Miami Dolphins trade down in post-combine mock NFL Draft
By Pablo Rosero
player. 59. Scouting Report. San Diego State. MattAraiza. P. 120. Pick Analysis
The Miami Dolphins could be in the market for a punter with Michael Palardy set to hit free agency. Rather than signing a punter or re-signing Palardy, the team could draft San Diego State punter Matt Araiza.
You may remember Araiza as the punter who had punts go for 80-yards. You may also remember him as the punter who was also making 50-yard field goals. You may also remember him as the punter sprinting down field making tackles. Yes, Araiza was pretty good in 2021.
His 2021 season shot him up boards and made him into the likely top punter in this year’s class. But does it warrant a fourth round selection? Yes, it does.
Special teams are extremely important, ask the Green Bay Packers. Having a punter that can absolutely change fields no matter what is a massive game changer, especially when you don’t know what your offense is going to contribute and your defense can make stops. He would even be able to step in at kicker if there were ever any issues with Jason Sanders.
It’s uncertain what the team will do at punter, at this point it’s not the most pressing need for the team. Miami will need to address the position at some point and Araiza in the fourth would be a solid value for the team, especially if they can fill their needs prior to this point.