Miami Dolphins: Team needs entering the 2021 NFL draft
By Ian Higgins
Miami Dolphins 2021 NFL Draft needs: Offensive tackle
’20 Starters: Austin Jackson, Robert Hunt
After taking what would hopefully be their franchise left-tackle with the eighteenth overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft, USC product Austin Jackson failed to live up to expectations in his rookie year as a stalwart for their rookie franchise cornerstone. Despite these struggles, Jackson is expected to continue to develop at the position and capitalize on his NFL-capable physicality.
What draws need to the position group for the Miami Dolphins is the loss of interior offensive lineman and the likelihood that right tackle Robert Hunt will be shifted down to guard for the 2021 season. With fellow tackle Julien Davenport likely hitting the open market in free agency, another selection at offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins could be in order.
Having already expended a first-round selection at offensive tackle in last year’s draft, the Miami Dolphins will be looking at day two prospects to fill the need on their roster. Looking to free-agency for this solution will likely be ruled out due to the expensive nature of the position paired with a falling salary-cap placing emphasis on affordable rookie contracts.
With much of the talent of the 2021 NFL draft offensive tackle class concentrated within the first two rounds of the class, the Miami Dolphins could consider accumulating draft assets for day two by trading one of their first-round selections which would otherwise ignore the need at offensive tackle to protect Tagovailoa.