What would 2021 draft trade back with Detroit look like for Dolphins?

The Miami Dolphins hold one of the critical dominoes of this April’s 2021 NFL Draft. The Dolphins, courtesy of their trade of offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, are in ownership of the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But that’s only the first bit of good news. Because Miami’s most pressing need this offseason, running back and wide receiver, are considered to be be deep groups in the NFL Draft and in free agency alike — which gives the Dolphins ample room to be flexible with how they choose to assemble a rebuild skill group to work with moving forward.

Ons such avenue to explore is the possibility of a trade back. The Dolphins could very easily coax another quarterback hungry team to leap up the draft order and attack one of the prime quarterback prospects available — either BYU’s Zach Wilson or Ohio State’s Justin Fields. There will be a market for the pick should the Dolphins look to sell it. With the peace of mind of knowing that there are plenty of skilled wide receivers to add, Miami may find themselves comfortable with several weapons and be comfortable with letting other teams make the choice of which falls to Miami.

But part of this value proposition lies in what the Dolphins would get in return for the No. 3 pick — and that will depend on the dance partner.

One such partner could be the Detroit Lions — who are reported to be shopping veteran QB Matthew Stafford this offseason.

And given what the recent history of trades includes for teams moving up from Detroit’s range for a quarterback, Miami would likely be tickled to welcome a trade down opportunity. The closest comparison to a hypothetical Lions/Dolphins trade in recent history would be when the Philadelphia Eagles moved up from No. 8 overall (after a trade with the Dolphins, of all teams) to No. 2 in order to draft Carson Wentz in 2016. That trade was a doozy for the Cleveland Browns, as the Eagles sent them quite the haul for the rights to draft Wentz.

What did the Browns get in return for No. 2?

Philadelphia’s 2016 1st (8th overall), 2016 3rd & 2016 4th; plus the Eagles’ 2017 1st and 2018 2nd to jump up six spots in the order.

Now, let’s be clear and set expectations fairly. Miami shouldn’t expect this in a trade with the Lions because Detroit would be moving up from one spot higher in the order (7th versus 8th) and the Browns were one spot better in the order at No. 2 overall versus the Dolphins this year at No. 3. And when you consider that this could be QB3 off the board versus Wentz being QB2, the price is likely to be reduced for what Miami could command. But if the pick is a hot commodity, perhaps we could see a bidding war drive the price rate up to this stratosphere.

At the very least, Miami could expect the No. 7 overall pick, one of Detroit’s two Day 2 selections (either No. 41 overall or No. 72 overall) and a 2022 1st-round pick from the Lions as well.

Could you imagine? Three consecutive seasons with multiple 1st-round picks? If the Dolphins are truly committed to building through the draft, this may be the way to getting it done.