With everything going on in the world around us with the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s 2020 NFL Draft will be different. For the first time in the history of the sport, the NFL is hosting the draft as a virtual event with team personnel in their separate homes.
To keep the theme riding, the Miami Dolphins, as well as the four other teams who pick before them, could make for an intriguing beginning to the draft.
This brings me to what the Dolphins could do with their No. 5 pick.
Keeping an Eye on Mock Draft Experts
A lot of mock drafts have Miami taking a wide range of different players from quarterback to offensive lineman to even a few defensive positions, despite its huge defensive free agency. The smartest thing to do as the Dolphins management would be to draft a top QB.
However, taking one of the top guys could become tricky for Miami.
It’s likely that the Cincinnati Bengals take former Louisiana State University QB Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick. It’s also likely that the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, picks No. 2 and 4 respectively, pass on the control center position. However, the Detroit Lions hold the No. 3 pick and injury woes under center themselves.
Could Lions Take Tagovailoa with Stafford’s Injury Woes?
Current QB Matthew Stafford missed the final eight weeks with a reemergence of his back injury that once again landed him on injured reserve. Although reported to be ready for offseason training camp (CBSSports.com), the 32-year-old has a history of back problems.
If Detroit chooses to cast a top prospect on draft days into the shadows, or in competition for the starting drive, it would likely select former University of Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.
If Burrow and Tagovailoa are claimed off the board prior to pick No. 5, Miami needs to have its eyes on the former University of Oregon QB Justin Herbert.
Who is Justin Herbert? Break It Down:
Justin Herbert is a six-foot, six-inch monster from Eugene, Oregon. The homer joined the Ducks and played eight games as a freshman. Herbert won two of his eight games played, completing 162 of 255 passes for 1,936 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also added 161 yards on 58 rushing attempts and two scores on the ground.
His sophomore year saw a flip-flop of his freshman season. He won six of eight games played, dropping just two. He went 139-for-206 passing, with 1,983 yards, 15 TDs and five INTs. He rushed 44 times for 183 yards and five TDs.
It wasn’t until his junior year that Herbert showed college football that he could be a starting QB. He completed 240 of his 404 pass attempts for 3,151 passing yards with 29 TDs and eight INTs, helping lead the Ducks to a 9-4 record. He also rushed 71 times for 166 yards and had two rushing TDs.
Herbert elected to return for his senior season, and it was probably one of the best decisions he could’ve made.
During his senior year, Herbert started every game for the Ducks and led them to a 12-2 record with an appearance in the Rose Bowl, winning 28-27 over the Wisconsin Badgers. During his senior year he completed 286 of his 428 pass attempts with a career-best 3,471 passing yards, 32 TDs while tossing six INTs. He added 50 yards and four rushing TDs on 58 attempts.
He finished his career with 10,541 passing yards with 108 TDs (13 rushing). In addition, he was named the 30th recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy.
Why Should the Dolphins Consider Drafting Herbert?
With so many options for the No. 5 pick, Miami needs to get it right. Herbert could be an option to look at just with his size alone, but the way he can read the entire field on plays helps boost his case. He’s able to recognize matchup advantages pre-snap, but also has the ability to play-action when needed. The way he scans the field with ease is something the Dolphins have lacked in the last decade. This is due in-part to their offensive line, but Miami has the pieces in place to build around Herbert.
Kayla Morton contributed to this article.
– Carl Mahler is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @C3Mahler Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
