Tag Archive for: Najee Harris

Dolphins add star power in latest Tankathon Mock Draft

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Let’s take a look at what Tankathon has the Miami Dolphins doing in their latest three-round mock draft.

Yes, I know. It’s way too early to start talking about the 2021 NFL draft.

And how strange is that to say? Despite last week’s loss to the gritty Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins are currently 6-4 with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals on the horizon.

Nevertheless, as the season plays out we’re starting to see the pieces the Dolphins are missing–primarily on the offensive side of the football.

Which is okay.

First, Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns opted out. #Respect

Then Preston Williams went down with an injury, that could put an end to his 2020 season.

And who can forget the Dolphins HELPING OUT THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS and trading away Isaiah Ford. Which, say whatever you want about his long-term future in Miami, he was widely considered the smartest receiver in the room before his departure. He also had success in the slot, which is where the Dolphins need someone to step up.

But this isn’t about the 2020 Miami Dolphins.

This is about those four top-50 draft picks the team currently holds in next year’s draft–five in the top-81. And in year three of a rebuild, Chris Grier and Brian Flores know exactly what’s needed. And as I’ve said throughout, it starts with the offensive side of the football.

Let’s take a look at the latest Tankathon three-round mock draft!

The Franchise

 

First Round

The first few picks in the latest Tankathon mock draft is what you would expect to see in any mock. Trevor Lawrence goes #1 to the New York Jets followed by Justin Fields to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell lands in Cincinnati to protect Joe Burrow’s blindside #GetWellSoon and a personal favorite of mine lands in Dallas. Washington takes BYU quarterback Zach Wilson to round out the top-5.

But enough about the other teams.

What do the Miami Dolphins do to add firepower to their offense?

As things currently stand, the Miami Dolphins have the #9th overall pick thanks to Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans. Miami could go a couple different directions with this pick but since Micah Parsons and Ja’Marr Chase have already been selected, the Dolphins turn their attention to another dynamic wide receiver.

With the 9th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama.

If there is one thing that we’re quickly starting to learn this season it’s that the Dolphins offense is in dire need of playmakers. And the type of speed and big-play ability that Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle would bring to this offense is immense. And we can’t overlook the chemistry he already has with Tua Tagovailoa. Yes, Waddle suffered an injury earlier in the season that could potentially affect his draft stock. But with whispers that he could try to make a comeback later in the season, top-10 might be his floor.

With the 17th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Creed Humphrey, Offensive Lineman, Oklahoma

 

 

I’m not going to sit here and talk negatively about Ted Karras, because I don’t think we get a full sense of what a center’s responsibilities really is without being on the field/in the huddle. But much like Daniel Kilgore last season, it’s clear the Dolphins could use an upgrade at the position. Which is why if Creed Humphrey is available with the 17th pick in the draft, you run to the podium. Humphrey is a mauler and if reports are true that Miami had interest in Cesar Ruiz last season, the writing is on the wall.

(Note: Yes, I am a huge fan of Travis Etienne and believed he was RB1 last season. As tempting as that would be–and I wouldn’t be upset–I think Humphrey would be the RIGHT move, especially based on what the Dolphins do in the next round.)

Round 2

The first pick in round 2 is going to make readers a bit upset. Because despite Miami Hurricanes pass-rusher Quincy Roche sitting ripe for the picking, Tankathon has other plans.

With the 40th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh

In the limited time I’ve spent watching Patrick Jones, you can see that he is a freak that can attack the quarterback in a variety of different ways. He’s also proven to be stout against the run, which is a trait the Dolphins so desperately need when looking for their future EDGE players. Adding Jones to the mix of young, impactful players in the house will open things up for Brian Flores and his staff and give them new ways to attack opposing QBs.

But that was only the first of the Dolphins’ two second round picks.

 

With the 50th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Najee Harris, Running Back, Alabama

As I alluded to above, the Dolphins pass on my RB1, but that’s okay. There are plenty of backs that are more than capable, and as we’ve seen with other positions, the scheme and the supporting cast has everything to do with a player’s success. With Etienne off the board, that leaves the perfect running back to pair with Tua Tagovailoa. Harris can do it all. And as easy as it is to compare him to the once-great Derrek Henry, you’d be crazy not to see similar players. What may be most impressive is Harris is a better receiver than Henry (IMO). Nevertheless, he’s exactly what Miami needs at running back to compliment the Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmeds of the world.

 

 

Jimmy Butler: The Leader is Being Overlooked

3rd Round

The fifth and final pick in Tankathon’s three-round mock draft is another versatile defensive back that could play all over Coach Flores defense.

With the 81st pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select: Ar’Darius Washington, Safety, TCU

This will change many more times between now and April 23, 2020. With that said, how do you feel with Tankathon’s latest mock draft?

Josh Houtz (@houtz) is a die-hard Dolphins fan that believes Chan Gailey needs to #LetTuaCook.

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