As Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft stock sees a bit of turbulence, one team might just swoop in and snag him, either by benefiting from a slide down the board or making a move to trade up. While franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints often grab the spotlight in discussions about quarterback prospects, the Miami Dolphins are poised to surprise everyone—much like the Atlanta Falcons did in recent drafts—by taking a serious look at a quarterback in the first round.
Let’s dive into the Dolphins’ quarterback situation. After a tumultuous season for Tua Tagovailoa, who spent much of the 2024 campaign sidelined due to a concussion, Miami might find it’s time to reassess its future under center. Although Tagovailoa returned to the field and showed flashes of his ability, the Dolphins ended the season with an 8-9 record, just shy of playoff contention.
Tagovailoa has been a capable quarterback since entering the league, racking up 15,760 yards and 101 touchdowns. However, his 45 interceptions tell a story of inconsistency, particularly under pressure. That pressure isn’t just from opposing defenses; it also comes from the weight of high-stakes situations—evident during his lone playoff appearance against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed just 51.3% of his passes for 199 yards. Multiple concussions have undoubtedly muddied the waters of Tagovailoa’s trajectory, prompting the Dolphins to think critically about their quarterback future.
Enter Shedeur Sanders, who, despite a dip in draft stock, could be the answer to Miami’s challenges. While it’s fair to say Sanders might not reach elite status in the NFL, he brings a blend of reliability and production that could surpass what the Dolphins have been getting with Tagovailoa. Last season, Sanders showcased exceptional decision-making, leading to a remarkable 74% completion percentage. What sets him apart is his ability to improve; from year to year, he’s demonstrated growth in critical areas, signaling his readiness to adapt to the NFL game.
Not only does Sanders possess the passing ability to stretch defenses at all levels of the field, but he’s also shown the capability to escape the pocket and pick up valuable yards, adding an extra dimension to his game. As the heat turns up on head coach Mike McDaniel, a shift at the quarterback position seems increasingly plausible. Sanders’ steady approach and skill set could make him an ideal candidate to step in and rejuvenate the Dolphins’ offense.
With all eyes on the draft, it will be intriguing to see how this situation unfolds. Miami’s choices in the coming weeks will have significant implications, not just for their roster, but also for the landscape of the league going forward. If they decide to invest in Shedeur Sanders, it could be a bold move that pays off. After all, in the world of the NFL Draft, sometimes the biggest surprises end up being the ones that lead to the most significant changes.