Miami Dolphins set up for massive haul in 2020 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins were projected by some to lose every game last season.

Incredibly, with a terrific draft, they could be a dark-horse contender to reach the postseason in 2020.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores impressed many in 2019, winning five games with a Miami team that traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick in the fall. The result of those deals, though, is three first-round picks over the next two years, giving Miami a way to quickly rebuild.

Want $250 to bet on NFL futures?

After signing corner Byron Jones, linebacker Kyle Van Noy and edge rushers Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah, general manager Chris Grier is off to a hot start this offseason.

Going into the 2020 NFL Draft, Grier has a league-best 14 picks to work with, including three first-round choices and seven selections in the top 100. Afterwards, the Dolphins have a trio of picks in the fifth and seventh rounds as well.

For Miami, hitting on its early choices is even more essential than it is for most. The Dolphins have been looking for a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired in 1999, and there’s a good chance the team goes after one with the No. 5 overall pick come April 23. The choices are Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama, Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Jordan Love — albeit as a long shot — out of Utah State.

Read: Cardinals Have Done Impressive Job This Offseason

Regardless of who Grier chooses (assuming he does take one), the Dolphins will still have two first-rounders to put around the quarterback. After trading Tunsil, Miami has a gaping hole at left tackle. If the Dolphins get lucky, perhaps one of Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, Tristan Wirfs or Jedrick Wills slides to the back half of the first round. If not, Grier could take Ezra Cleveland or Josh Jones and help fortify the front wall without giving up draft capital to move up.

Regardless of how Miami decides to attack the draft positionally, Grier needs to find consistent talent and value throughout the three days. If he does so, the Dolphins have the chance to make massive steps forward in the AFC East, especially with the departure of Tom Brady from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Miami won’t be winning the Super Bowl in February. The climb back is still long. Yet the Dolphins have put themselves in fine position by hiring Flores, retaining Grier and hoarding draft picks.

Now it’s time to execute.