It’s never too early for a little talk about the NFL Draft — and with the Dolphins already in possession of multiple picks in each of the first two rounds, Miami has another exciting offseason ahead of them — even if there’s still an exciting season lying in wait as well. And, with training camp just around the corner, it felt like a great time to put on our GM hat and work through a 2021 mock draft for the Dolphins.
Here’s what we came up with while using the Las Vegas betting odds to determine the 2021 NFL Draft order for each round.
First Round
Jaylen Waddle | WR | Alabama
They say that speed kills — and that is the one component the Dolphins don’t have much of in their wide receiver room. Waddle pairing with his former college quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, in South Florida, is a no brainer.
Alex Leatherwood | OL | Alabama
Leatherwood meets Miami’s thresholds for a number of reasons — starting first and foremost with his massive build. Playing with Tua is also important and don’t sleep on his positional flexibility — he’s started at left tackle and right guard (currently Miami’s most pressing OL need after the 2020 NFL Draft).
Second Round
Aidan Hutchinson | DE | Michigan
You can never have enough pressure players and Hutchinson is going to be a big breakout star in 2020. Hutchinson offers a rare blend of athleticism and size (he’s listed at 278 pounds); along with plenty of length.
Tyler Shelvin | NT | LSU
The Dolphins’ most looming trench need is a true nose tackle. The New England Patriots’ defensive model has operated best with a big man in the middle and at 346 pounds, Shelvin certainly fits the build.
Third Round
Najee Harris | RB | Alabama
Harris’ play took a big step forward in 2019 and he quickly developed chemistry with Tagovailoa in the passing game as an added bonus to his physical play and size as a runner. Miami passed on finding a potential feature back in the NFL this year but Harris has the size, power and athleticism to shine.
Fourth Round
Chazz Surratt | LB | North Carolina
Surratt is a long, dynamic athlete who can serve as a valuable presence both off the edge of the line of scrimmage in Miami’s hybrid defense and as a pass coverage option in sub-packages.
Fifth Round
Jacoby Stevens | SAF | LSU
Stevens was one of the few draft eligible defenders on LSU’s championship defense that decided to return to school for 2020. He’s capable of playing both deep coverage and in the box.
Sixth Round
Camryn Bynum | CB | California
The Dolphins tabbed Bynum’s college coach, Gerald Alexander, to join their coaching staff this offseason — so you can be sure Bynum will be on their radar thanks to some “inside information”. You can never have enough cornerbacks.
Josh Sills | OT | West Virginia
Just like cornerback, you can never have enough offensive tackles — and Miami’s current situation is two unproven rookies. Getting adequate depth at tackle is a must for Miami.
Seventh Round
JaTarvious Whitlow | RB | Auburn
Whitlow is another physical back who will meet the standard the Dolphins’ rushing offense is looking to set with running the football. Good luck getting Whitlow to the ground at first contact!
