Phin Phanatic
FanSided

The Miami Dolphins did a good job filling their roster needs

By Nick Belotto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell greets a fan onstage during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell greets a fan onstage during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Tight End Hunter Long #80 from Boston College of the National Team before the start of the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Tight End Hunter Long #80 from Boston College of the National Team before the start of the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

This is the first, and only, pick I really didn’t like from this year’s draft. Usually, that happens a bit earlier in the evening, so I’m thrilled this only happened in round 3!

Long is joining a way too crowded tight end room and is more than likely going to have to compete for the second tight end spot behind Mike Gesicki. That seems like a bit of a waste on a third-round pick.

There is no denying his talent. At Boston College, he played well, stretching the field and showing off a solid mix of athleticism and route-running ability. He is also a decent run blocker, something Gesicki has struggled with. This could give Miami a very scary tight end duo, but it wasn’t an area of need and there was some solid players left on the board.

Miami could have chosen Michael Carter or Quinn Meinerz, both of which would have filled immediate holes on the roster. Meinerz, specifically, could have competed for Miami’s starting center spot, but Miami saw more value in bringing in ANOTHER tight.

The potential is there, but the selection of Long just seems to be a bit of an unnecessary pick. Time will tell if this pick turns out to be a better selection than some of the other talented prospects that were available at this spot.

Home/Dolphins Draft