With many analysts nationally categorizing the 2022 season a “prove-it” season for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, any failure of his to prove whatever “it” is could reinsert the Dolphins into pursuit of a quarterback next offseason.
The Dolphins took a hard stance this offseason of backing Tagovailoa after previously flirting with the Houston Texans in trade talks for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson. Now, they’re committing to Tagovailoa for 2022 — with a strong backup in Teddy Bridgewater — while giving him the organizational support, offensive-minded head coach and improved pass catchers, offensive line and running game he needs to succeed.
Shortly after completion of the 2022 NFL draft, a number of way-too-early 2023 mock drafts are already out. While most have Miami going in another direction, at least one mock believes the Dolphins will be searching for a quarterback in the first round by this time next year.
The Dolphins have some of the most draft capital in 2023, which is expected to be a strong draft after this year’s class received subpar projections. Miami has five picks in the first three rounds with two in the first (from the San Francisco 49ers) and two in the third (from the New England Patriots).
In the event the Dolphins are looking for a quarterback next offseason, the team can also package this draft capital to either move up in the draft for a highly rated rookie or for an established veteran signal-caller.
CBS Sports’ mock draft says the Dolphins will take South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler with the later of their two first-round picks in the next draft. With the earlier pick, CBS says the Dolphins take Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle Zion Nelson.
Pro Football Focus has the Dolphins going cornerback and running back in the first round: Georgia’s Kelee Ringo and Texas A&M’s Devon Achane, respectively.
Fox Sports also predicts the Dolphins take Ringo and then draft North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs with the later first.
Bleacher Report says Miami first picks a running back, Texas’ Bijan Robinson, and then goes with interior offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson from Notre Dame.
Sporting News believes the Dolphins go back-to-back with defensive picks next year, first with Georgia edge defender Nolan Smith and then with TCU cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges Tomlinson.
Patterson shows up again as linked to Miami in The Draft Network’s 2023 mock, which then has the Dolphins eyeing Notre Dame edge Isaiah Foskey with the next pick.
WalterFootball says the Dolphins take LSU defensive end B.J. Ojulari and then Ole Miss running back Zach Evans next.
While one mock draft believes Miami will be searching for a rookie quarterback in next year’s draft class, most seem to believe in Tagovailoa to prove himself given the Dolphins’ improvements around him offensively and project the team will look elsewhere by this time next year.
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