How the Dolphins’ third 2020 1st-round pick can land 21st overall

The Miami Dolphins know exactly where their first two picks are going to come in the 2020 NFL Draft. Miami is scheduled to own the 5th and 18th overall picks in the upcoming draft, Miami’s most important draft in recent memory. All attention will now shift to the Dolphins’ “other” 1st-round pick, which belongs to the Houston Texans.

Miami’s hopes of seeing Houston collapse and lose the division fell through three weeks ago, but the Texans are only the AFC’s 4th seed and will enter the playoffs on a two game losing streak and a 2-3 record in their last five games.

For Miami to see that pick maximized, the Texans must lose the AFC’s Wild Card round versus the Buffalo Bills. But there will be further help needed beyond that if Houston’s pick is to fall 21st in the NFL Draft order. Here is the full summary of outcomes Miami will need if the Houston pick is to fall 21st in the order:

• The Titans must upset the Patriots in Foxborough
• The Bills must defeat the Texans in Houston
• The Eagles must defeat the Seahawks in Philadelphia
• The Vikings must defeat the Saints in New Orleans

If Houston were to still lose but New England, Seattle and New Orleans all won, the Texans pick would land 24th. If the Texans advance to the next round, the pick will be no lower than 25th. Needless to say, go Bills!