The Miami Dolphins might have just clued everyone in on their intentions during the first round of the NFL draft, with the trade of Left Guard Ereck Flowers to the Washington Football Team, as well as a swap of late-round draft picks. Flowers started 14 games for the Dolphins last year and allowed five sacks, tied for sixth highest in the league. To make matters worse, Pro Football Focus gave him a mediocre grade of 65.9, pointing to a fall off from his quality 2019 season. Looking at Miami’s ground attack doesn’t improve the evaluation of Flowers either, as they were 22nd in total rushing yards and 29th in yards per carry.
His return to Washington couldn’t have been timed better, and he acknowledged that when he spoke with ESPN’s Jossina Anderson: “I’m very excited. I love Washington,” Flowers said. “I already talked to all the guys this morning. It was a great experience. I had a lot of fun there. I already have a relationship with [offensive line coach** John] Matsko**. I’m very excited.”
Flowers started all 16 games and developed the versatility required to play both guard and tackle, as well as allowing only two sacks while playing in the nation’s capital, so this is an excellent buy-low move by the Football team. This move also grants them an insurance policy for starting guard Brandon Scheriff. The talented guard is injury prone and hasn’t appeared in all 16 games since 2016. He’s also playing under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, meaning he could leave in free agency following this season.
From Miami’s perspective, they can replace Flowers via free agency or with the number six overall pick on Thursday, a replacement with game readiness and high upside can be had. According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, offensive tackle Penei Sewell is a “possibility.” Beasley also reported Miami tackle Robert Hunt will move from right tackle to right guard, seemingly clearing up a spot for Sewell. Other tackles the Dolphins could target include Northwestern’sRashawn Slater and Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw, both in PFF’s top 15 prospects.
