Tua and 2021 draft could push the rebuild
Dolphins need their young QB to progress
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier knows he needs to find the right players for Brian Flores to coach and for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to play alongside.
Grier also can’t wait to see Tagovailoa’s improvements during his second NFL season after a rookie year that saw him thrown into the fire roughly about a year after a gruesome college hip injury.
After all, if the Dolphins’ extensive rebuilding process is going to work, it is going to hinge on Tagovailoa’s development.
“He’s got to take the next steps. He’s been a winner everywhere he’s been and I’m really excited for him to have an offseason under his belt,” Grier said this week, speaking to media before the 2021 NFL draft next Thursday.
“I think that will be really important for him.”
What else is important for Tagovailoa? Finding adequate playmakers to join him on offense to really kick Miami’s rebuild into
its second stage.
The Dolphins hold four picks in the Top 50, including picks Nos. 6 and 18 in the first round where Grier could address the two biggest needs offensively: A dynamic pass catcher and running back.
And Grier said he will certainly consider Tagovailoa when making those selections.
“I think especially when you’re picking where we are picking, you’re always looking at your team and Tua is a big part of that,” Grier said.
“So, as we build around and what we’re doing, yeah, you’re always looking at what your quarterback does best. But you’re also looking at weighing that versus the best player that is available for your team.”
Grier and the Dolphins already know how well Tagovailoa meshed with Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle, and running back Najee Harris during their times together in Alabama.
But the Dolphins certainly are not discounting the potential chemistry Tagovailoa could form with other players such as Florida tight end Kyle Pitts or LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase — who could potentially still be for the taking with the sixth pick.
Tagovailoa’s input may not be as formal or demanding in the process, but the Dolphins certainly have gauged his thoughts on the matter before the draft.
“For us, it’s just looking for the right player, the right person, the right fit for our team as well as the mesh with the quarterback,” Grier said.
As the Dolphins ponder their draft decisions, Grier also praised Tagovailoa for the offseason work he has already put in since his rookie season ended.
Tagovailoa has trained this offseason with former Plantation American Heritage quarterback Nick Hicks, co-owner of Per4orm training facility in Davie.
Among some of the other players Tagovailoa has trained alongside include Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, Bills running back Devin ‘Motor’ Singletary, Ravens running back J.K Dobbins and new Dolphins running back Jordan Scarlett.
Tagovailoa has also had throwing sessions with Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker, Jakeem Grant, Albert Wilson, Mack Hollins, Kirk Merritt and Malcolm Perry. Dolphins third-string quarterback Reid Sinnett has also thrown to the receivers this offseason, too.
Tagovailoa has appeared to have gained some muscle because of the training, as well as continuity with teammates this offseason.
And Grier has taken notice of his franchise quarterback’s work.
“He’s been around. He’s been working hard. I know he’s been working with the receivers. He’s a very competitive kid as you know,” Grier said of Tagovailoa.
“I think coming off the injury last year with no [offseason training activities], no minicamp and just being thrown in right away, that is a hard transition, especially with the rehab part he was doing [for his hip injury].
“He’s healthy now . ... He’s been working very hard.”