As of 12:05 pm Central Standard Time, the San Francisco 49ers have officially traded with the Dolphins for the number three overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Many rumors surrounded the 49ers organization as to the potential of a trade-up for a quarterback, but given certain roster holes, few thought that was a realistic move.
The trade goes as such: the 49ers receive the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft from Miami in exchange for the number 12 pick (2021), a third-round pick (2022), as well as their 2022 and 2023 first-round picks. Minutes later, the Philadelphia Eagles have traded the number six pick to Miami in exchange for the number 12 pick and a 2022 first-round pick from the Dolphins. The Eagles and Dolphins also swapped mid-round picks. What does this mean for all franchises? Let’s talk about that.
What does this mean for the 49ers?
Giving three first-round picks along with a third undoubtedly means that the 49ers have found “their guy” in this draft. After Jimmy Garoppolo took the team to the Super Bowl, many knew that it was Garoppolo’s lack of elite talent that tipped the final quarter in Kansas City’s favor. With very little future cap space after signing Trent Williams to a monster contract, many believe that the former Super Bowl quarterback’s time is done in Santa Clara. That time now officially has an end date.
At the number three pick, the 49ers are almost guaranteed to select a quarterback. Given that the Jets most likely refused this same offer, it seems as if both Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson will be off the board. This leaves Trey Lance and Justin Fields for the taking unless the NFL is extremely high on Mac Jones behind closed doors. Apart from Jones, the other two quarterbacks may need to sit a year, so Garoppolo may still have a chance to start for Shanahan one last time, but that time is dwindling.
What does this mean for the Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins now have six first-round picks over the next three years. Their roster already is built very well, but now they have the firepower to continue to add highly-talented young prospects to their roster. At number six overall, the Dolphins have the potential of selecting Penei Sewell, Jaylen Waddle, or Ja’Marr Chase to boost their offensive talent. With so much draft capital, the Dolphins appear to be the leaders of their division for the foreseeable future: even over the Bills, who will continue to have later picks. The future is unbearably bright for Miami. Count them in as legitimate Super Bowl contenders within the next two years.
What does this mean for the Eagles?
The Eagles reportedly tried to move up to number three for Zach Wilson, but they felt like that was not a reality. Instead, they loaded up on another first in the 2022 NFL Draft: they potentially can have three first-round picks next year. With an aging roster crippled with cap issues, this was the perfect move for the future. With prospects like Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain II, Jaycee Horn, and others at number twelve, there will still be impact players at the discounted price for the Eagles.
Even Rashawn Slater may be drafted to eventually replace Brandon Brooks or Jason Kelce in order to keep Jalen Hurts healthy and protected. This cannot be stated enough: Philadelphia just saved their franchise, and they are now poised to overtake their division by force within two years without a doubt. Excellent job to a front office that has made too many mistakes. Now it is up to Howie Roseman to not mess this perfect situation up.
Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
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