Dolphins: NFL Draft primer as team builds around Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins team needs heading into the 2021 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins may have signed a number of free agents, but none of the signings significantly altered the team’s needs heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. All of the problem areas on the roster are still problems. The moves made did well to improve the depth of the roster, but it’s going to be the draft that addresses the top-end.

The most glaring need the Dolphins must address in the 2021 NFL Draft is the need for the offense to get more explosive. Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t have a great first season in the NFL, but the roster didn’t do him any favors. The Dolphins receivers were among the worst in the league at creating separation. Miami needs someone who is a threat down the field. A player who can take the top off the defense and make the spectacular, chunk play that turns a game around.

Conversely, Miami is also in desperate need of someone who can prevent opposing offenses from making those plays. Miami has a great group of DBs — led by 2020 interceptions leader Xavien Howard — but they need someone who can take the pressure off them. The Dolphins’ defense is in desperate need of someone who can come off the edge and affect the play at the source, the quarterback.

Finally, the Dolphins are still in need of some help along the offensive line. They did a ton of work in last year’s draft to improve what was a historically bad offensive line. To a large degree, that work paid off. The Dolphins offensive line of 2020 was markedly improved. However, even with a significant jump in performance, they were still a little better than an average unit. Where the team needs significant improvement is inside, particularly at the center position. Miami will likely be looking to select at least two interior offensive linemen — including a center — before the draft is complete.