Miami Dolphins: Five first-round targets in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Ian Higgins
After making the absolute most of their personnel during the 2020 season, the Miami Dolphins will see a rare opportunity for significant improvement in the 2021 NFL Draft with a pair of first-round picks as well as a relatively short list of free agents. Led by recently released linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the only other names that would catch the eyes of the average fan within this free agency class would be veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and halfback Matt Breida.
Led by Devante Parker, the Miami Dolphins receivers showed the current limitations of rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, demonstrating responsibility but lacking any sort of downfield explosiveness to challenge defenses. Elevated by an elite supporting cast at Alabama, Miami could look to rekindle former success through new elite targets with the third overall selection.
Also falling within the draft range of their top selection would be Oregon tackle Penei Sewell, an elite athletic prospect who would fit as an upgrade over 2020 first-round left tackle Austin Jackson and likely force a shuffle moving right tackle Robert Hunt inside to guard.
On the defensive side of the ball, head coach Brian Flores made the most of his linebackers with varied pressure packages and coverage drops reminiscent of those shown in his time with the New England Patriots. Varying which personnel attacks the quarterback with unique ‘amoeba’ looks to confuse the savviest of signal-callers, Flores uses his personnel to their maximum capabilities with superior game planning which could elevate the linebackers of the 2021 NFL Draft.
In this post, we are going to look at the premier targets for the Dolphins in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.