In on multiple wide receivers and discussing terms with Odell Beckham Jr, the Dolphins are operating like a team that does not employ one of this NFL period’s better receiving tandems. Despite the Tyreek Hill–Jaylen Waddle duo, Miami is still being tied to a WR move in the draft. Teams view the Dolphins as being interested in Texas’ Xavier Worthy, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. This would verge on overkill, as Hill is one of the fastest players in NFL history and Waddle can hold his own with most active NFLers. Worthy just set the Combine 40-yard dash record (4.21 seconds), and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicates he is coming up most frequently as this draft’s WR4 — behind the Marvin Harrison Jr.–Malik Nabers–Rome Odunze trio expected to go off the board at No. 10 or soon after. A number of teams — including the Cardinals, Bears, Colts and Bills — met with Worthy. The Dolphins, who also employ De’Von Achane (he of a 10.1-second college 100-meter dash), hold the No. 21 overall pick.
Here is the latest on the draft from around the AFC:
- Some teams are viewing BYU’s Kingsley Suamatia as a late first-round option at tackle, Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson notes. In one of the best tackle classes in many years, Suamatia could be an option for a contending team in need. The Chiefs would qualify, and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero confirms the BYU product visited Kansas City during the pre-draft process. The Chiefs have not re-signed left tackle Donovan Smith, whom they signed after last year’s draft. Barring another post-draft pickup, the Chiefs could use help here.
- On the subject of tackles, the New York Post’s Brian Costello does not view an O-line investment as one of the most likely scenarios for the Jets at No. 10. Viewing Brock Bowers, Odunze or trading down as more likely options for the Jets, Costello does not see the team addressing a need for a long-term tackle — as free agency pickups Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are each going into age-33 seasons — stopping a regime under tremendous pressure to win now from adding another skill-position piece. The Jets are being viewed as Bowers’ floor. A trade-down move has come up, but with the heat cranked up on Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, it is understandable they would want to leave the No. 10 slot with a potential 2024 difference-maker.
- The Bills brought in South Carolina’s Xavier Legette for a workout, Pelissero adds. Legette blazed to a 4.39-second 40, at 221 pounds, and notched a 40-inch vertical jump. Legette only delivered one remotely productive season in five years with the Gamecocks — a 1,255-yard 2023 that came after four sub-200-yard campaigns — but is being viewed as a possible late first-rounder, the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy adds. Teams are also high on Legette’s run-blocking ability. The Panthers are believed to be interested, though the Bills will be expected to add a wideout early, having lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason.
It strikes me as crazy for the Jets to not at least strongly consider a tackle at 10. Not only is it a huge long-term need and a good draft to need one, but there’s zero chance Tyron Smith plays a full season, which means tackle is also a short term need, not just one for after this season.
“Hey jets and dolphins, uh your LTs are made of glass and you should probably have a plan 1B when they get hurt” – people with functioning brains
Jets and Dolphins- WR! TE!
“FOR THE LOVE GOD” – Jets and Dolphins fans impersonating Chris Farley
It’s wild. The Jets could use another playmaker, but this draft will have some solid receiver prospects in the third round, whereas it’s very hard to find a starting caliber tackle after the first. Even wilder for the Dolphins. Would they really pass up a lineman to draft their third best speedy receiver?
It’s really sickening to hear jets are considering drafting a non offensive tackle and I strongly believe it’s coming from Woody Johnson. It’s not going to even matter if they draft bowers or orduze if Roger’s won’t have any time and protection to complete passes.
The Miami WR talk is a smoke screen. They will take OL with at least their first pick and possibly their 2nd as well. Hopefully they’re on the phone right now making plans to move back and pick up extra picks in the 2nd through 4th rounds. But . . . that would make sense and I’m not sure they are looking to make sense.