How will quarterbacks effect Dolphins draft?
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have a long way to wait after the Cleveland Browns make their first selection. Then another 10 picks after they have made their second.
Quarterbacks are in high demand this year but not necessarily in the first round. The Browns, Bills, Jets, Chiefs, Bears, 49’ers, Jaguars, and Texans all enter the draft with QB a probability if not a guarantee. Teams like the Cardinals, Redskins, and Saints could be looking for a developmental QB to replace their starters in the next few years. Perhaps the Steelers as well.
Most of those teams draft ahead of the Dolphins. With names like Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, Pat Mahomes, and DeShone Kizer potential first round picks and Brad Kaaya a potential 2nd round pick, quarterbacks could determine what Miami has available to them when they select in round one and two.
At pick 22 the Dolphins should have their choice of defensive end, linebacker, defensive tackle, corner, or safety. Add to that a top offensive line prospect and Miami could walk out of round one with a franchise game changing player. Of course there is the trade probability.
Miami as of now is not an ideal trade up partner for 2nd round teams. Teams like the Browns who have three picks in the first 33 selections could jump back into round one if they opt to not draft a QB at 1 and 12. Depending on how the draft falls, getting in front of the Texans would be their best shot. The Texans pick at 25 which would appear to involve the Giants and Raiders who pick after Miami and before Houston. However a trade with the Browns means no selection in round one. That’s 11 selections for Miami.
The Texans could be an option to trade up as well should they believe the Browns could try to jump back in or the 49’ers who hold pick number 34. Kansas City is at pick 27 and they too could become players in trying to get in front of the Texans. Both the Texans and Chiefs could call Miami if they believe the quarterback they want could be taken before they are on the clock.
If Trubisky, Watson, and Mahomes all come off the board before Miami picks or if Mahomes is left, Miami could have an opportunity to drop a few picks down and pick up an additional pick and still get a top player.
More from Dolphins Draft
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
- Predicting five NFL draft night trades for the first round
- Looking ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft for the Miami Dolphins
21 selections will be made before the Dolphins select. We can say without question that Myles Garret will be one. If four quarterbacks go we now have five off the board. Add DE’s Jonathan Allen, Solomon Thomas, and safety Jamal Adams to those off the board and Miami will have eight players off their board with 13 picks remaining.
It’s safe to assume that at least two WR’s will go in the top 20. Mike Williams and John Ross. Add at least one running back Leonard Fournette, and at least two CB’s Marshon Lattimore and Marlon Humphrey. Then take away O.J. Howard and Miami will have seen 14 players off the board with six picks until their selection.
Those six? Anyone’s guess but figure Haason Reddick, Reuben Foster, Derrek Barnett, Forrest Lamp and Malik Hooker are all on the board. That doesn’t take into consideration the needs of some teams that may take another RB like Christian McCaffery or Dalvin Cook, or as we mentioned, a quarterback.
In other words, QB could dictate who falls to Miami in tonight’s draft and as each pick comes off the board, Miami is going to get a better idea of how the draft may fall right into their laps. Just like last year.