2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection
21. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Nicholas Petit-Frere, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins don’t have their own first-round pick for this upcoming draft. But they do have San Francisco’s first-round pick they acquired in the deal that moved the 49ers up to third overall in the 2021 draft that landed them Trey Lance. As it currently stands in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft the Dolphins will be picking 12 selections later than they would if they had their own first-round pick.
One of the biggest surprises this season has been how much Miami has regressed. After almost making the playoffs last season the Dolphins are one of the worst teams in the league this year. Miami’s biggest weakness this season has been their offensive line. Despite investing three top-50 picks into their offensive line over the last two years their line is one of the worst in the league. As a result of this Miami has not been able to effectively run the ball this year and second year Tua Tagovailoa has been hurt multiple times this year because of all the hits he receives on a weekly basis.
Most of Miami’s starting offensive linemen are versatile enough to line up at multiple positions. So here Miami grabs another versatile offensive lineman at this point of the 2022 NFL Mock Draft. They draft Ohio State tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. This season Petit-Frere transitioned to left tackle after playing right tackle the season before. He is well equipped to play on either side.
Now that Austin Jackson has moved inside to guard the Dolphins have a need at tackle. 2021 second-round pick Liam Eichenberg is better suited to play right tackle than left tackle. Petit-Frere could start at left tackle for Miami leaving Jackson at guard, keeping Robert Hunt at guard, and moving Liam Eichenberg to right tackle. The Dolphins’ offensive line looks a lot better with four top-50 picks lining up at guard and tackle. Petit-Frere could be the last piece Miami needs to finish rebuilding their offensive line.