It’s the most wonderful time of the year — well, at least it is to be a Miami Dolphins fan. The NFL Draft looms on the horizon and with it comes new hope that Brian Flores and company will jolt more life into this football team and, for the first time in a long time, shake the mediocrity that has hung over their heads. As many have pointed out, a team revival only works if you hit on the boatload of picks pooled and at the team’s disposal.
What would that look like? First and foremost, don’t expect the Dolphins to check every singe box in year one. It isn’t possible to expect the Dolphins to fix so many holes in one shot. Instead, look for the Dolphins to invest heavily in several key areas of focus.
And with that in mind, here’s one possible 2020 NFL Draft outcome that should have Dolphins fans jumping for joy. The NFL Draft sees most of the damage done within the first 75 picks — Miami has six such picks this season. Miami addresses quarterback, offensive line and some sore spots on defense along the way in this 3-round scenario.
5th overall – QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Crimson Tide
Assuming Tagovailoa’s injured hip checks out at the NFL Combine, he’s the right man for the job in Miami. He offers experience in both vertical (2018) and horizontal (2019) passing schemes and has all of the intangibles factors that Brian Flores and company are going to covet as a locker room leader.
18th overall – DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa Hawkeyes
The Dolphins, like most teams led by Patriots disciples, love heavy handed defensive linemen. They don’t come much heavier than Epenesa. As this team continues to look for their identity, they’ll do well to find it in the mold of physical, smart football players. Epenesa checks both boxes and would be a huge boost to the pass rush.
27th overall – OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville Cardinals
Becton is a late bloomer but has similarities to OT Trenton Brown, who found success in New England while Flores and many of the Dolphins’ assistant coaches were still in Foxoborough. Becton is a people mover with elite length to protect the edge in the run game.
39th overall – RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State Buckeyes
Running back, as it currently stands on the Dolphins roster, is pretty abysmal. Dobbins does a lot to inject life into this position and Chan Gailey’s new offensive attack will put added premium on the ground game. Dobbins is a good value here in the early 2nd-round.
56th overall – OG Trey Smith, Tennessee Volunteers
Smith first arrived on the college scene as a standout freshman. The years since have included a blood clot scare and triumphant return. Smith is an absolute animal at guard and, as his time playing left tackle in 2018 would indicate, he’s quite the athlete for a big man. He and Becton add a lot of attitude and physicality to Miami’s offensive line.
70th overall – DB Antoine Winfield Jr, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Miami’s secondary needs bodies. Pressing needs in the trenches will have the Dolphins looking here later than planned, especially after Ohio State DB Shaun Wade declared he was returning for another college season. Winfield is a smart player, but more importantly he’s diverse and routinely makes the big play for the Gophers.
