Dolphins: 3 prospects to avoid with sixth pick in 2021 NFL Draft

1. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Miami Dolphins offensive line was abysmal in 2019. They heavily invested in the position in the 2020 NFL Draft, and that investment largely paid dividends. They went from a historically bad group to an average one in one year. It’s entirely possible the group could make the leap to a legitimately good one in 2021. That said, there should be no arguing the group as a whole can be improved upon.

It’s not a popular opinion, but I’m not against the Dolphins taking Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the 6th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft if he’s there. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but it would provide the team with an instant upgrade along the offensive line. That upgrade would go a long way towards keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright and helping him build his confidence as he goes into year two.

What I would be against is the Dolphins being intent on “improving” the position with their first first-round pick, no matter what. If Sewell is not there at six, Miami should resist the urge to take the “next best” tackle prospect in Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater. Slater is going to be a good offensive lineman and is worthy of a first-round pick, but the sixth spot is a bit high for an offensive tackle with size and arm length concerns.

Playmakers are a bigger need for this team than more offensive linemen. Miami should be looking that direction with the sixth pick and coming back for an offensive lineman at 18 if they’re intent on grabbing another first-rounder. The value at 18 would be much better than taking Slater this high.