As the 2019 NFL Combine draws closer, draft talk has begun to heat up on who the Miami Dolphins might select at pick No. 13 overall in April. Although many Dolphin fans want the team to draft a quarterback early, this year’s draft is more talented on the defensive side of the ball.
As the Dolphins will likely transition from a 4-3 defense to a hybrid 3-4, the team will be looking for athletic young rushers. That why drafting Florida Gators edge rusher Jachai Polite would make a lot of sense.
At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Polite has the athleticism and quickness to get consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Last season for the Gators, Polite recorded 46 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 13 games.
More importantly, Polite is comfortable in both a two-point stance and standing up, the type of versatility Dolphins head coach Brian Flores will likely look for in a defensive player. Polite’s best attribute could be his determination and high motor as he never gives up on a play.
A negative working against Polite is his small frame at 240 pounds. However in today’s NFL game, Polite can use his size to his advantage to get around offensive linemen. He will, however, need to gain more strength, but that will likely come with time in the NFL.
While there are some questions where Polite will play in the league, using him as a 3-4 pass rusher may be ideal. That’s why the Dolphins at No. 13 would be an excellent fit for Polite as they definitely could use pass rushing help, assuming he is still available.
