Miami Dolphins 2021 NFL Draft grades: Capitalizing on early selections

Returning to the issue of surrounding their franchise quarterback with a cornucopia of weapons reminiscent of his college days, the Miami Dolphins find an effective pairing to current starting tight end Mike Gesicki. A safety blanket for the Boston College offense, Hunter Long is a reliable target who can go across the field or bust seams.

At six-foot-five, 253 pounds, Long has the size teams look for in their tight ends with unexpected 4.63-forty speed. Although he has the size, Long lacks the functional strength to offer substantial contributions in the run game but has the profile to improve in this facet. As the number two tight end currently in Miami’s offense, this will be his primary focus in order to gain more playing time.

Grade: D+

After selecting Eichenberg in the second round, the Miami Dolphins make a polar-opposite selection in the seventh round looking for a high-ceiling athlete who needs a hefty handful of time to address a selection of technical flaws. At six-foot-six and just north of 300-pounds, Larnel Coleman put up 24 bench reps at his pro day with a 31-inch vertical (matching Austin Jackson).

At the College Gridiron Showcase in January Coleman’s arm length was measured at 36.25-inches, exceptional length to find in the back-half of the draft. Combined with smooth mobility from his lower half, Coleman is a near-perfect athlete for the offensive tackle position against today’s bendy edge-rushers.

What has held Coleman back from being a premier offensive tackle prospect though has been his footwork in both phases as well as his hand usage. Needing to reign in his punches, Coleman can capitalize on his length with a hug-technique-based playstyle focusing on controlling pass-rushers from their chest. Coleman will also have to address how he anchors himself against power-rushes to create leverage and become more coordinated when advancing to the second level while run-blocking.

Grade: A-

After hitting on a seventh-round running back in last year’s draft, why not try it all over again? Having found themselves an effective scat-back in Myles Gaskin, now the Miami Dolphins look to add a hard-nosed runner who can bring a bruising rushing style to their offense.

At 230-pounds, Cincinnati halfback Gerrid Doaks can only be described as the frightening combination of a bulldog and bowling ball. Running with anger, Doaks looks to dish out contact on any defender unfortunate enough to be assigned to his rushing lane. This same aggression translates directly to his pass-blocking as well, a valuable trait in a young halfback.

Having needed a mean-spirited ballcarrier in their backfield, Doaks could be the late-round halfback to unearth the potential of Miami’s offensive line.

Grade: A