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2021 NFL Draft: Miami Address Secondary and O-Line in Second Round

By Michael Hanich

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks makes and interception during a game between University of Oregon and Stanford Football at Stanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks makes and interception during a game between University of Oregon and Stanford Football at Stanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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After two solid picks in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins continue to address more concerns in the second round.

The Dolphins made picks in the secondary by selecting Oregon safety Jevon Holland with the 36th overall pick. Six picks later, the Dolphins make a trade with the New York Giants to select Notre Dame offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg with the 42nd overall pick.

Last season, the Dolphins were ranked 23rd in the league in passing yards allowed per game (251.5) and 20th in total yards allowed per game (367.9). The veteran secondary has had some difficultly containing speedy and explosive playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, especially from the slot or backfield.

The Dolphins selected Holland to play free safety and a slot cornerback. Holland is shifty and tough but he is too small to play strong safety in the NFL. He can, however, contain smaller and more explosive playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, which is something that the Dolphins need.

On the offensive side of the ball last season, the Dolphins hit some walls in terms of capabilities to create an explosive offense. The Dolphins are looking to eliminate as many barriers as they can. The Dolphins allowed 34 sacks this past season, which is tied for 17th highest in the league.

The Dolphins thought they solved that problem of protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on the edge by trading for Isaiah Wilson.

Three days after being traded, Wilson was released for showing up late to physicals and missing two team workouts. The Dolphins get a second chance with a dominant and efficient blocker in the run and passing game in Eichenberg. He will be a player that can provide impact for the Dolphins’ offense immediately.

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