Miami Dolphins 2021 Draft Class: A Deep Dive

What's up, Dolphins fans! Let's get real about the Miami Dolphins 2021 draft picks. The 2021 NFL Draft was a pretty big deal for our team, and understanding who we picked and why is super important for appreciating where the team is headed. This draft was all about building a solid foundation, adding playmakers, and addressing some key needs. We're going to break down each pick, talk about what they brought to the table, and see how they fit into the grand scheme of things. It wasn't just about grabbing talent; it was about finding the right talent that could contribute and grow with the franchise. So, buckle up, guys, because we're about to dive deep into the Dolphins' 2021 draft class and see if they truly hit it out of the park!

Round 1, Pick 6: Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver

Alright, let's kick things off with our headliner from the 2021 draft, Jaylen Waddle. Snagging him at pick number six overall was a massive move, and honestly, it sent shockwaves through the league. Waddle wasn't just a good receiver; he was widely considered one of the most electrifying prospects in the draft. His speed is absolutely insane, like, gazelle-like. He has this ability to turn short passes into long touchdowns, and his YAC (Yards After Catch) ability is just phenomenal. When you pair that kind of speed with Tua Tagovailoa, who we were also high on, the potential for a dynamic offense is massive. The Dolphins needed more explosive playmakers on the outside, and Waddle was the guy who could provide that spark. He wasn't just a deep threat, either. His route-running is crisp, he's got good hands, and he's a willing blocker, which is something you love to see from a receiver. People were quick to point out his injury history from college, but when he's on the field, he’s a game-changer. He immediately became a primary target and added a dimension to our offense that we desperately needed. The decision to draft him over other needs was a clear indication of how much the team valued his unique skill set. He's the kind of player who can take the top off a defense, open things up for other receivers, and just generally make the offense more unpredictable. For a team trying to establish itself and build a winning culture, adding a talent like Waddle was crucial. He represents that big-play potential, the excitement, and the hope for future success. His immediate impact, despite some learning curves that come with any rookie, showed why he was such a highly touted prospect. We're talking about a guy who could potentially be a top-tier receiver in this league for years to come, and that's the kind of investment you make when you're trying to build a championship contender. The pressure on him was immense, being a top-10 pick, but he seemed to handle it with grace and put up some serious numbers, especially considering the circumstances. His connection with Tua, though still developing, showed flashes of brilliance, and that's what we're all here for, right? The future looks bright with Waddle as a key piece of the puzzle.

Round 2, Pick 36: Jaelan Phillips, Edge Rusher

Moving on to our second-round gem, we got Jaelan Phillips at pick 36. Now, this was a pick that I think a lot of us were really excited about. Why? Because pass rush is everything in the NFL, and Phillips had the potential to be a dominant force. He was ranked as one of the top edge rushers in the draft, and his tape showed it. He's got a great combination of speed, power, and technique. What really stood out about Phillips was his versatility. He could rush from the edge, he could play inside, and he had this motor that just didn't quit. Sure, like Waddle, he had some injury concerns coming out of college, and that's probably why he slipped a little bit. But when he was healthy, he was unblockable at times. For the Dolphins, who needed to bolster their pass rush and get after opposing quarterbacks, Phillips was a no-brainer. Adding him to the defensive line instantly made us more formidable. The impact of a strong pass rush can't be overstated; it affects everything from the quarterback's comfort in the pocket to the secondary's ability to cover. Phillips brings that disruptive element we were missing. He has the raw talent and the physical tools to become a Pro Bowl-level player. The coaching staff saw this potential and believed he could overcome his injury history and develop into a cornerstone of our defense. It's all about taking calculated risks in the draft, and Phillips was a calculated risk that has the potential for massive reward. His development is key, and we've seen flashes of his dominance. He has the raw athleticism and the technical skills to be a problem for offensive tackles week in and week out. The goal is always to build a complete team, and adding a legitimate pass-rushing threat like Phillips is a huge step in that direction. He's not just a guy who gets sacks; he's a guy who pressures the quarterback, forces hurried throws, and generally disrupts the opposing team's offensive rhythm. That kind of pressure is invaluable and can create turnovers and easier situations for our secondary. It's exciting to think about what a fully healthy and developed Phillips can bring to this defense. He represents that crucial defensive pressure that can elevate the entire unit. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a truly intriguing prospect, and we're all eager to see him continue to grow and make his mark on the league.

