2021 NFL Team Draft Page

I have mixed emotions. I like Jaylen Waddle; he's an excellent player. Waddle reuniting with Tua is great and he's exactly the type of WR we need to add quickness and dynamism to the offense. On the flip side, I feel we could have traded back and still got the former Alabama star. There is also the lingering concern about the ankle injury that derailed Waddle's 2020 season.

Passing on Penei Sewell is notable as that would have been inconceivable only weeks ago. Chris Grier was determined to get an offensive playmaker, but Waddle was undoubtedly third choice after Pitts and Chase had left the board. However, I'm excited to see Waddle in Aqua and Orange; welcome to South Florida Jaylen!

Grade: B-

- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst.

The board fell so that the Dolphins had their pick of the Edge Rushers. Ultimately, Chris Grier decided to go with the local prospect. EDGE was the biggest need on a defense that promises to be excellent again in 2021. Jaelan Phillips fills the spot left by Shaq Lawson after he was traded to the Texans.

Phillips broke out in The Hurricanes' 2020 campaign and improved greatly as the year progressed. He's raw but deserves to have superlatives like 'upside' and 'high ceiling' used on him. The discussion in the Dolphins' War Room about Phillips would have focused on his health. Miami's doctors must have been convinced that the concussion issues weren't such a big red flag. The Fins will hope the rookie Pass Rusher can have an immediate impact.

Grade: B

- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst.

Miami goes defense again with their first pick in RD2. The Broncos leapfrogged the Fins to get to #35 and may have taken the RB that Miami coveted. No problem. Safety was a need and Jevon Holland gives the extra flexibility of being able to cover Nickel duties.

The former Oregon DB opted out in 2020, but has showed excellent athleticism and playmaking ability in his earlier career. Okay, I would have liked an O-Lineman here, but I'm excited about Holland's potential. Chris Grier is putting together a strong draft class so far.

Grade: B+

- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst.

I was just saying that I would have liked an O-Lineman with the 36th pick and, as if by magic, one arrives. Another solid pick by Chris Grier who used some of the Fin's impressive draft capital to make the move up.

Robert Hunt finished 2020 as the Dolphins' Right Tackle, but he should move inside to Guard in 2021. Liam Eichenberg will fill that spot on the outside in his rookie year. Eichenberg was part of an impressive Notre Dame O-Line that excelled in 2020. Eichenberg is a good athlete with great footwork. More notably, he's reliable, durable, and a high-character leader.

Grade: B

- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst.

Tight End was not the biggest need for the Dolphins, but I do see the logic in selecting Boston College's Hunter Long. Mike Gesicki is the undoubted starter at the position with Durham Smythe, and Adam Shaheen, providing the greater blocking prowess in limited roles. Long provides a decent combination of receiving talent, and blocking ability, which could allow Miami to work with more Single-TE sets.

Long wasn't overly productive before 2020, but hauled in 57 catches last year. I like the prospect, but the grade slips because the selection doesn't fill a need. There are also some great talents left on the board. Unless a trade is made, there's a big gap now before the Fins pick again.

- David Payne, Dolphins Analyst

Grade: C