MIAMI GARDENS (CBS12) — The Miami Dolphins General Manager and head coach are typically being blasted on sports talk radio and social media after being eliminated from the playoffs, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa seems to be fueling most of the debate this week as the team prepares for the Patriots. As far as G.M. Chris Grier goes, an extremely impressive draft may be saving him.
The Dolphins top three picks in the 2021 draft were some of the biggest stars on the field this year. Dolphins second round pick Jevon Holland was the ball hawk he was hyped up to be, all over the field with multiple solo tackle almost every game. Two interceptions leads all NFL rookie safeties. Dolphins 18th overall pick Jaelan Phillips has also been ‘beast’. The former Miami Hurricanes outside linebacker also has ‘pro bowler’ written all over him. There’s also the obvious rookie sensation Jaylen Waddle. Tua’s former target at Alabama is just two receptions shy of Pahokee native Anquan Boldin’s rookie record heading into the final game of the season.
“I’m not really that focused on the record or anything,” says Waddle. “I’m just focused on doing my job and trying to help win. I think just knowledge of the game is always something that I can get better at and really just studying my opponents in deeper detail, being one step ahead and knowing what I’m going to see out there, I think that’s big. Obviously, you always want to work on catching the ball. That’s always thing No. 1 for a receiver to work on. Details on routes, top of the routes and trying to create more separation. I’ve got a lot to work on.”
The Dolphins host the Pats this Sunday at 4:25 on CBS12. Watch Fins Fever Final at 11:30 PM on CBS12 News.