Round 3, Pick 81: Jevon Holland, Safety

Alright, let's talk about Jevon Holland from Round 3, pick 81. Man, oh man, was this a steal! Holland is a fantastic football player, a true ball-hawk who brings an immediate impact to the secondary. He opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, which is why he might have fallen a bit, but his tape from his previous seasons was incredibly impressive. He's got elite instincts, incredible range, and he's a sure tackler. What makes Holland special is his versatility. He can play deep safety, he can cover slot receivers, and he even played some nickel corner in college. This kind of defensive chess piece is invaluable in today's NFL, where offenses are so dynamic. He brings a level of football IQ and playmaking ability that elevates the entire defense. The Dolphins needed help at safety, and Holland immediately stepped in and became a starter. He's not afraid to come up and make a tackle in the run game, and he has a knack for finding the football in coverage. His ability to read offenses and anticipate plays is uncanny. You see it on the field – he’s always around the ball, making crucial stops and forcing turnovers. For a third-round pick, getting a player with his caliber of talent and impact is a huge win. He's got the leadership qualities and the competitive drive that you look for in a cornerstone defensive player. His presence on the field makes the entire secondary better, communicating and making plays. He's not just a guy; he's a playmaker who has the potential to be an All-Pro caliber safety. His instincts are second to none, allowing him to anticipate passes and make interceptions that change the momentum of games. We're talking about a player who brings an immediate upgrade to our defensive backfield, providing both coverage ability and run support. The fact that he was available at pick 81 is still mind-boggling to me. He's the kind of player who makes the players around him better, elevating the entire unit. His intelligence on the field, coupled with his physical tools, makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He’s not just a run-stuffer or a coverage specialist; he’s a complete safety who can do it all. His decision to opt out was a personal one, and it’s great to see him back on the field and performing at such a high level. He embodies the kind of gritty, intelligent, and playmaking football we want to see from our defense. He's a guy who embodies that "next man up" mentality and consistently delivers. His impact is felt on every snap, and that's precisely what you want from a high draft pick.

Round 4, Pick 123: Liam Eichenberg, Offensive Tackle

In the fourth round, at pick 123, we selected Liam Eichenberg, an offensive tackle. Protecting Tua, and whoever the quarterback is moving forward, is absolutely paramount. Eichenberg came from Notre Dame, a program known for producing solid offensive linemen. He was considered a technically sound player with good strength and an understanding of his assignments. While he might not have had the flashy athleticism of some other linemen in the draft, he possessed the mental makeup and the physical grit needed to be a reliable presence on the offensive line. The Dolphins' offensive line has been a work in progress for years, and Eichenberg was seen as a valuable piece to help solidify that unit. He brings a high football IQ and a strong work ethic, which are crucial for developing offensive linemen. His ability to play both tackle and guard made him a versatile option for the coaching staff. The idea here was to add depth and competition to the line, and Eichenberg was a player who could step in and contribute. He was a guy who was ready to play and had the fundamentals to succeed. He might not have been the most hyped pick, but sometimes, those gritty, fundamental players are the ones who end up being the backbone of an offensive line. He's a player who can consistently do his job and provide a stable presence. The Dolphins were looking to rebuild their offensive line and make it a strength, and Eichenberg was a deliberate choice to help achieve that goal. He's the kind of player who digs in, fights for every inch, and protects the quarterback. His college pedigree suggests he understands the nuances of the position and can handle the physical demands of the NFL. His development is key, and we're looking for him to become a steady contributor for years to come. Protecting our investment at quarterback is priority number one, and Eichenberg is a part of that plan. He brings that hardworking mentality that is essential for any successful offensive line. His understanding of blocking schemes and his ability to execute them are vital for keeping our quarterback upright and opening lanes for our running backs. He's not flashy, but he's effective, and that's what you need on the trenches. We trust that the coaching staff will mold him into a dependable starter.

