Former NFL general manager Charlie Casserly gave the Miami Dolphins rave reviews over their top four selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, saying that all four could have been chosen in the first round.
Casserly, who now serves as an NFL analyst, offered his assessments of the four players who will bolster the level of talent of a Dolphins team that narrowly missed the postseason in 2020.
“Jaylen Waddle — Tyreek Hill, that’s what this guy is,” Casserly said. “He’s going to run by everybody. Change the coverage to double on him, but time out, then you got Will Fuller to run by everybody on the other side. So that’s your impact getting him.
“Liam Eichenberg, had first-round grades on him. You can put him at right tackle, move Robert Hunt inside. Now all of a sudden you have a better football team there.
“Defensively, Jaelan Phillips, arguably the best pass rusher in this draft. Guy’s got quickness, explosion off the line of scrimmage to win and he’s got the ability to set the edge in the running game.
“And then Jevon Holland, cornerback, free safety, strong safety. The guy is an excellent player. They like versatility in their safeties and this is what this guy can do. He’s a matchup guy. Tight end, slot receivers. There’s your first four picks. They got four numbers ones.”
Waddle also has a past history with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the University Alabama, which means that their chemistry should already be in place for the two players.
Eichenberg comes from the University of Notre Dame, which has become a solid pipeline for sending offensive linemen to the NFL.
Phillips’ pass-rushing skills will come in handy, while Holland’s ability to play all over the defensive backfield will be invaluable.
The past two drafts for the Dolphins have seen them select five players in the first round and four in the second. Getting that much talent often helps build powerhouse teams, with the Dolphins hoping that all of those choices succeed as planned.
