After the Miami Dolphins obtained their final two picks for the 2020 draft under contract this week, the stage was set for the start of training camp and a series of COVID-19 tests.
At some point, the Dolphins and every other team in the league will start practicing, which is when we might start to get a better idea of which rookies can have an immediate impact.
Until then, it’s a matter of guesswork.
Not that that has stopped us.
So, without further ado, let’s rank the 11 Dolphins draft picks in terms of the impact we should expect from each during their rookie season.
Keep in mind the “immediate impact” approach when you see Tua Tagovailoa at number 7, a notion that is sure to baffle and even annoy many Dolphins fans.
So here we go:
1. DT Raekwon Davis, second round
This is a matter of necessity and position. Look around the NFL and you will see that more defensive linemen have an immediate impact as professionals than players in almost any other position. Davis could also meet the need for the Dolphins, who could use a bigger nose tackle than they had on the list last year.
2. DE Jason Strowbridge, fifth round
The same logic applies when it comes to your position, and that’s because there aren’t that many complexities involved in playing defensive lineman, it’s more about winning individual battles. Strowbridge has the added bonus of versatility, and that should help you get plenty of playing time as a rookie.
3. Edge Curtis Weaver, fifth round
We will further this by saying that Weaver is probably the biggest rise or fall prospect in the Dolphins’ draft class, meaning that the difference between his floor and ceiling is the highest. This is because Weaver was a passing terror at Boise State, but was limited enough not to be selected until the fifth round. That said, you will be given every opportunity to demonstrate that you can rush the passer in the NFL.
4. T Robert Hunt, second round
Hunt did not face the best level of competition at Louisiana-Lafayette, but could have a greater advantage than first-round pick Austin Jackson. There is still a question about whether Hunt will line up on guard or tackle as a rookie, but it’s hard to imagine that he isn’t in the starting lineup.
5. T Austin Jackson, first round
Jackson is another draft pick with many advantages and doubts about how long it will take him to reach his full potential. Even though he was drafted earlier, the feeling here is that Jackson is not as difficult to start as a rookie like Hunt.
6. CB Noah Igbinoghene, first round
Considering the problems the Dolphins had in the nickel corner last year, it’s really hard to imagine Igbinoghene not winning the job as a rookie, despite being said to be a bit crude as a cornerback and not having much experience playing in the slot
7. QB Tua Tagovailoa, first round
Here it is. If this list were about the overall impact during his career with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa would likely top the list. But the truth is, no one knows exactly when he’ll start as a quarterback for the Dolphins, and there’s even no guarantee that it will happen in 2020.
8. S Brandon Jones, third round
Jones is a truly complete player, both in terms of skills and intangibles, which gives him a high probability of long-term success. But in the short term, the Dolphins seem to have too many players ahead of him in high school for him to have an early role beyond special teams.
9. LS Blake Ferguson, sixth round
This is purely about position. Ferguson is and will be the snapper after the Dolphins released Taybor Pepper the day after the draft, but there’s only so much that long snappers can do to make a big impact.
10. RB Malcolm Perry, seventh round
Yes, Perry is a very intriguing prospect. Remember, he is the Navy quarterback who is listed as a runner who will likely be a slot receiver and perhaps return the punt. But he has yet to prove that he could succeed in the NFL in all of those different things before the Dolphins give him a chance.
11. G Solomon Kindley, fourth round
As a fourth-round pick, Kindley is almost a lock to make the team, but the Dolphins really want to go with three rookies starting on the offensive line in 2020. If they don’t, Kindley would clearly have to wait in line behind Jackson. and Hunt. Additionally, the Dolphins already have plenty of other candidates for the right guard starting position (Ereck Flowers will be the left guard), including the aforementioned Hunt and Jesse Davis if the Dolphins decide to use Hunt at tackle.
