During general manager Chris Grier’s pre-draft press conference, Grier revealed some interesting information about where the Miami Dolphins stand on the 2019 NFL Draft class — all without really revealing anything at all.
“Off the top of my head, there’s probably five (elite defensive linemen). Again it’s going to be scheme specific…I’d say there’s five really good players that you feel really good about,” said Grier when asked about the talent level of this year’s defensive line class. “After that, maybe not elite but then there’s a lot of good players, too.”
Considering Miami’s quest to land more 2020 NFL Draft capital — and perhaps 2019 draft picks as well — it’s important to know how the Dolphins feel about the top of the draft.
Say quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Drew Lock, Dwayne Haskins and Daniel Jones all come off the board before the Dolphins pick. If there’s five elite defensive linemen, suddenly we have accounted for 9 draft picks. The Dolphins, picking at 13, would only need four other players to go across all other positions before that fifth elite defensive lineman comes off the board for the Dolphins to face a decision — take the elite talent or trade down for picks?
Considering the Dolphins’ desire to play multiple on defense, there should be no restrictions on which elite defensive lineman falls, so long as one does.
But then again, perhaps Grier and the Dolphins feel differently behind closed doors and quotes like these are meant to serve as red herrings to the Dolphins’ true plans. Such is life during Draft season.
