2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after national championship
RB. 59. Pick Analysis. Clemson. Travis Etienne. 18. player. Scouting Report
The Dolphins are starting to build around Tua Tagovailoa and you do that by getting him some weapons and protection up front.
Earlier in the draft, I have the Dolphins selecting the Heisman Trophy winner in DeVonta Smith with the No. 3 overall pick. It would make sense because he already has a rapport with Tua and that would set the quarterback up for success for years to come.
A budding star at quarterback and potential superstar receiver are a good start, but adding the running back of the future would be massive. Travis Etienne is capable of being the workhorse back for the Dolphins and — guess what? — they need a running back after a forgettable 2020 season with Myles Gaskin leading the run game.
Etienne had a disappointing senior season, posting a career-low 5.4 yards per carry average with 914 yards and 14 touchdowns but he did have the best receiving season of his Clemson career with 48 catches for 588 yards and two scores.
Miami would benefit greatly — and immediately — from drafting Etienne to lead the run game for years to come. And think of all the pressure it’d take off Tua’s shoulders.