Miami Dolphins reportedly eyeing new goal in 2021 NFL Draft, transferring off Najee Harris
September 20, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view of the Miami Dolphins logo painted on the field at Hard Rock Stadium prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins have tons of options in the 2021 NFL Draft, with two picks in the first round and even more capital beyond. On April 29th, Miami’s plans for the first round selection are taking shape.
Things started rapidly when Miami traded # 3 overall for the San Francisco 49ers. Minutes later, the Dolphins sent the number 12 to the Philadelphia Eagles via San Francisco for the sixth pick.
With only a few days left before the NFL Draft Clock kicks off, Miami is taking calls for its first round first choice. In the meantime, the team’s position priority could change with their later selection in Round 1.
Related: 3 Trading Options for the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft
According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, Najee Harris’ Dolphins are moving away in 18th place overall and are focused on creating an edge breaker.
Harris would be a fantastic addition to Miami’s backfield. He would reunite with Tua Tagovailoa, a close friend, and help make this a more balanced offense. With teams becoming increasingly concerned about investing a selection from the first round in a running back, it comes as no great surprise that the front office could head in a different direction.
Miami would surely love it if the Michigan Edge rusher Kwity Paye, the 18th player on our draft board, was available. But he could be on the New York Giants’ radar and targeted by a few other clubs. When he’s gone, Azeez Ojulari and Jaelan Phillips stand out as intriguing options at number 18.
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Assuming Miami is waiting to run back by day two, some candidates stand out.
Day 2 runs back goals for dolphins
Harris likely won’t make it through Round 1 thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hence, the Dolphins will have to look elsewhere for a featured running back.
If Travis Etienne is in 36th place overall, chances are he’ll be available. He is the best threat for the 2021 NFL Draft class home run and his passport catcher skills are flying under the radar. While it profiles itself as an exciting back on the next level, it may not be Miami’s preferred target.
North Carolina star Javonte Williams is the turnaround to think about. While it’s a year-long wonder risk, it also means fewer tread concerns on the tires. At 5-foot-10, Williams offers incredible evasiveness, runs with a physicality hard to find, and is incredible at maintaining balance after contact.
NFL draft analyst Matt Fitzgerald compares him to an improved version of Josh Jacobs, the star of the Las Vegas Raiders. Such a return would be a huge boost to Miami’s crimes.
Read more: Running backs Miami Dolphins should be targeted in the 2021 NFL Draft
If Miami wants to wait a little longer, there will be a committee to fall back on. Williams’ teammate Michael Carter plays a lot taller than him (5-foot-8) and there is a lot of explosiveness in his game. It is equally important that he be one of the better recipients in this class.
