With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Grading each pick of the Miami Dolphins

By Scott Gorman

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Jaylen Waddle is displayed on the video board after being selected as the sixth pick by the Miami Dolphins during the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Jaylen Waddle is displayed on the video board after being selected as the sixth pick by the Miami Dolphins during the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 18: Jaelen Phillips, EDGE Miami (Fla.)

Another big area of concern for Miami this offseason was the pass rush and ability to generate turnovers. The team addressed those needs in a big way with the selection of Jaelen Phillips. If not for a string of concussions to begin his career, Phillips would have likely been a top-10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Therefore, the Dolphins came away with a steal and likely starter outside for the 2021 season.

As a one-year starter for the Hurricanes, Phillips made a significant impact on the edge in the ACC. He racked up eight sacks with 15.5 tackles for a loss and looked nearly unblockable in 2020. Following the opt-out decision of fellow Miami EDGE rusher Gregory Rousseau, Phillips filled that void and then some. Combined with Andrew Van Ginkel and Emmanuel Ogbah, Phillips should provide a significant boost to the Dolphins’ pass rush in 2021.

Pick Grade: A+

Round 2, Pick 36: Jevon Holland, S Oregon

This past week, I wrote about Jevon Holland being a “Minkah Fitzpatrick clone” as a safety prospect, and it is only fitting that Miami snatched him up. The Dolphins have been looking to replace Fitzpatrick since they traded with Pittsburgh during the 2019 season. Holland is a tremendous slot corner that can play the deep middle at safety. Holland also brings excellent ball skills to the Miami secondary. He intercepted nine passes between the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Along with a few other Oregon players, Holland opted out of the 2020 season and chose to focus on the 2021 NFL Draft instead. And it appears that decision had little effect on his stock, as the ball-hawking defender was selected with the 36th overall pick. He became an excellent value selection for the Dolphins and should contribute heavy snaps as a rookie this upcoming season.

Pick Grade: A+

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