Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins 2020 NFL Draft grade for all 14 selections

By Matthew Stevens

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on prior to the snap during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on prior to the snap during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Brandon Jones #DB51 of the Texas Longhorns speaks to the media on day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Brandon Jones #DB51 of the Texas Longhorns speaks to the media on day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Round 3

Pick #6  Brandon Jones, S, Texas:  The Dolphins had multiple chances to grab one of the premier free safeties in this draft but consistently bypassed them over and over.  Brandon Jones has the heart of a strong safety but the body of a free safety.  He’s great against the run, has smarts in coverage but appears to lack the instincts to play free safety.

Frankly, the more I see/hear about Jones, the more it sounds like he is a special teams player that can fill in as a backup free safety but isn’t a long-term answer.

Round 4

Pick #5  Solomon Kindley, G, Georgia:  The term used most often for Kindley is ‘mauler’.  At 6’3″ and 336 pounds, it’s hard to move the man.  He instantly makes the Dolphins line more physical in both the run and passing game.

Not sure if he finds the field as a starter in 2020 but he instantly raises the competition level among the offensive line.  He will also provide a challenge for the interior defensive linemen who have to face him in practice every day.

Round 5

Pick #9  Jason Strowbridge, DL, North Carolina:  A stout run defender that, with development, could be moved inside on passing downs to rush the passer.  Could be the eventual replacement for Shaq Lawson or Kyle Van Noy; whichever is least productive over the next couple years.  In the meantime, he provides much needed depth to the DE/LB rotation.

Pick #19  Curtis Weaver, OLB, Boise State:  Weaver is one of my favorite picks, as he is the sole player I advocated for that Miami drafted.  You’ve heard the expression “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane”?  Weaver is the exact opposite.  He doesn’t look that impressive but all he did in three years at Boise State was make opposing offenses miserable (47.5 TFL and 34 sacks).  He will push for time early in ‘sub packages’ but needs to improve his run defense if he wants to be considered a true ‘three down player’.

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