Miami Dolphins 2021 NFL Redraft: A Second Look

Alright guys, let's dive back into the 2021 NFL Draft, specifically focusing on our beloved Miami Dolphins. It's always fun to play the "what if" game in hindsight, right? We can look at how teams actually performed, where players have landed, and what adjustments might have made a difference. For the Dolphins, the 2021 draft was a pivotal one, loaded with potential to reshape the roster. So, grab your popcorn, and let's do a full redraft for the Dolphins, considering everything we know now. We'll be looking at their picks, the players they could have taken, and how it might have impacted their trajectory. This isn't just about correcting perceived mistakes; it's about exploring the best possible path forward for the team based on player development and team needs that have become clearer over time. The 2021 draft class was deep, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and the Dolphins had some key selections to make. Let's break down each pick and see where we'd go differently, or if they actually nailed it the first time around. We'll analyze the performance of the players they chose versus other available options, keeping in mind the evolving landscape of the NFL and the specific demands placed on a young team trying to build a sustainable winner. This exercise is designed to be engaging, informative, and perhaps a little bit controversial, so let's get started!

Round 1, Pick 6: Jaylen Waddle or a Different Direction?

This was the big one, guys. The Dolphins were coming off a 10-6 season but knew they needed more explosive playmakers. They ultimately landed on Jaylen Waddle, the lightning-fast wide receiver from Alabama. Looking back, Waddle has been fantastic. He's a dynamic threat every time he touches the ball, breaking records and providing that game-changing speed Tua Tagovailoa needed. He's a bona fide star. However, the question always lingers: could they have gone another way? At pick 6, other offensive linemen like Penei Sewell were available, a prospect many considered a generational talent at tackle. The Dolphins did address the offensive line later in the draft and through free agency, but the immediate impact of Sewell anchoring the left or right side could have been immense for Tua's protection and the overall run game. Then there's the argument for Ja'Marr Chase, who ended up going to the Bengals at pick 5. Chase has also been an absolute game-wrecker, forming a lethal duo with Joe Burrow. If Waddle hadn't been there, or if the team had prioritized the trenches, Chase would have been a very tempting pick. However, the Dolphins' philosophy seemed to be building around Tua's strengths, and Waddle's speed and ability to create separation perfectly fit that mold. Considering Waddle's immediate impact and consistent production, it's hard to argue strongly against this pick, even with Sewell and Chase lighting it up elsewhere. Waddle brought a different kind of explosion that was arguably more unique to their current roster needs. His ability to score from anywhere on the field and his reliable hands have made him a cornerstone of the offense. The argument for Sewell would be about long-term stability in the trenches, which is always crucial for any team aiming for sustained success. But sometimes, you need that game-breaking playmaker to elevate the entire unit. The Dolphins opted for the latter, and Waddle has largely validated that decision with his electrifying play. His chemistry with Tua has grown significantly, and he’s proven to be more than just a deep threat, developing into a complete receiver. The impact of his speed on opposing defenses cannot be overstated; it opens up opportunities for everyone else on the field. So, while the allure of Sewell's dominance or Chase's production is real, Jaylen Waddle remains a strong pick for the Dolphins at number 6 in this redraft scenario.

Round 2, Pick 36: Jaelan Phillips or...?

