The Dolphins were one of a few teams that were linked to first-round running backs in 2021 and the Denver Broncos leapfrogged them at the top of Round 2 to draft Javonte Williams. Given that Miami waited until the seventh round to add Gerrid Doaks, the Dolphins could use the pick they own from their trade with the 49ers to add a bellcow back like Spiller. The 225-pound back has 1,982 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns to go along with 49 catches for 396 yards over two seasons in College Station.
Running back was a common position addressed in mock drafts for the Miami Dolphins during the 2021 NFL draft cycle. Instead, the Dolphins did not add to that position group until the seventh round, when they selected Gerrid Doaks from Cincinnati. That could mean the team goes to the running back well earlier next cycle.
Which could lead them to College Station and Isaiah Spiller. Spiller has been a feature of the Aggies offense the past two seasons, and last year he ran for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns on 188 carries, and added another 20 receptions for 193 yards.
Jones was a surprise transfer after a breakout season for Clemson saw him earn a 90.2 coverage grade. He played the overhang role there but will likely play a more traditional role for LSU this season.
Broeker was a starter at left tackle this past season for the Rebels, and his 6-foot-4, 305-pound size would be welcome on the outside in Miami to help protect Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins drafted Liam Eichenberg in Round 2, but he is versatile. With a high-end defense and finally some playmakers on offense, this is a good spot to continue building the offensive line.
Hutchinson was considered a borderline first-rounder last fall before a fractured leg ended his season and forced him to return to school. He is on pace to be fully healthy for the fall, and scouts will be interested if he shows the same pre-injury lower-body agility and upper-body power.
Smith was "stuck" behind Azeez Ojulari on the depth chart last year, but do not mistake that as him being a meaningfully worse player. Smith was the No.1 recruit in the 2019 signing class and possesses all the absurd speed, explosion, and quickness expected of a player like that. Smith mostly played behind Ojulari for seniority and run defense related reasons, I would assume, but the pass-rush potential is exciting and the Dolphins could still use another guy there.
