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Miami Dolphins: Expectations in Year 1 for each 2021 NFL Draft pick

By Jeremy Klump

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Round 2, pick 36: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

Just like the Phillips pick, this pick pumped me up. When they first announced the pick was former Oregon Safety Jevon Holland, I was a little skeptical that they drafted a safety this high. However, after diving more into his film and hearing head coach Brian Flores rave about Holland in his press conference, I am sold.

Holland is the perfect fit in Flores’ defense, as his versatility to do it all will allow him to thrive in Year 1. He can line up all over the field and become Miami’s leader in the secondary. He is a great athlete too, so I am really excited to watch him play in Miami. He had nine interceptions in college, so I expect him to make a ton of plays for the Dolphins.

Expectation: 70 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and eight pass deflections.

Left tackle Liam Eichenberg could be Notre Dame’s highest selection in the 2021 NFL draft.5eae56e0b3a90 Image
Left tackle Liam Eichenberg could be Notre Dame’s highest selection in the 2021 NFL draft.5eae56e0b3a90 Image /

Round 2, pick 42: Liam Eichenberg, RT, Notre Dame

Miami has tried to address their right tackle spot all offseason. It was clear that they felt kicking Robert Hunt into right guard would improve their offensive line. That is why they traded up in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and selected former Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg.

Eichenberg will likely start at RT, Tagovailoa’s blind side, on Day 1. I do not think he is an elite tackle, but he is one of those “does his job” type players that Miami fans will appreciate. If he can protect Tagovailoa and Hunt can dominate at right guard, this will be a home run pick by Miami.

Expectation: 17 starts at right tackle, four sacks given up.

Round 3, pick 81: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College

This was the pick that made many Miami Dolphins fans angry, but I tried to explain to many fans that tight end is a priority for Miami. The Dolphins ran the 5th most 12 personnel in the NFL last season, according to Sharp Football Stats.

They may have not gotten the No. 1 player in the 2021 NFL Draft, tight end Kyle Pitts, but Long will have a solid career in Miami. He will be their tight end 2 in 2021, with the potential to be the guy in 2022.

Expectation: 30 receptions, 450 yards, 3 touchdowns

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