With their second first-round pick, acquired from the 49ers in the Trey Lance trade, the Dolphins selected Jaelan Phillips, an edge rusher from Miami. Phillips had immense potential coming out of college, with a high ceiling as a pass rusher. And man, has he delivered in stretches! When he's on the field and healthy, Phillips is a disruptive force. He's shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability and has been a key contributor to the Dolphins' defense. However, his career has been hampered by injuries, which is always a concern. In a redraft scenario, we have to weigh that availability. If we're looking for immediate impact and sustained health, who else was available? Think about Rashawn Slater, the offensive tackle from Northwestern. Slater went to the Chargers at pick 13 and has been an absolute stud at left tackle, providing elite protection for Justin Herbert. The Dolphins desperately needed help on the offensive line, and Slater would have been a massive upgrade. Another consideration could be Christian Darrisaw, who went to the Vikings at pick 23. Darrisaw has also emerged as a very solid starting left tackle. The argument for Phillips is his high upside as a pass rusher, a position the Dolphins always need to bolster. His ability to generate pressure is undeniable. But the reality of offensive line play is that it's foundational. Protecting Tua and establishing a run game are paramount for offensive success. If we're prioritizing immediate and consistent impact and minimizing risk from injuries, Rashawn Slater becomes a very attractive option here. He addresses a critical need and has proven his durability and elite play since day one. While Phillips has shown flashes of brilliance, the long-term health concerns and the immense value of an elite offensive tackle make Slater a compelling choice in a redraft. Imagine the stability Slater would have brought to the Dolphins' offensive line for years to come. He's the kind of foundational piece that can transform an entire unit. His technique, strength, and football IQ are all top-notch, making him a reliable anchor. The Dolphins struggled with pass protection and run blocking consistency during this period, and Slater would have been the solution. The Dolphins did take Liam Eichenberg in the second round (pick 42), who has shown some promise, but Slater is on another level. Therefore, in this redraft, Rashawn Slater is the pick that offers the safest and highest immediate value to the Dolphins' overall roster construction, even if Phillips's ceiling is tantalizing.

Round 3, Pick 81: Hunter Long or an Overlooked Gem?

Moving into the third round, the Dolphins selected Hunter Long, a tight end from Boston College. Tight end is a position that can really unlock an offense, providing a dual threat as a receiver and a blocker. Long showed some promise in college, but his NFL production hasn't quite matched the expectations or the potential of other players available at this stage. In a redraft, we might look to address other areas of need or find a player with a higher ceiling or more immediate impact. One player that comes to mind is Rhamondre Stevenson, the running back from Oklahoma. Stevenson, who went to the Patriots at pick 120, has turned out to be a workhorse and a very productive back. The Dolphins have historically struggled with a consistent, powerful running game, and Stevenson would have brought that immediately. He's a strong runner, a capable receiver out of the backfield, and has the toughness to grind out tough yards. Another name to consider is Brevin Jordan, who the Dolphins actually selected later in the fifth round (pick 156) and who has shown some flashes of talent as a receiver. However, looking at the third round, Stevenson's combination of power, versatility, and durability would have been a massive upgrade for the Dolphins' offense. He offers a physical presence that could have changed the complexion of their run game and provided another reliable target for Tua. The argument for Stevenson is strong because he addresses a fundamental need that plagued the Dolphins for years: a consistent ground attack. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact is exactly what an offense needs to sustain drives and control the clock. Furthermore, his receiving skills add another dimension, making him a true three-down back. While Hunter Long had his moments and potential, Stevenson’s proven ability to contribute significantly from day one makes him a far more valuable pick in this redraft scenario. The Dolphins, despite their offensive firepower at times, often lacked that consistent running game that grinds down opponents. Stevenson would have provided that missing piece, complementing the speed of Waddle and the playmaking of others. His impact would have been felt immediately, both in the run game and as a safety blanket for the quarterback. Therefore, Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear choice for the Dolphins at pick 81 in this redraft, providing a foundational piece for their offense that was sorely needed.

Later Rounds: Addressing Depth and Finding Value

As we move through the later rounds, the focus shifts to building depth, finding developmental players, and addressing specific positional needs. The Dolphins made several picks in rounds 4 through 7, and in a redraft, we'd look to maximize value and potentially find hidden gems that could contribute more significantly or fill critical roster spots.

Round 4, Pick 123: The Dolphins picked Geno Stone, a safety. While depth at safety is always important, we might look for a player with a higher upside or a position of greater need. Pooka Williams Jr., a running back from Kansas, could have been an interesting option here. He's a shifty, explosive playmaker who could have added a different dimension to the backfield depth. However, given our earlier pick of Stevenson, perhaps focusing on the defensive side would be wise. Chazz Surratt, a linebacker from North Carolina, was available and has shown flashes of potential as an inside linebacker, a position the Dolphins could always use reinforcements for. His versatility and athleticism could have been valuable.

