The Miami Dolphins are in full-on NBA-level tank mode.
Just before the season began, the Dolphins traded LT Laramie Tunsil to Houston for two first-round picks and one second-round pick. This trade also sent Kenny Stills to the Texans. Then, on Monday, following a 43-0 loss to the Patriots, they traded their 2018 first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Steelers. This netted them another 2020 first-round pick.
All in all this gives them six (possibly seven) draft picks in the first three rounds in 2020. Three first-rounders, two second-rounders, and one or two third-rounders. That possible second pick in the third round being contingent on the NFL granting a compensatory pick after RT Ja’Wuan James signed with the Broncos, according to NFL.com.
Then, in 2021, the Dolphins will have five more picks in the first three rounds. Two in the first, two in the second and one in the third. That is an incredible 11 (or 12) picks in the first three rounds in just two years.
But why stop there? Everyone knows Miami will continue to be absolutely terrible this season. So why not continue to trade away assets for which other teams will pay a premium?
Here, we will dive in to even more players the Dolphins can send away for even more picks.
DeVante Parker
Parker should be better than he has been through his first four seasons. But, in fairness, he has had to put up with three different coaches, four different offensive coordinators and has caught passes from five different quarterbacks. That last number will most likely move to six, after the Dolphins announced they will be starting Josh Rosen on Sunday.
In 56 career games, he has caught 166 passes for 2,292 yards and nine touchdowns. These are not star-level numbers by any means, but with the coaching and quarterback carousels, they can be deemed respectable. He also takes care of the ball, as he has fumbled only once.
With more stability and a reliable quarterback, Parker could be as good as a WR2 on a different team. It is doubtful a trade for him would garner another first-round pick for the Dolphins, but a second or third-rounder could be the right price.
The thing to pay attention to for teams looking to add depth to their receiving core is potential. Parker has plenty of it, and could be a good addition to a team looking for that one extra piece to put them over the top.
Kenyan Drake
Drake is another durable player who could serve as some offensive depth for a potential playoff contender.
He has played in all 50 games since he was drafted in 2016, starting in 14. Over his career he has carried the ball 296 times for 1,389 yards and nine touchdowns. That is good for almost five yards per rush. He is also viable in the passing game, catching 101 passes for 806 yards and six touchdowns.
Like Parker, he is also adept at taking care of the ball, fumbling only 5 times on 397 total touches. Drake has also served as a kick returner in the past, with one return touchdown to his name.
Maybe not most teams’ idea of an RB1, Kenyan Drake still could hold a lot of value. Especially if the team that trades for him is dealing with some injury issues. The Dolphins would probably look for the same type of package as they would for a player like Parker; A second or third-rounder
To see some potential landing spots for Kenyan Drake, check out this article by TGH’s Joe DiTuillio.
Xavien Howard
Cornerback Xavien Howard has been a bit of a standout on the Miami defense. He also seems to have a sense of humor about this fire sale that has defined the Dolphins’ 2019 season.
He tweeted out this gif from the finale of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, poking fun at the state of things after his teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded.
— Xavien Howard (@Iamxavienhoward) September 17, 2019
Sense of humor aside, Howard would be a great addition to a team looking to shore up the back end of their defense.
Since being drafted in 2016, he has collected 11 interceptions (one for a touchdown), 132 total tackles (101 of them solo) and a fumble recovery in 37 career games. He was also a Pro Bowl selection last year, when he had seven interceptions in one season.
Clearly Howard can play well, which means he may not be long for the Dolphins. Look for the Jalen Ramsey shoe to drop before teams start seriously inquiring about picking up the second-best corner on the trading block. Teams that miss out on Ramsey will certainly be curious about what it would take to secure Howard’s services.
The Dolphins drafted him in the second round in 2016, so they would be looking for something similar in return. Given his knack for causing turnovers, though, some playoff-ready teams may be ready to overpay for the young corner.
Featured Image courtesy of Brynn Anderson/Associated Press
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