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With just three weeks until the draft here are my best guesses about Round 1 and who else Miami may be pursuing on Day 2. The trade for Sam Darnold and the 49ers suddenly demanding a 1st Round pick for Jimmy Garoppolo gave me a much better idea of how the first four picks may play it. This is very good news for Miami. Here goes!
1. Trevor Lawrence QB Jaguars
2. Zach Wilson QB Jets
3. Trey Lance QB 49ers
4. Justin Fields QB Falcons
5. Ja'Marr Chase WR Bengals
6. Kyle Pitts TE Dolphins
7. Jaylen Waddle WR Lions
8. Penei Sewell OT Panthers
9. Patrick Surtain II CB Broncos
10. Rashawn Slater OT Cowboys
11. Jaycee Horn CB Giants
12. Devonta Smith WR Eagles
13. Christian Darisaw OT Chargers
14. Micah Parsons Edge/LB Vikings
15. Zaven Collins LB Patriots
16. Najee Harris RB Cardinals
17. Caleb Fairley CB Raiders
18. Creed Humphrey C Dolphins
19. Mac Jones QB Football Team
20. Samuel Cosmi OT Bears
21. Kwity Paye Edge Colts
22. Dillon Radunz OT Titans
23. Travis Etienne RB Jets
24. Alijah Vera-Tucker OT/G Steelers
25. Trevon Moehrig S Jaguars
26. Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah LB Browns
27. Joseph Ossai Edge Ravens
28. Rashod Bateman WR Saints
29. Jalen Mayfield OT Packers
30. Carlos Basham Edge Bills
31. Teven Jenkins OT Chiefs
32. Christian Barmore DT Bucs
Okay, so let's look at a few things. As I previously mentioned, the QB moves today make me think it will go 1-2-3-4 for the first time ever. Even if the 49ers deal Jimmy Garoppolo to the Patriots they will have choices for veteran stopgaps whether it is Gardner Minshew, Teddy Bridgewater or even Alex Smith. I also think the Bengals will opt for Ja'Marr Chase and with the thought of grabbing someone like Alex Leatherwood in Round 2.
Miami gets to grab an athletic freak who can change their offense. I still worry that they may love Devonta Smith too much, as Tony Pauline and Benjamin Allbright have consistently mentioned, but you can find his skill set later in the draft. Pitts has an incredibly rare size and speed combo that is too difficult to pass up. I bet Miami knew that one of him or Chase would be available at 6 and therefore Chris Grier made the move.
Now I bet some of you will be disappointed with Creed Humphrey at 18. You'll probably ask why not a pass rusher or a trade-up for Najee Harris. Tony Pauline has Humphrey as the 22nd ranked prospect in the country. Miami has also been missing a consistent presence in the middle since peak Mike Pouncey. To my knowledge, Humphrey has no injury issues and was a dominant presence for the Sooners. I read that Miami really liked him at the Senior Bowl. If Grier does not trade back he will take BPA and I believe Humphrey is that guy at 18.
As for Mac Jones, I do not see him as top 10 material. I think that is your major fluff story of the draft season. Washington getting him around 19 feels right, especially with word that he would be drafted much higher than expected being circulated back in December. I think a guy with a mid-round grade now going Round 1 makes sense for that scenario.
Miami has three selections on Day 2 and I believe they could have more by trading back. With Najee Harris being picked before 18 the attention could shift to Javonte Williams at pick 36. Adding both Humphrey and Williams would go a long way towards boosting the RPO that Flores wants to run. I did not realize that Williams is especially good at pass blocking which is something Tua Tagovailoa will need. If they stand pat at picks 50 and 81 I would imagine pass rusher and another wide receiver would be important. There were rumors of addressing cornerback but my hunch is that was smoke to keep teams guessing or pursue possible targets prior to Miami picking at 36. Rashad Weaver is an Edge I would strongly keep my eye on. Tylan Wallace is the WR I hope they target, but I would also be happy with Amon Ra St. Brown. I would love if they could trade back to grab an extra Day 2 pick. We'll see if Chris Grier is ready to wheel and deal.
Hope you enjoy it!