Round 5, Pick 156: The Dolphins selected Brevin Jordan, a tight end. As mentioned earlier, Jordan showed some promising flashes. In a redraft, however, with Stevenson secured, we might look to bolster the offensive line further or add depth at a position like cornerback. Elijah Moore, a wide receiver from Ole Miss, was still available and went to the Jets at pick 34 in the second round, so he's long gone. But looking at later rounds, perhaps Michael Carter, another running back who went to the Jets at pick 107, would have been a good complementary piece to Stevenson if we hadn't already addressed RB. Realistically, finding a solid offensive lineman here would be ideal. Someone like Robert Hainsey, who the Dolphins actually drafted at pick 90 in the third round, could be considered, but we might look for a more proven player or one with a higher ceiling. D'Ante Smith, an offensive tackle from East Carolina, went undrafted but was a player with potential that could have been stashed.

Round 6, Pick 178: The Dolphins picked Jerome Carvin, an offensive lineman. The Dolphins consistently needed offensive line help, so continuing to invest here makes sense. However, let's reconsider. Perhaps adding a developmental pass rusher here, or a specialist on special teams. Garrett Wallow, a linebacker from TCU, went to the Texans at pick 170 and could have been a solid rotational player.

Round 7, Pick 231: The Dolphins selected John Michael Schmitz, a center from Minnesota. Schmitz is a solid player who has developed into a good starter for the Giants. This is a good pick in hindsight. If we were to adjust, perhaps looking for a project cornerback or a special teams ace. Darrick Forrest, a safety from Cincinnati, went to the Raiders at pick 157 and could have provided depth.

In this redraft, the focus would be on solidifying the offensive line throughout, adding a dominant running back early, and perhaps finding a developmental linebacker. The Dolphins' actual draft had some hits and misses, but by prioritizing key positions like tackle and running back with earlier picks, and then continuing to build depth smartly, they could have created an even stronger foundation. The core idea is to address the fundamental needs with high-impact players and then fill out the roster with value picks that provide depth and special teams contributions. The 2021 draft class offered plenty of opportunities, and by being strategic, the Dolphins could have emerged with a more complete and immediately impactful roster. The later rounds are crucial for finding those hidden gems and building a deep team, and a redraft allows us to identify players who exceeded expectations or filled needs more effectively than the original selections.

The Redrafted Dolphins: A Stronger Foundation?

So, let's lay out our hypothetical redrafted Dolphins for 2021:

• Round 1, Pick 6: Jaylen Waddle, WR (Sticking with the original pick – he's been too good!)
• Round 2, Pick 36: Rashawn Slater, OT (Addressing a critical offensive line need with an elite talent.)
• Round 3, Pick 81: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB (Securing a powerful and versatile running back for the ground game.)

This core trio addresses major needs: a dynamic playmaker, essential offensive line protection, and a workhorse running back. With these foundational pieces in place, the Dolphins' offense would have a significantly stronger identity and capability from the outset.

In the later rounds, our focus would be on finding value and depth, potentially targeting players like Chazz Surratt (LB) for defensive depth, and continuing to look for offensive line prospects or special teams contributors. The actual Dolphins draft had its merits, but by making these key adjustments, particularly in the early rounds, the team could have built a more robust and balanced roster. The addition of Slater and Stevenson, alongside the continued development of Waddle and Tua, would have provided a much more stable and potent offensive unit. This hypothetical redraft highlights the importance of addressing foundational needs with high-impact players while still valuing explosive playmakers. The 2021 draft was a crucial one for the Dolphins, and while they made some solid selections, a redraft guided by hindsight could have accelerated their path to contention by solidifying key areas of the roster from day one. The synergy between an elite offensive line, a dominant run game, and explosive playmakers like Waddle has the potential to elevate the entire team. It's a testament to the depth of the 2021 class and the potential for teams to significantly improve their outlook with strategic draft decisions. Ultimately, while the real-world outcomes are what matter, this exercise in redrafting is a fun way to appreciate the talent in that draft class and envision how different choices could have shaped the Miami Dolphins' recent history. The goal is always to build a championship-caliber team, and these strategic adjustments in the draft are key components of that process. The impact of a strong offensive line cannot be overstated, and securing a player like Slater early on would have been transformative. Similarly, a consistent running game frees up the passing game and controls the clock, something Stevenson excels at. Waddle, of course, provides the fireworks. Together, these three would form a formidable core for years to come, offering a blend of power, speed, and protection that could make the Dolphins a true force in the AFC.