Clemson Football: Predicting where top prospects land in 2021 NFL Draft

While he might be considered the best running back in this year’s class, Travis Etienne could see a slight fall on draft day due to the position that he plays. The league has devalued the running back position and it can be hard for a back to sneak into the first round.

That does not mean that Etienne is not a high upside player.

When looking at teams that could take a running back early, it can be hard to find an obvious fit. I think that the Dolphins could take a back at No. 18 overall and continue to surround Tua Tagovailoa with weapons, but they could opt to wait until they pick at the top of the second round.

If the Dolphins get Etienne at pick 36, it will be one of the steals of the draft. He is one of the fastest and most explosive backs in the entire draft class and he is also a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield. Putting him alongside Tua and giving him another weapon out of the backfield could take this offense to the next level.

Projection: No. 36 overall to the Dolphins