The Miami Dolphins are once again grappling with uncertainty at the quarterback position, as they wait for Tua Tagovailoa’s return. While general manager Chris Grier has garnered praise for his aggressive trades to acquire star players, his track record in the draft raises serious concerns. A closer look at his selections, particularly in the first round of 2020, reveals a pattern of underwhelming outcomes that continue to haunt the franchise.
In 2020, Grier made a bold move by selecting Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick. The hype surrounding Tua was significant; however, his performance has been a mixed bag, with persistent questions about his durability and ability to consistently lead the team. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his development has not been linear, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether he can be the franchise quarterback the Dolphins desperately need.
Alongside Tua, the Dolphins drafted offensive tackle Austin Jackson and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the first round. Jackson has proven to be a serviceable player, but he has yet to elevate his game to an elite level, struggling with consistency on the offensive line. Igbinoghene, however, has been labeled a bust, failing to make a significant impact and ultimately becoming an afterthought in Miami’s defensive schemes. This trio has not delivered the kind of transformative talent expected from high first-round picks, contributing to the Dolphins’ struggles in recent seasons.
The Dolphins’ long history of disappointing drafts is well-documented, and the addition of Skylar Thompson in the seventh round further highlights this issue. While seventh-round picks are often considered lottery tickets, the Dolphins’ choice of Thompson over potential gems like Brock Purdy raises eyebrows. Purdy’s emergence as a reliable quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers exemplifies what can happen when a team recognizes talent in late-round prospects. Miami’s failure to see that potential in Thompson has now come into sharper focus as the Dolphins navigate their current quarterback situation.
With Tyler Huntley set to start against the Indianapolis Colts following the Dolphins’ bye week, head coach Mike McDaniel has indicated confidence in Huntley’s progression. Huntley, who has only been in the Dolphins’ system for a matter of weeks, has leapfrogged Thompson, who has spent three years in the same system. This decision raises critical questions about Thompson’s development and the Dolphins’ evaluation of his abilities.
Was Thompson a victim of inadequate development? Miami had ample time to nurture his skills, yet the team seems to have little faith in his potential as a starting quarterback. If the Dolphins believed in his capabilities, they wouldn’t have turned to Huntley so quickly. The coaching staff’s decision to go with Huntley suggests a lack of confidence in Thompson’s readiness, which in turn raises doubts about how effectively he was developed over his time with the team.
Alternatively, it could be argued that Thompson was never intended to be anything more than an emergency third-string quarterback. If that was the case, the organization’s strategy in drafting him becomes even more puzzling. If Miami had realistic aspirations of Thompson developing into a capable backup or even a starter, they would have approached the situation differently, investing more in his development or bringing in competition to push him. Instead, they seem to have settled for the status quo.
As the Dolphins prepare for the future, it is increasingly clear that Thompson’s time with the team may be nearing its end. With his contract set to expire after the 2024 season, the organization must consider whether keeping him on the roster serves any purpose. The prospect of another year in Miami could stifle his growth and potential, making a change of scenery not only beneficial for Thompson but also necessary for the Dolphins to move forward.
- the Dolphins’ decision-making surrounding the quarterback position continues to raise concerns. Grier’s aggressive trades might bring immediate talent, but the drafting failures, particularly in developing Thompson, expose fundamental flaws in the team’s long-term strategy. As Miami looks to rebuild and establish a competitive roster, a reevaluation of their draft approach and player development processes will be crucial to avoid repeating past mistakes. Thompson deserves a chance to prove himself elsewhere, while the Dolphins must seek to find a quarterback who can genuinely elevate the franchise to new heights.
