2021 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Football Team goes offense in Round 1

The Dolphins could stand to add some upgrades at the linebacker position. The team got great play out of Kyle Van Noy last season, but they need another top linebacker with the versatility to play the multiple 3-4 and 4-3 looks that Brian Flores throws out there during games.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would certainly qualify. The Notre Dame product is a well-rounded playmaker and should be a true, three-down playmaker at the next level.

Owusu-Koramoah is extremely athletic and moves around the field very well. From sideline to sideline, he will be able to bring players down and his instincts are solid, too. That’s how he was able to rack up 24.5 tackles for loss during his two years playing for the Fighting Irish.

Owusu-Koramoah is a bit small for a linebacker checking in at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, but his athleticism is the great equalizer. While he might not be the best downhill run defender, he can make plays in space and will be excellent in coverage as he proved time and time again at Notre Dame. It’s hard to find coverage linebacker despite their importance in the modern NFL, so Owusu-Koramoah will draw a lot of interest because of that.

WalterFootball.com’s Charlie Campbell compared Owusu-Koramoah to former Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith. That seems like a sensible comparison. Smith was a fifth-round pick because of concerns about his ability against the run, but he became one of the best outside linebackers in the league because of his cover skills, speed, and instincts. Owusu-Koramoah could easily do the same thing.

With Van Noy and Owusu-Koramoah playing outside in 4-3 looks, the Dolphins defense will be much better off. The support in coverage from their linebackers would make it even harder to throw on the team’s already top-notch secondary, and that could help Miami climb into the playoff field after just missing it last year.

The Dolphins could also consider an offensive tackle here to continue to build up their line and build around Tua Tagovailoa, but after getting him a weapon like DeVonta Smith earlier, adding to their already-strong defense is the better move here.