Miami’s 3rd overall pick is something that has been talked about all offseason. The Miami Dolphins occupy this pick due to the trade they made with the Houston Texans to trade offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil away. A first-rounder for both the 2020 and 2021 were sent Miami’s way.
As a result of Houston’s 4-12 season in 2020, Miami’s 3rd overall pick is a rare luxury for any team. The Dolphins finished 10-6 and narrowly missed out on the playoffs with a record that would have got them into the playoffs in previous years.
How many times has there been a team that has such a good season but yet such a high draft pick? Miami’s 3rd overall pick needs to be used well, especially considering the criticism General Manager Chris Grier has had for the players picked in the first round of the 2020 draft.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE 3RD OVERALL PICK?
Provided Miami’s 3rd overall pick isn’t used in any trade for unhappy Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, there have been two positions of need that have been debated. These two positions are the offensive line and wide receiver.
When it comes to the offensive line position, there has only been one player talked about. Oregon’s Penei Sewell is seen as the best offensive lineman in the draft and a generational talent.
Meanwhile, the wide receiver position is far from certain, with Alabama’s DeVonta Smith and LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase the two players being debated.
Dolphins fans appear split on who they think should be taken with Miami’s 3rd overall pick. Who should the Dolphins take? Smith or Chase?
THE CASE FOR DEVONTA SMITH
Smith became the first wide receiver since Desmond Howard in 1991 to win the Heismann trophy after his 2020 season. He recorded 3,965 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns during his four seasons with Alabama.
Smith has had two great seasons whereas Chase has only had one full season. It is hard to call Smith a one-season wonder whereas there is that argument for Ja’Marr Chase.
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy may not have shown their true potential in their rookie NFL seasons but were the top two receivers taken in the 2020 draft.
Despite this, they were not the top-performing receivers for Alabama in the 2019 season. Smith recorded more receiving yards and more touchdowns than both Ruggs and Jeudy despite having fewer receptions than Ruggs. This goes to show the talent of Smith.
Smith comes in at 6”1 and 175 lbs and despite his size, shows an exceptional turn of speed. He possesses brilliant yards after catch ability and has excellent hands, with some of the catches on tape reminiscent of Odell Beckham Jr.
Smith has plenty of upsides and could be a great talent. Concerns over his weight has many concerned over his NFL credentials.
THE CASE FOR JA’MARR CHASE
The LSU receiver opted out of the 2020 season but had an exceptional 2019 season, forming a brilliant connection with eventual first overall pick Joe Burrow. Chase recorded 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in the 2019 season.
Whilst things could change during the offseason, Chase looks a more superior athlete than Smith and has the physique ready for the NFL. He also comes in at 6”1 but weights 200 lbs.
After watching Youtube highlights of both players, what is clear to see is that they both share similar qualities. Chase also possesses the ability to earn yards after catch but has a bigger physique. He has a great ability to go deep and appears good in both tight and one on one coverage.
DOLPHINS FANS THOUGHTS
I went on Twitter this week and asked Dolphins fans whether they would rather Smith or Chase and what their reasoning was. There were 867 votes, with Ja’Marr chase winning the vote with 71%.
“I’ll take Chase because of size, speed, physicality. He can dominate at NFL level while Smith’s frame make me question his durability”, one Dolphins fan said.
Another stated that “I’d take Chase with pick No. 3 because I’m really concerned about Smith’s frame and durability at the NFL level. Plus, the recent addition of Will Fuller, who provides speed and a deep threat, makes me feel better about passing up on Smith”.
”As much as chemistry matters to me, & I don’t think there’s a WR on this planet with more chemistry with Tua than DeVonta Smith, I think Chase is better. I do think either can play in the slot & tear DB’s apart, but I think Chase is slightly better”, another fan told me.
This made it clear who fans of the Fins wanted out of the two players.
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