Both on and off the field, the Miami Dolphins are making their plan crystal clear.
Just tank, baby.
After back-to-back blowout losses to start the 2019 regular season, the Dolphins appear to be heavily leaning into the chase to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. That won’t be their only Day 1 selection come next April, either.
Miami added multiple first-round picks by sending left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans. Monday night, they added yet another 2020 first-rounder by sending defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Much like the Oakland Raiders in this year’s draft, the Dolphins are likely to hold the keys to next year’s event, starting with the top overall selection and a full quiver of other premium picks over the first two days of the draft.
It would be hard to blame season-ticket holders and the remaining players on Miami’s roster for being at least a little frustrated with the obvious direction the team has for this season. But once the offseason rolls around, they could come away with the building blocks that could finally return the franchise to their former glory.
It’s a gamble, sure. But if the new regime hits on the right players with these draft picks, it’ll all be worth it.
