JUST IN: Dolphins Draft Trade Proposal Lands 49ers 1st-Round Pick for 2 Picks
The Miami Dolphins will get a chance to enhance their roster during the NFL draft beginning on April 25th. In PFF’s simulated seven-round draft, the Dolphins engaged in two trades in the initial round, aiming to maximize their selections.
In the first proposed trade, they traded the No. 21 pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for the No. 42 and No. 86 picks. This move allowed them to proceed with the subsequent suggested trade from PFF, where they swapped picks with the San Francisco 49ers, giving up No. 42 and No. 86 for the No. 31 pick. According to PFF, the Dolphins are projected to select Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon with the No. 31 pick.
“PFF noted, “The Dolphins execute two trades on Day 1, ultimately securing one of their top-rated players and also gaining a 2025 third-round pick. Powers-Johnson, identified as the premier center in this draft, can initially fill in at guard, addressing a significant weakness in the lineup. He perfectly fits into Mike McDaniel’s zone-blocking scheme.”
Powers-Johnson meets all the criteria to become a starter for the long term
Powers-Johnson, a standout center from Oregon who received the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the best center in the country.
Rob Gregson from A-To-Z Sports assessed Powers-Johnson, stating that he has all the qualities to become a starting center in the league for over a decade.
“JPJ possesses the attributes necessary to become a starting center in the league for more than a decade,” Gregson expressed on April 20. “While he may not showcase the elite athleticism seen in recent prospects like Tyler Linderbaum and Creed Humphrey, he demonstrates exceptional strength and plays with a strategic understanding that will greatly benefit his NFL career.”
During the NFL combine, Powers-Johnson spoke positively about his discussions with the Dolphins.
Powers-Johnson shared with reporters, “The team, the GM, and the coach are all amazing. It was a fantastic experience. What stands out to me about the Dolphins is the youthfulness of the coach, something I can connect with. Age doesn’t matter; it’s about skill. He’s an outstanding coach, and despite his youth, I’d be proud to play under him, alongside the exceptional GM and offensive line coach.
Dolphins’ Biggest Draft Needs
During his time at Oregon, Powers-Johnson showcased his versatility by playing across all three interior positions on the offensive line.
According to Alain Poupart from Athlon Sports, Miami Dolphins faced a deficiency in the offensive line which they aimed to address through the draft.
Poupart highlighted the significance of re-signing Isaiah Wynn, an unrestricted free agent, as he is expected to vie for the left guard position. However, uncertainties loom on the other side with contenders like Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, and newcomer Jack Driscoll competing for starting roles alongside new center Aaron Brewer and right tackle Austin Jackson. Poupart expressed the need for an upgrade in this area.
With the Dolphins utilizing 12 different offensive line combinations in the previous season, a focus on drafting to enhance this unit could potentially bring about much-needed stability in the upcoming season of 202
During his time at Oregon, Powers-Johnson showcased his versatility by playing across all three interior positions on the offensive line.
According to Alain Poupart from Athlon Sports, Miami Dolphins faced a deficiency in the offensive line which they aimed to address through the draft.
Poupart highlighted the significance of re-signing Isaiah Wynn, an unrestricted free agent, as he is expected to vie for the left guard position. However, uncertainties loom on the other side with contenders like Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, and newcomer Jack Driscoll competing for starting roles alongside new center Aaron Brewer and right tackle Austin Jackson. Poupart expressed the need for an upgrade in this area.
With the Dolphins utilizing 12 different offensive line combinations in the previous season, a focus on drafting to enhance this unit could potentially bring about much-needed stability in the upcoming season of 202
