With the offensive line struggling to find stability, the Miami Dolphins have decided to take another flyer in hopes of fixing things. In exchange for a 2022 7th round draft pick, the Dolphins acquired former 2nd round pick Greg Little from the Carolina Panthers. He’s projected to play at right tackle, opposite Austin Jackson, who the Dolphins are also remaining patient with.

The #Panthers have traded former 2nd round pick Greg Little to the #Dolphins for a 2022 7th rounder.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2021

Little, 23, was originally drafted back in 2019 37th overall. The Panthers hoped he would be a staple of their offensive line for years to come. However, Little’s career has already been plagued with injuries. In his rookie season, Little only played in four games, starting three of them, before being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury on December 14, 2019. He then started 2020 on the PUP list, only started three of the 10 games he played that season, and landed back on IR with another ankle injury just 10 days after being taken off the Covid reserve list.

As a former Ole Miss standout, Little had the daunting task of succeeding Laremy Tunsil at left tackle. He did well enough to earn a second-round grade, and scouts compared him to Seahawks All-Pro Duane Brown before the draft. Little, obviously, has not lived up to those expectations. But part of the problem could be his inability to stay healthy over his first two seasons. It would not be the first time a change of scenery gives a player new life in their career.

Ironically enough, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was asked about Greg Little’s progress last week, and spoke highly of him.

“I think he’s progressing,” Rhule said. “I think he’s way further ahead than he was in the spring. he’s got stiff competition ahead of him but I think Greg is showing progress. I’ll really have a better feel over the next three days. I think the next three days are the days I’ll have a feel for the offensive line and the fullbacks.”

We did a draft episode and spoke about Greg Little.
It starts at the 59 minute mark.https://t.co/mHfUbo5gk6

— Three Yards Per Carry (@3YardsPerCarry) August 17, 2021

There were reports circulating that the Dolphins were searching for trade options at offensive tackle. With the acquisition of Greg Little, Miami is making yet another low-risk move. Hopefully, it will turn out better than their previous attempt with Isaiah Wilson.

If Little shows more of what originally got him drafted, the Dolphins may have solved their right tackle problem. At worst, Little can be a reserve tackle who can play on either side of the line. His first goal will simply be to stay healthy. Then Miami can try to unleash his true potential.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for seven years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung

 

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