Dolphins: 3 options with 3rd overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft
1. Penei Sewell – OT, Oregon
It’s not an exaggeration to say the 2019 Miami Dolphins offensive line was one of the worst in franchise history. They were an all-time bad unit, and wholesale changes were needed along the line. That’s exactly what the Dolphins front office did with the 2019 NFL Draft. It started in the first round with USC OT Austin Jackson, and it culminated in three rookies who saw starting time in 2019 — Jackson, Robert Hunt, and Solomon Kindley.
To those guy’s credit, the wholesale changes worked. Miami’s offensive line improved from a basement dweller in 2019 to a middle-of-the-road unit in 2020. All while starting, at times, three rookies along the line. With another year of development, it’s not a stretch to think this group could be legitimately good. Why, then, would the Dolphins waste valuable resources in the 2021 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle?
Because Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell is just that good. The first of the Miami Dolphins draft options at 3 would go a long way towards solidifying an already decent group. It would mean shuffling the offensive line a bit, but it could mean that more players are playing at positions that suit their current development levels.
Putting Sewell at left tackle would likely mean that Jackson would shift over to the right side. A switch that could pay dividends for an offensive lineman who still needs to improve his functional strength. Moving Jackson to right tackle would also mean a move for current right tackle Solomon Kindley. This would likely push Kindley to the inside, opposite fellow 2019 rookie Robert Hunt, at guard.
The term “generational prospect” is thrown around way too often today in scouting circles. However, if there were a prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft to whom that label would apply, Sewell is probably the best candidate. He’s likely the best offensive line prospect to come out of college in several years, and the Dolphins would be foolish to not at least consider him at 3. He may not be the selection, but he should be under heavy consideration.