots. Let me say that again… Sony Michel managed to become the clear lead back for the New England Patriots. A team that has never seemed to commit to one lead back. That is how good Michel is.
The Buccaneers have arguably the worst starting running back in the league in Peyton Barber. While Barber did run for over 800 yards last season and improved back could be a great compliment to the air attack that the Bucs employed a season ago with Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Now with Bruce Arians coming in, Sony Michel could be a versatile piece in a similar system. He can run between the tackles with power, blow by defenders with speed, and catch the ball out of the backfield.
Vita Vea started just eight games for the Bucs in 2018. He was solid when he was in there but certainly did not live up to his NFL draft status. While most people think defense when they think of Tampa Bay team needs, a top-tier running back could bring their offense to an elite level.