Round 5, Pick 156: Hunter Long, Tight End

Moving into the fifth round, at pick 156, we drafted Hunter Long, a tight end. The tight end position is so crucial for offenses these days, serving as both a receiving threat and an in-line blocker. Long was a productive player at Boston College, showcasing good hands and a solid understanding of route running. He wasn't the flashiest tight end in the draft, but he was a reliable pass-catcher and showed potential as a blocker. The Dolphins needed to add depth and competition at the tight end spot, and Long was a player who could fit that need. He brings a different dimension to the tight end group, offering a reliable option in the passing game and potentially contributing in the blocking game. His football IQ and work ethic are often highlighted, suggesting he's a player who will put in the effort to improve and contribute. He might not have been a starter from day one, but he was seen as a developmental player who could grow into a significant role. Tight ends often take a bit longer to develop in the NFL, so the expectation was for him to learn and contribute as he progressed. He represented a smart pick in the later rounds, targeting a position of need and selecting a player with a good foundation. We're looking for him to become a solid contributor, potentially a valuable part of our offense, especially in two-tight end sets. His ability to catch the ball consistently and be a reliable target can be a huge asset. He also has the frame and the willingness to block, which makes him a more complete player. The coaching staff saw something in him, and we trust their evaluation. He's a player who can make the tough catches and provide a consistent target. His development will be something to watch closely as he aims to make his mark on the team. He's got the potential to be a key part of our offense, offering versatility and reliability. He represents that late-round gem that could pay dividends for years to come. His solid all-around game gives him a good foundation to build upon. We are excited to see him grow and contribute to the Dolphins' success.

Round 6, Pick 197: Gerrid Doaks, Running Back

Finally, in the sixth round at pick 197, we picked up Gerrid Doaks, a running back. Running back depth is always important, and Doaks brought a physical style of running to the table. He had good size and power, and he showed flashes of being a capable runner in college. While he might not have been the most explosive back, he had the potential to be a solid contributor in a rotation or as a change-of-pace option. The Dolphins were looking to add some depth to their running back room, and Doaks was a player who could provide that. He's a physical runner who isn't afraid to run between the tackles. His size and power make him a viable option for short-yardage situations. He also showed some ability as a receiver out of the backfield. He's a player who could potentially carve out a role on special teams as well, making him a valuable depth piece. The goal in the later rounds is often to find players who can contribute on special teams or provide competition for roster spots, and Doaks fit that mold. He has the physical tools to succeed, and it will be up to him to develop and make the most of his opportunity. He represents that kind of late-round gamble that could potentially pay off. His ability to run with power and break tackles is something that can be valuable in certain situations. He's a player that you hope can develop into a reliable contributor over time. We are looking forward to seeing him compete and prove his worth. He's got the potential to be a strong running back, and we are excited to see what he can do.

Overall 2021 Draft Class Analysis

Looking back at the Miami Dolphins 2021 draft picks, I think it's safe to say this was a solid class. We addressed key needs with high-upside players. Jaylen Waddle brings elite speed and playmaking ability. Jaelan Phillips adds a much-needed pass rush threat. Jevon Holland is a versatile playmaker in the secondary who fell into our laps. Liam Eichenberg was a smart pick to help solidify the offensive line. Hunter Long adds depth and a reliable target at tight end. And Gerrid Doaks provides depth at running back. Each player brought something unique to the team, and the Dolphins did a great job of balancing immediate impact with developmental potential. It wasn't just about filling holes; it was about acquiring talent that could grow and contribute to long-term success. The coaching staff clearly had a vision, and they executed it well. This draft class was designed to build a more complete and competitive roster, and the early returns suggest they were successful in finding key pieces for the future. It's always exciting to see how rookies develop, and the 2021 class gave us plenty to be optimistic about. They injected youth, talent, and competition into the team, which is exactly what you want from a draft. The Dolphins absolutely crushed it with these picks, laying a strong foundation for years to come. The smart choices made in this draft are evident in the team's continued growth and competitiveness.