NFL mock draft 2021: Four quarterbacks in the top five, Watson stays put

Another team that may be in on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, here the Miami Dolphins opt to stick with their first-round selection from a year ago, Tua Tagovailoa, and build around him with their 2021 offseason.

Miami narrowly missed out on a playoff berth a year ago after their defensive unit thrived as one of the top in the NFL. After a season that saw a seesaw under center between Tua and Ryan Fitzpatrick, I think it’s time that the organization throws all their support behind their young gunslinger.

Where Tagovailoa seemed to struggle last season was primarily when he was under pressure. Although he will almost certainly improve over time under duress, adding the best lineman in the draft certainly won’t hurt his chances. With the third overall pick in this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Dolphins surprise a bit and take Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell.

Sewell is one of the most well-rounded tackle prospects that I have evaluated. Sewell has an impressive blend of power, athleticism and technique. He is great out in space and has a nasty streak when getting to the next level. He is a dominant run blocker with powerful hands and pancaking ability.

As a pass protector, Sewell is smooth with his footwork and uses those powerful hands to keep rushers at bay. He is a very smart player who is adept at recognizing and picking up blitzes and stunts.

2020 rookies Austin Jackson and Robert Hunt were solid last season, but neither are on the level of Sewell. Bringing in another top young tackle would allow the Dolphins to be flexible with their line a bit. Hunt could bump back in to guard where he played a lot in college and they could have first-round picks bookending their line.

For the left-handed Tagovailoa, a right tackle may be even more important than a left tackle, so having Sewell and Jackson would allow Tua to grow and develop into the star that they hope he can become.