Picking the Miami Dolphins’ greatest draft class of the last 20 years wasn’t that difficult, in theory. However, my choice of the 2021 draft being so recent made me hesitant. I was a little worried that it might be judged for being too “fresh.” In the end, I decided that there really was no way around it. The 2021 draft rocketed the Dolphins into the playoffs in 2023, enabling them to have the most successful season since 2016. (And before that, really.)
The 2021 draft allowed the Miami Dolphins to secure a few spots that they knew had to be filled. Specifically, Jaylen Waddle joined Tua Tugavailoa and magic was made.
WR Jaylen Waddle (1st Round)
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (17) and QB Tua Tagovailoa (1) – Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Waddle was one of the best wide receivers in the 2021 draft. He’s fast, coordinated, and versatile. There is a lot to work with and the Dolphins really struck gold with Waddle.
Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa were rightfully forecasted as a dynamic duo. The Dolphins needed help in the playmaking area, and this seemed to be the perfect fix. In 2021, Waddle broke the league’s record for most catches by a rookie with the help of Tua.
OLB Jaelen Phillips (1st Round)
Dolphins OLB Jaelen Phillips (15) – Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Phillips brought some serious sack ability to the Dolphins with the 2021 draft. He’s also fast and that was something the Dolphins really needed for the edge.
Last season, Phillips finished with 61 tackles, 48 quarterback hurries, 19 quarterback hits, seven sacks, and a forced fumble. If his stats continue to grow as expected, this will solidify my claim even more.
S Jevon Holland (2nd Round)
Dolphins S Jevon Holland (8) – Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports
Holland was a versatile pick. He was quickly named one of the best safeties in the league, as well as a key playmaker for the Dolphins. In his career with Miami, Holland has secured 161 tackles (123 solo), four sacks, four interceptions, 17 passes defended, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries.
He is an overall solid part of the Miami Dolphins roster.
OT Liam Eichenberg (2nd Round)
Dolphins OT Liam Eichenberg (74) – Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Eichenberg was supposed to be the fill to the offensive lineman gap that the Dolphins desperately needed. He was willing to play various positions and allowed pressure on only 1.1% of pass blocks at Notre Dame. He has moved around, playing left tackle, right tackle, and left guard.
Eichenberg sustained a knee injury in the game against the Detroit Lions on October 30, 2022. He then sustained a hand injury in the game against the New York Jets on January 8, 2023. I know that Eichenberg was a reason to be excited about the 2021 draft. However, a full year is needed to determine if he is the reason that 2021 is Miami’s greatest draft class. He does currently show as active on the Dolphins roster.
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