The Dolphins’ 2020 draft class generated ‘meh’ reaction from NFL personnel evaluators
The Miami Dolphins apparently still don’t put fear in anyone’s heart.
Despite three first-round picks and 11 total selections, ESPN reported Thursday that the Dolphins’ draft class “elicited a few ‘meh’ responses from NFL personnel evaluators.”
“Felt that with a team with so many resources to control the draft, they made some good value picks but also reached on some guys unnecessarily,” one veteran NFC scout told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
After drafting Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at No. 5, the Dolphins grabbed USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson and Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the first round. Miami then took Louisiana offensive guard Robert Hunt and Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis in the second.
In total, the Dolphins drafted five offensive players, another five on defense and a long snapper.
While one NFC executive graded the Dolphins’ class a C+, the Tagovailoa pick was viewed as a potential game-changer.
“If Tua pans out, then that will solve a lot of their issues,” the executive told Fowler. “When he’s healthy, he plays the game at a fast pace that’s made for the modern NFL.”
Many draft experts were more optimistic about the Dolphins’ haul. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter gave the Fins an A- grade while ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gave them a B.
“This is a good class that is going to be remembered for how Tagovailoa ends up, but it could swing to a C or A based on the players picked after the left-handed signal-caller,” Kiper wrote.
The Dolphins certainly aren’t contenders heading into 2020 but this year’s class could prove huge in the future. Their four picks in the first two rounds of the 2021 draft also allows them to continue a rebuild that the front office began prior to last season.
Miami’s timing couldn’t be better. Tom Brady’s exit means the AFC East is up for grabs for the first time in two decades. The Dolphins’ draft moves will ultimately decide whether the team can actually vie for the crown.
