2021 NFL Draft: Grading each pick of the Miami Dolphins

Round 2, Pick 42: Liam Eichenberg, OT Notre Dame

The Dolphins traded 2020 starting LG, Ereck Flowers, before the 2021 NFL Draft, thus creating an opening upfront. The team did well to address this need with a cheaper option with their second pick on Friday night. Miami traded up from 50 to 42 to secure a potential starter at RT for the 2021 season.

Eichenberg has tremendous size and strength to anchor outside on this Dolphins’ offensive line. The former Notre Dame star started at LT for the past three seasons but could flip over to the right side, while Robert Hunt moves inside to guard. Eichenberg was a fringe first-rounder that will be starting with the Dolphins for a long time. For that reason alone, this was another excellent pick for Miami.

Pick Grade: A

Round 3, Pick 81: Hunter Long, TE Boston College

While this pick of Hunter Long may have been surprising on the surface, it makes a ton of sense for the Dolphins’ team long-term. Current Miami TE Mike Gesicki is a free agent following the 2021 season, so the selection of Long provides the team some great insurance for 2022 and beyond.

As a prospect, Long is another significant weapon added to a young stable for QB, Tua Tagovailoa. He led all FBS tight ends with 57 receptions this past season. Long gets in and out of his breaks quickly and provides a dependable receiver for the QB. He’s improving as a blocker, but has terrific hands and will rotate with Gesicki to provide an upgrade on Durham Smythe and Adam Sheehan.

Pick Grade: B+