IF Receiver Is the Aim, Let It Be A tall One!
Dolphins say they’ll go best player available, that just might be receiver
The Miami Dolphins appear to be a in a very good spot to nab some excellent talent with the 21st Overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the offensive line and the defensive interior are weakest part of the team, if the Dolphins stand pat on their philosophy of best player available, then wide receiver might be that player. Again, I want a big body to help the interior of the defensive line or an offensive linemen to help with blocking. But, Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel are making the calls, so if we draft a receiver, let it be a big and tall receiver!
Please add size to Waddle & Hill’s speed
We have speed upon speed with Devon Achane, Raheem Mostert, Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill. More speed is a good thing, but if we can add some height and size to go along with speed, then we should! Talk of Xavier Worthy and his record 4.21 forty at the combine matching with Hill and Waddle is the rage. I can easily see why, but Worthy is 5’11 165lbs! We have that prototype in duplicate already, even if it’s a tad slower. How about adding a guy over 6 feet tall for Tua to throw to? We struggled in the Red Zone and a vertical threat who can out lead and out muscle defenders to go along with the horizontal threats of Hill and Waddle’s speed would really help us adding touchdowns instead of field goals. Yes, Jonnu Smith will certainly help us with scoring in the Red Zone by out muscling defenders. Still, adding someone like 6’3” 209lbs Brian Thomas Jr sure does sound nice when you add in that he’s fast too with his amazing 4.33 forty time.
Also, while Hill and Waddle are game changing players, they drop the ball a little too much. Thomas had one drop last season while being the 7th highest depth per reception receiver at 16 yards per catch. You can bet with the best pay per head that drops cost us some games in 2023. So maybe a few less drops leads to a few more wins.
Brain Thomas Jr is very fast AND big!
Thomas has the 7th highest production score, 3rd highest athleticism score, with the 5th ranked overall score of all receiver who participated in the 2024 NFL Combine. Given that at least three pass catchers will likely go before the Dolphins pick at 21 with Harrison Jr, Nabers, and Odunze as consensus Top 20 picks, Phins will have choice between Worthy, Thomas Jr. and Mitchell who are considered the next echelon of receivers.
Of course, maybe Worthy, Thomas, or Mitchell go before the 21st pick and best player available is another position?
The NFL Draft is so unpredictable that you can never say what will be what. Maybe a receiver run let’s some offensive linemen slip to the 21st spot or in reach for a trade up? For me, Thomas Jr. is the only receiver I’d feel good about with the first pick. Worthy and his 4.21 forty though could make for a very interesting lead up to the 2024 Season. Still, I hope one of the top offensive tackles slips to us, so the Dolphins BPA aim and my hope for a good blocker get fulfilled! Go Phins!!!
