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The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a favorable spot in the 2020 NFL Draft. Picking fifth overall, Miami has a few apparent needs that stand out.
Dolphins Must Go QB or OT at No. 5
The quarterback position screams hello to teams in this position. The Dolphins are rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter currently, who is in his second year of his two-year contract signed in the summer of 2019. Fitzpatrick earned the starting job for the remainder of Miami’s 2019 season after nearly leading the Dolphins to a nearly impossible comeback in week six against the Washington Redskins.
Additionally, Miami really needs the help on its offensive line. After failing to finalize a deal with former LT Laremy Tunsil a few different times last offseason it looked like the scare of the former first round pick leaving was over.
Then boom. Houston called and actually made what looked to be a good trade for themselves (a rarity as of late). It took Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills from the organization in late August. While Tunsil is severely under performing in Houston, boding well for Miami’s look, it still doesn’t change the fact that there’s a glaring hole.
Miami Has Clear Contact with QB Prospect
It’s no secret that Miami has its eye on former University of Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa. Despite multiple career injuries, the Dolphins have made it no secret about their aggressive push for him.
Dolphins Could Trade Up
While it seems like new news that Miami supposedly wants to trade up in the draft to either No. 1 or No. 3, that news is old.
If the Dolphins trade up it’ll be because they want Joe Burrow first overall. If this was ever the year for Miami to give up a lot of picks this is the year.
It has 14 picks in this year’s draft, including three first round picks, after all its trading in the 2019 preseason and regular season. It can afford to give up picks, even from this year’s first round, that aren’t super great. Picks 18 and 26? There’s no dire need at either of those spots. Get rid of them. Who cares?
Why Dolphins Don’t Need to Trade Up, Even Though They Can
The Dolphins likely won’t need to trade with the Detroit Lions to secure Tagovailoa. Head coach Matt Patricia is on the hot seat for his job and needs to win now. While it looked like the Lions could take a QB to eventually take over for the aging and more injury-prone Matthew Stafford, that’s not the case now.
Furthermore, the Washington Redskins have pick No. 2 and the New York Giants have pick No. 4. Both teams don’t need a starting QB with two young guys already heading the organization. Miami only has to worry about the Bengals and Lions.
However, if Miami stays at No. 5 and both Burrow and Tagovailoa go, there’s only one person it should take for their selection.
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Is drafting Becton at No. 5 too soon? No.
Burrow and Tagovailoa are in a tier of their own. No other QB’s skill set deems a top-five selection no matter what case is made about Miami needing to draft a QB in this draft. Just wait for a later pick in the first round or a later round.
Right Tackle? Left Tackle? Who Are They?
Miami has a struggling offensive line as a whole, but clearly struggles to protect the QB at both the right and left tackle. Julie’n Davenport was acquired via the trade with Houston in 2019 and went straight to injured reserve. With Davenport not activated from IR until late November, Miami had been rotating new signees and practice squad players for the entire season.
Jesse Davis started on the opposite side in all but one game. Despite playing in 15 games, it was clear that the incohesive bond of the OL hindered Davis’ production and execution. He was not viewed as the strong side on the line, because he too provided little to no QB safety. But on an inexperienced team, he at least had more football-IQ than most– the execution just wasn’t present.
Becton Fixes This Problem
For starters, the dude is six-feet, seven-inches and 364 pounds. Despite his enormous frame, he is also extremely athletic. He’s light on his feet and possesses a combination of quick movement and force. While he may not have A+ technique on every play (I mean really, who does), any minor miscues can be made up with his force and mass.
Additionally, despite his size, he positions himself strategically to make inside, outside and lateral blocks. This won’t only help protect whoever’s under center, but can aid in helping to produce a running game. This is also due in-part to his seven-foot wingspan. His long arms not only help his overall positioning, but if and when he gets out of position, it will allow for a successful recovery.
If you’re a team in need of a lineman, Becton is the best one in the draft. The Dolphins won’t make the mistake of trading him in the future. Let’s be real, what defensive lineman or secondary player would willingly say they know they’d be successful one-on-one against Becton? It’s not possible.
– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
