By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2020 NFL Draft with 14 picks, but I do not think they will make many selections between April 23rd and 25th.

The Dolphins have set themselves up nicely to address their needs.

Miami addressed some of their needs by signing free agent Kyle Van Noy (linebacker), Clayton Fejedelem (safety), Ereck Flowers (guard), Kamu Grugier-Hill (linebacker), Emmanuel Ogbah (defensive end), Shaq Lawson (defensive end), Elandon Roberts (linebacker), Jordan Howard (running back) and Bryon Jones (cornerback).

The Dolphins signed 10 unrestricted free agents that bring depth on offense, defense and special teams. Seven of the ten free agents were from teams that finished 2019 with a winning record and made the playoffs.

Let’s take a look at four areas the Dolphins must address in the 2020 NFL Draft.

QUARTERBACK: The truth is the Dolphins haven’t had a top 15 NFL quarterback since Dan Marino, 20 years ago. They have tried several ways to find the next great quarterback, but there is still a hole that needs to be filled before this team can be competitive.

No one truly knows who Chris Grier (Miami General Manager) covets, but we can assume LSU’s Joe Burrow is off limits. That leaves Tua Tagovailo, Justin Herbert and Jordan Love as realistic choices.

I believe the Dolphins will draft a quarterback in the first round of this draft. Forget the speculation about “Losing For Lawrence.” Not happening.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Much like the quarterback, the Dolphins offensive line has been awful. The Dolphins signed two free agents, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

I expect the Dolphins to draft a tackle on day one of the NFL Draft. Unless Chris Grier has to give up all three first round picks to get his quarterback. It would not shock me if they doubled down on the position in day two.

RUNNING BACK: Miami’s rushing attack ranked 32nd in the NFL in 2019. Yes, the offensive line had a lot to do with those dismal stats. The 2020 draft class is loaded at running back.

I expect the Dolphins to draft a running back in the first four rounds. Jonathan Taylor, D’Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins, and Cam Akers headline this loaded class. Which running back will end up in Miami? Anyone’s guess.

WIDE RECEIVER: I believe the Dolphins could stand pat at receiver. In a year, the draft will have an abundance of wide receiver talent, it would be foolish not to tap in.

Miami has plenty of needs throughout their roster. I expect them to hit the draft hard for offensive talent.

They have 14 draft picks to fill many of his team’s needs, but where will they miss out? After addressing the quarterback and offensive tackle position, Miami can take any best player available.

This is my plan and now all the Dolphins have to do is execute it.