Miami Dolphins setting up QB Tua Tagovailoa to succeed in 2021

The Miami Dolphins picked up right where they left off last offseason. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores are continuing to build a very good roster through quality free agency signings and a good draft strategy.

The defense is really starting to look like a top tier unit. They added John Jenkins and Adam Butler to a defensive line rotation that will feature Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis. First round pick Jaelan Phillips has tremendous upside and could really invigorate the pass rush. Bernardrick McKinney comes over from Houston and should be a very steady presence at MIKE linebacker. The secondary looks great, with Noah Igbinoghene and Jevon Holland likely looking at nickel duties, with Holland likely getting safety snaps as well.

Most importantly, the Miami Dolphins have given the offense much more, which is setting up Tua Tagovailoa for a strong sophomore campaign.

It started back in free agency, when the Dolphins signed wide receiver Will Fuller to a one year deal. Yes, Fuller does still have a game to serve in his suspension, but the value he brings for the other 16 games will be huge.

It starts with where Fuller wins. His speed makes him dangerous, and he is obviously a player who can threaten vertically on go routes. But, he’s also nearly equally as dangerous running the slant route.

It isn’t coincidental that Tagovailoa was at his best at Alabama when he threw the slant route off of RPO’s and when he trusted his receivers to win vertically. Fuller should give Tagovailoa that trust in those parts of the passing game, which should make Tagovailoa much more comfortable in year two.

How else did the Miami Dolphins make Tagovailoa more comfortable? They drafted Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle at number six overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waddle brings excellent dynamism to the table, using his speed and acceleration very well before and after the catch. Not to mention, despite his size, Waddle can go high point the football well at the catch point.

Most importantly, Waddle gives Tagovailoa familiarity in the passing game, having played with him in his days with the Crimson Tide. Tagovailoa will trust Waddle to win deep, create separation with his speed, and let him make some plays in contested spots.

After that, the Miami Dolphins didn’t stop bringing in help. Despite drafting two offensive linemen early in last year’s draft, they went ahead and drafted Notre Dame tackle Liam Eichenberg in the second round. Eichenberg was a rock solid player for the Fighting Irish. He has the power, placement, and technique to win at tackle in the NFL. While he needs to work on varying his punches, the two hand punch was clearly effective and he brings enough with his lateral movement toolbox.

Not only does this give Tagovailoa two young, developing tackles on the outside, it also gives Robert Hunt to kick back in to guard, which feels more natural to him. The line is young, but they have a lot of potential.

It didn’t stop there in the draft. Receiving tight end Mike Gesicki and UDFA Durham Smythe are both set to hit free agency after the 2021 season, and the Dolphins remedied that by selecting Boston College tight end Hunter Long.

Long brings versatility and a well-rounded game to the table. He adjusts to the football extremely well and consistently makes plays outside of his frame. He is smooth and efficient at the top of his route stems and has a reliable pair of mitts. While he needs to get out of his stance quicker and maintain a better base at times, Long has shown enough to be a competitive blocker as well.

While the last part of the puzzle, running back, may be the one regret from the draft, the room is deep and has some playmakers. Myles Gaskin will continue to be a factor in the passing game, and Malcolm Brown can find a big role with three-down work. It will be intriguing to watch for Gerrid Doaks, who brings some serious power and runs behind his pads.

Overall, the Miami Dolphins did everything right in making sure their young quarterback succeeds in his second season. That’s all you can ask for and hopefully it will materialize in the 2021 season.