The Miami Dolphins must carefully contemplate five first-round prospects they can’t afford to overlook, as they hold the 21st pick in the draft.
There’s a standout prospect in this draft who could potentially be available at the 21st pick, and the Miami Dolphins would be wise to swiftly select him. That player is Troy Fautanu from Washington, a versatile guard/tackle prospect.
Throughout my extensive tenure observing the NFL Draft, spanning back to 1980, there have been only a handful of players who have compelled me to eagerly endorse their selection, such as Jason Taylor and Christian Wilkins. This year, Fautanu joins that esteemed list.
Traditionally, I’ve been staunchly opposed to using first-round picks on offensive linemen, maintaining a 100% stance against it for the past 17 years. However, Fautanu’s exceptional talent has caused me to reconsider, shifting my conviction to 99%. He possesses the potential to become a cornerstone of Miami’s offensive line for years to come.
Fautanu exhibits remarkable physical toughness at the line of scrimmage, with ideal body mass and dimensions standing at 6’3″ and 317 pounds, tailor-made for the rigors of the NFL. He addresses Miami’s immediate need at left guard and could seamlessly transition to left tackle in the future, particularly if Terron Armstead departs.
One of Fautanu’s standout qualities is his athleticism relative to his size. Despite his bulk, he displays impressive mobility and agility, complemented by a keen football IQ that enables him to navigate various pass-rushing techniques adeptly. His ability to withstand bull-rushes while maintaining a strong base and quick recovery skills underscore his overall prowess as a prospect.
In essence, Fautanu represents the safest bet for the Dolphins with the 21st pick, provided he remains available. However, given his caliber, it wouldn’t be surprising if another team eagerly trades up to secure him before Miami has the chance.
