The Miami Dolphins may be bracing for a massive test against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday but the team’s front office will have their hands full today with some other tasks. First and foremost, the team’s scouting department will be keeping a close eye on another weekend of college football action. As the college season forges forward, NFL teams will continue to take advantage of the added sample size to study eligible prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Who should Miami be keeping a close eye on today? Here are five talents playing that could be possible top-100 selections in next year’s draft.
WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama Crimson Tide
Waddle served as one of Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s top targets during their two year overlap with the Crimson Tide. Waddle is everything the current crop of Dolphins wide receivers isn’t — namely blindingly fast (as compared to the size targets) and durable (as compared to Jakeem Grant). Waddle is a dynamic open field athlete and an absolute terror on quick throws as a threat to make a house call. And with two 1st-round wide receivers out of the picture this season, Waddle is going to make a big splash this season. He logged 8 receptions for over 130 yards and 2 scores last week.
The Tide play Texas A&M in a ranked matchup this afternoon.
RB Najee Harris, Alabama Crimson Tide
You think Alabama has some studs? Najee Harris is another candidate for the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft, although the emergence of Myles Gaskin may deter the Dolphins from pulling the trigger on a RB too early in the draft. Never the less, Harris has experience in the same thing Gaskin is doing for the Dolphins — being a three-down, do everything back. And, unlike Gaskin, Harris has some high end size and athleticism to offer a team.
IOL Drake Jackson, Kentucky Wildcats
If the Dolphins ultimately decide they need to upgrade over Ted Karras at center this offseason, the opportunities to do so will be limited. Oklahoma center Creed Humphrey is likely a top-20 selection, so Miami would have to pay a hefty price to land him on the roster. If they wanted to go a different route, Kentucky’s Drake Jackson may fit the bill — he’ll meet Miami’s desire for size and power at the point of attack, so there’s no compromising on that front. Many centers are more finesse players, but not Jackson!
The Wildcats play Ole Miss this afternoon.
WR Anthony Schwartz, Auburn Tigers
If the Dolphins want more speed at receiver but would prefer to find it a little later in the draft, Schwartz is an option. He’s got a track background and it shows — Schwartz has blinding acceleration and has been credited by some resources with running the 40-yard dash in the 4.2s. That’s fast.
Best of all, Schwartz gets a premium matchup this afternoon — the Tigers are facing the Georgia Bulldogs, who offer three potential top-100 selections in their secondary.
SAF Ar’Darius Washington, TCU Horned Frogs
Washington isn’t the biggest. He isn’t the strongest. But he’s a valuable weapon for the Horned Frogs defense and Brian Flores would likely get a kick out of weaponizing his versatility on the Dolphins’ defense. Miami has had encouraging words for veteran Bobby McCain to this point in the season, but if the team decides it’s time to start fresh at free safety, Washington could be a candidate.
TCU plays against Heisman candidate QB Sam Ehlinger and the Texas Longhorns this afternoon.
