Phins GM Chris Grier has brought in pieces that allow flexibility on draft day
The Miami Dolphins added another depth player this week with offensive lineman DJ Fluker. The former 1st Round pick from Alabama is 30 years old and the second oldest player on our young roster. Fluker played in Baltimore last year starting 8 games and is a big boy at 6’5” 342 pounds. At the very least, Fluker provides depth and competition at both guard and tackle… but, he might also allow the Phins enough flexibility to draft the best player available instead of reaching.
Getting the Best Player Available is key!
This continued strategy of adding affordable depth players is about controlling their cap, building a deep team… and giving Chris Grier the flexibility to take the best player available approach come this draft.
I can’t complain about any of that.
The best sportsbook betting providers have Tight End, Kyle Pitts, as their top pick for Miami, which fits the philosophy of best player available ‘to a T’. It’s pretty clear at least three QBs will be selected before Miami makes their selection, so if Pitts makes it to the Phins at #6, he will be one of the best (if not 2nd to Lawrence) prospects in the draft.
This would be a big win for Miami IF he falls to them.
Tight End isn’t a need…. now
While the tight end position isn’t a need for us, our best Tight End is Mike Gesicki and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2022. If he has another good season in 2021, his value could skyrocket and price Miami out. A ‘cheap’ rookie contract tied to a talented replacement may be a big deal to the front office. as for the present, having both Pitts and Gesicki on the field this season would be a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. This could be a huge help for Tua to get back on track and prove why Miami drafted him 5th Overall. Things to Know Before You Become a Bookie.
Remember, the 2021 Season is ALL about Tua.
With 6 selections in the first 102 picks in the draft, Miami should get at least 3 quality starters. Sticking to the best player available strategy brings the highest probability of achieving this. Reaching for players and over-drafting because of need at certain positions tends to do the opposite.
We know Miami could use some more talent at wide receiver, offensive line, running back, defensive end, safety, and linebacker, which gives us plenty of needs to fill. So, best player available would also have a high chance of filling a need as well.
The only quandary with BPA is if a quarterback is the best player available at #6. But, beyond the trade-back potential, it wouldn’t be a bad selection because having more good quarterbacks is never, ever a bad thing. Also, we still aren’t 100% sure Tua will become elite!
Yes, 2021 is ALL about Tua, but 2022 will come if Tua is ‘the man’ or not… and Miami must be prepared.
Phins best picks fell into their laps
Good players often fall in the draft, especially one loaded with quarterbacks. Just look at Laremy Tunsil. Miami could very well use that 18th selection in the draft to select a top cornerback if one slides back a few spots. We all know you can never have enough good cornerbacks on the roster in a predominately heavy passing league. With a talented youngster waiting in the wings, Howard might be reluctant to push for more money. It would also allow trade options for Howard or for Miami to have a dominating secondary if Howard doesn’t push for an even bigger contract than the one he received a year ago.
We have to remember, this team is being but only a slow flame.
I’m not saying Miami SHOULD use their two first-round picks on CB and QB because I believe in Tua… And at #6, the best player available would be a number of players at positions. But, drafting very good football players at marquee positions is never a bad strategy. Look how Grier turned Tunsil into a treasure trove of picks!
How do Phins News fans feel Miami will and should approach the draft in terms? BPA or by biggest need?