Miami Dolphins 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Options aplenty at No. 3

Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Zaven Collins, 2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Zaven Collins #23 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (Photo by Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports) /

Round 1, 23rd Overall

With their own first-round pick in this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Miami Dolphins give some attention to the defensive side of the ball. Zaven Collins stands out as a perfect fit for Brian Flores’ defense and would be a worthy selection in this game.

Collins has taken his game to the next level this season, piling up 54 total tackles (7.5 for loss), four sacks, four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and two forced fumbles. He was a dynamic playmaker all over the field for Tulsa and was rewarded with the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for the best defensive player in college football. This award is obviously a huge honor for any player, but Collins winning the DPOY at a non-power 5 school is special.

Collins is a big and powerful linebacker who sheds blocks well and can mix it up on inside runs. However, he also moves incredibly well for a man of his size (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) showing great range and athleticism against the run and in coverage. Collins also shows the ability to make an impact as an edge defender and that kind of versatility is key to a Flores-led defensive attack.

Simply put, Collins is an impact defensive prospect who would be a perfect fit for the Miami Dolphins. He is an obvious target for the team with their later first-round pick and stands out as the clear choice in this 2021 NFL mock draft.

Round 2, 35th Overall

Scouting Report. Oklahoma. 815. 2. player. Pick Analysis. C. Creed Humphrey

The Dolphins have done a nice job of finding young talent on their offensive line, building a strong group that should have a lot of success for a long time. However, with Ted Karras hitting free agency this offseason, the center position stands out as a major potential need for this team and Creed Humphrey could solidify the spot for Miami for many years.

Humphrey is an extremely smart offensive lineman who does a great job of communicating with his teammates and always being in position to make a block. He understands blitz pickup extremely well and shows strong anchor from the center position. Humphrey can drive defenders off of the line of scrimmage, showing a quick first step, good power at the point of attack and the ability to maintain fantastic leverage throughout the block.

Simply put, Humphrey is a rock-solid center prospect who would round out the Dolphins’ offensive line nicely. With him in the mix, Miami would have a strong group of five up front to help lead their offense going forward.