It’s finally day 1 of the draft and the Miami Dolphins have two picks after the Laremy Tunsil trade of a few years ago. Some dealing has seen those 3rd and 18th picks turn into the numbers 6 and 18 as we enter the day, but don’t be surprised if there’s some more action before it’s all said and done.
So what should fins fans be looking out for on day 1 of the draft? Well let’s jump in and see:
WEAPONS FOR TUA ON DAY 1 OF THE DRAFT?
It’s almost a dead cert that Tua Tagovailoa will get a new toy on day 1 of the draft. Whether that happens at 6 or 18, or both, remains to be seen and could depend on another item to watch out for. The pundits have had they say over who the pick at number 6 should be with Kyle Pitts the favourite if available which is unlikely with him expected to go to Atlanta at number 4.
The hot topic then seems to be which Alabama receiver to take out of Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith. Smith had all the early money, but Waddle seems to have closed the gap lately. Kyle Crabbs over at Locked on Dolphins has Waddle as the clear choice, Si Clancy at Three Yards Per Carry has Smith locked on (pardon the pun).
Ja’Marr Chase is also an option if he drops past the Bengals, which again seems unlikely.
Both look great options to me…but is there a chance that Penei Sewell makes an appearance?
TRADING UP FROM 18
There’s been some significant buzz over the last few hours/days that the Dolphins may be looking to move up from 18 to 9. The Broncos are open to moving down having added Teddy Bridgewater to their QB room, and the move would add some intrigue to the number 6 pick.
Logic would suggest if you’re trading up pre-draft you have a range of players you’re in the mood for. Could that mean the Dolphins really don’t mind whether it’s Smith or Waddle and see one of them, maybe both, still being there at 9?
If that’s the case, maybe Penei Sewell comes in to fill the right tackle spot with the first pick of day 1 of the draft, and Smith or Waddle is the pick at 9.
I definitely see the Dolphins adding a play-maker early on day 1 of the draft, and the trade up to 9 is the only way I see Sewell being an option at 6. Do I think the trade will happen? Most likely not as it will see the Dolphins giving up that 2023 first-round pick from the niners acquired in the trade back.
But it’s an interesting storyline to keep an eye on come draft time.
SO MANY OPTIONS AT 18
If the Dolphins stick at 6 and 18, the choices begin to multiply a lot by the time we get to that second pick. Najee Harris is a big fan favourite and a player I personally advocated for right here. But there are signifiant holes still at edge, along the OL, and potentially that hybrid LB/Safety role that’s key in Coach Flo’s defence.
The pundit money has been moving towards Jaelan Phillips, or Kwity Paye and it’s hard to argue against them, although all the edge prospects have some red flags against them. I like the Harris pick because it’s safe explosive, and a guaranteed success. Plus it fits a major need for the Dolphins for a number of years now.
But there’s also the option of a trade down from the 18 spot if the Dolphins are unsure. Almost anything can happen with this pick so keep your eyes peeled on day 1 of the draft as things could get exciting.
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