Dolphins Need to Start Nailing Their Drafts: A Closer Look at Miami’s Path to Success
In recent years, the Miami Dolphins have made significant strides in rebuilding their team, but one glaring issue has held them back from reaching their full potential: inconsistent draft success. While the Dolphins have made moves in free agency and traded for top-tier talent, their draft classes have often been hit or miss. As the team looks to continue its upward trajectory, it is clear that the Dolphins need to start nailing their drafts to achieve long-term success.
From a top-tier quarterback to solidifying the roster with impact players, the draft is crucial for the Dolphins’ future. In this article, we will break down the Dolphins’ recent draft performances, examine the current state of their roster, and explore how they can improve their draft strategy to position themselves for success in the coming seasons.
Recent Draft History: Hits and Misses
The Miami Dolphins have had a mixed track record when it comes to their draft selections over the last few years. While there have certainly been some notable successes, the franchise has also made some selections that have not panned out as hoped. These inconsistencies have raised concerns and made it clear that, moving forward, the team must be more deliberate in their draft decisions.
Positive Picks:
In 2020, the Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick, a decision that has been met with mixed reviews but has shown potential. Tagovailoa, while not yet an elite quarterback, has displayed flashes of brilliance and has shown promise under the guidance of head coach Mike McDaniel. The addition of Tagovailoa, coupled with the development of their offense, has shown that the Dolphins are on the right track at quarterback.
In the 2021 draft, Miami made a strong move by selecting wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick. Waddle has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL, offering Tua a deep threat and an explosive playmaker. The Dolphins also landed standout defensive talent in linebacker Jaelan Phillips in the first round, who showed his potential as a pass rusher in his rookie season.
In 2022, the Dolphins continued to make strides with key selections like cornerback Kader Kohou, who has turned into a reliable piece of the secondary, and wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, who offers depth at the position.
These successful picks have helped build a core group of players that Miami can rely on as the team moves forward. Tagovailoa, Waddle, Phillips, and Kohou form a solid foundation for the Dolphins, but for the team to truly ascend to elite status in the NFL, they need to continue this momentum and ensure that their future drafts build on this foundation.
Misses and Missed Opportunities:
While Miami has had some success, their drafts have not been without blunders. In particular, the Dolphins’ selections of running back Jordan Howard (2020), and wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. (2020) have not lived up to expectations, contributing to roster instability at key positions. Howard never found his rhythm with Miami, and Bowden, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, never made a lasting impact on the offense.
Additionally, the Dolphins’ 2020 draft class is also marked by the trade of offensive tackle Austin Jackson, the team’s first-round pick, which has been a point of contention among fans and analysts. While Jackson has the tools to be a solid player, his development has been slower than expected. Inconsistencies in the offensive line have been a major issue for the Dolphins, and while Jackson has shown flashes of potential, it’s clear that the Dolphins need better depth and consistency in their offensive line, a position that has been a weak spot for several years.
The Dolphins have also failed to draft a true game-changer on the defensive line in recent years, with their selections not making the kind of impact they hoped for. A stronger, more dominant presence on the defensive front is necessary to complement Miami’s aggressive secondary.
Ultimately, the Dolphins’ success in recent drafts has been uneven, with some solid picks offset by underwhelming or disappointing choices. As the franchise looks to improve its roster, the pressure is on general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel to correct the course in future drafts and make better, more impactful selections.
The Importance of Draft Success for Miami’s Future
The Miami Dolphins are currently at a crossroads. With a promising quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, a strong receiver in Jaylen Waddle, and an increasingly competitive defense, the team has the foundation to be a playoff contender. However, for Miami to take the next step and truly contend for a Super Bowl, they must nail their future drafts and add key pieces that will complement the current roster.
Bolstering the Offensive Line:
One area the Dolphins must address in the upcoming drafts is the offensive line. While the team has invested in the position, there is still a need for greater depth and talent along the front five. Tagovailoa, despite showing potential, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, in part due to inconsistent protection from the offensive line. To protect their franchise quarterback and help elevate the offense, the Dolphins need to focus on drafting high-caliber offensive linemen.
Miami should look to target tackles, guards, or centers in future drafts who can come in and make an immediate impact. A dominant offensive line is critical not only to protect Tagovailoa but also to open up running lanes for the Dolphins’ backs, ultimately providing the offense with more balance and unpredictability.
Strengthening the Defensive Front:
On the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins need to bolster their defensive line and add depth to their pass rush. Although Miami’s secondary, led by standout players like Xavien Howard, is one of the most formidable in the NFL, the team lacks a truly disruptive force on the defensive line who can consistently generate pressure and collapse the pocket. While Jaelan Phillips has shown promise, the Dolphins need another difference-maker who can complement his skill set.
The team has had difficulty in recent years finding an impactful defensive lineman in the draft, and it’s become clear that this is an area where they need to improve. A consistent pass rush will not only improve Miami’s defense but also help the team compete against the league’s top quarterbacks and offenses, particularly in the high-octane AFC.
Depth at Running Back:
Running back has also been an area of inconsistency for the Dolphins, particularly when it comes to finding a long-term solution at the position. While Miami has had some success with veterans like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., the team has lacked a true dynamic playmaker in the backfield who can take over games and carry the offense when needed. This is another area where the Dolphins need to focus their attention in the draft, looking for an explosive, all-purpose back who can contribute both in the running game and as a receiver out of the backfield.
Adding Depth at Wide Receiver:
While the Dolphins have a true star in Jaylen Waddle, they could benefit from adding additional depth at the wide receiver position. Though the team has invested in playmakers like Cedrick Wilson and Braxton Berrios, they have yet to find a reliable second option who can consistently help move the chains. Miami’s offense could become even more dynamic with the addition of another big-play receiver to complement Waddle’s speed and explosiveness.
Improving the Draft Strategy:
In order to maximize their future drafts, the Dolphins need to adopt a more deliberate and strategic approach. This includes making data-driven decisions, honing in on the best available talent, and avoiding the temptation to reach for players based on position needs alone. While addressing needs is important, the Dolphins must ensure that they are selecting the best player available who fits into their overall scheme.
Additionally, the team needs to focus on player development and ensuring that their draft picks reach their full potential. Many of the Dolphins’ recent struggles have come from their inability to develop their younger players effectively, which can often lead to wasted draft capital. The team should invest in development staff and resources to help their draftees progress and contribute sooner rather than later.