The Miami Dolphins Offseason
The Good: Trading out of #3 and trading back to #6
The Miami Dolphins were certainly going to trade out of the top 3 as quarterback needy teams in the draft were constantly phoning in calls to them about trading up and pulling the trigger with the 49ers for them to move all the way up to #3 and give the Dolphins #12 was a brilliant move by the Dolphins, but to then trade back up with the Eagles at #6 makes a great trade into easily the best move of the offseason. The Dolphins pick up extra picks and still stay within striking distance of one of the best non quarterback prospects in the draft.
The Bad: Signing Will Fuller V to a 1yr/10.6 Million
The Will Fuller V signing was not overly surprising as he's one of the better deep threats in the NFL but to sign him to a 1yr/10 million dollar deal with his injury history wasn't exactly ideal for the Miami Dolphins. Not to mention that he was suspended for 6 games in 2020 after putting up some good games earlier in the year so you have to wonder about his ability to stay on the field. It's a 1yr deal so it won't hurt the team if it fails but the large cap number prevented them from getting other talented players
The Ugly: Releasing Kyle Van Noy
The release of Kyle Van Noy was surprising as he produced up to the level most expected him to and only one year after signing his big deal with the Dolphins. And what made the move worse was his then re-signing with his old team in the New England Patriots and now he will make the Dolphins eat their words. It's not a smart move to give up a player to a division rival to snatch up, especially one that knows your team's defense.
Offseason Grade (Pre Draft): A-
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: C+
Selections: Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan PhillipsThe Dolphins had a goal of getting their potential franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a playmaking receiver with their 6th overall pick and they may have reached a bit when they decided on Jaylen Waddle out of Alabama. Make no mistake, Waddle is a freakish athlete with his ridiculous speed and agility that's going to be hard for even the best defenders to neutralize but he's not an experienced route-runner and has an injury history. He'll be able to make an impact anywhere on the field with his ability to return kicks and turn short passes into home runs but he needs further development in his game if he ever wants to be more than just a gadget deep threat. Jaelan Phillips is a great athlete that brings excellent speed and power to the position as well as rare motor for the position but he has a lengthy injury history as well as limited amount of production having only started one year in college. Both are high risk/high reward players but both are rich as well and Miami needs to hit on them if they hope to take the next step in 2021 by making the playoffs.
Day 2 Grade: A-
Selections: Jevon Holland, Liam Eichenberg, Hunter LongThe Dolphins stole one of best pure free safeties in the draft in Jevon Holland and he's going to instantly make an impact in their secondary with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones shutting down receivers. Holland is going to have a lot of opportunities to pick off bad passes in Miami and is an under the radar DROY candidate if he hits. Liam Eichenburg was one of the more sure-fire prospects left in the draft when Miami was on the clock. He brings great size and technique and could be a Week 1 starter in 2021 if he performs well in camp. Hunter Long is a good tight end that brings ample skill as a pass catcher and run blocker and will make his presence known in the run game in his rookie year.
Day 3 Grade: C+
Selections: Larnel Coleman, Gerrid Doaks
Larnel brings a great deal of size to offensive tackle and will need to make his presence known in training to make the roster but will likely be a practice squad. Gerrid Doaks is a powerful running back that could have a role as a short yardage back if he makes it through camp.
Selections: Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan PhillipsThe Dolphins had a goal of getting their potential franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a playmaking receiver with their 6th overall pick and they may have reached a bit when they decided on Jaylen Waddle out of Alabama. Make no mistake, Waddle is a freakish athlete with his ridiculous speed and agility that's going to be hard for even the best defenders to neutralize but he's not an experienced route-runner and has an injury history. He'll be able to make an impact anywhere on the field with his ability to return kicks and turn short passes into home runs but he needs further development in his game if he ever wants to be more than just a gadget deep threat. Jaelan Phillips is a great athlete that brings excellent speed and power to the position as well as rare motor for the position but he has a lengthy injury history as well as limited amount of production having only started one year in college. Both are high risk/high reward players but both are rich as well and Miami needs to hit on them if they hope to take the next step in 2021 by making the playoffs.
Day 2 Grade: A-
Selections: Jevon Holland, Liam Eichenberg, Hunter LongThe Dolphins stole one of best pure free safeties in the draft in Jevon Holland and he's going to instantly make an impact in their secondary with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones shutting down receivers. Holland is going to have a lot of opportunities to pick off bad passes in Miami and is an under the radar DROY candidate if he hits. Liam Eichenburg was one of the more sure-fire prospects left in the draft when Miami was on the clock. He brings great size and technique and could be a Week 1 starter in 2021 if he performs well in camp. Hunter Long is a good tight end that brings ample skill as a pass catcher and run blocker and will make his presence known in the run game in his rookie year.
Day 3 Grade: C+
Selections: Larnel Coleman, Gerrid Doaks
Larnel brings a great deal of size to offensive tackle and will need to make his presence known in training to make the roster but will likely be a practice squad. Gerrid Doaks is a powerful running back that could have a role as a short yardage back if he makes it through camp.
