The Miami Dolphins, coming off an 8-9 season and failing to reach the playoffs, are looking to secure a reliable backup for injury-prone quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After Tua missed significant time due to a concussion and other injuries, Miami rotated through three quarterbacks, resulting in a 2-5 record without him. The team is now targeting Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the upcoming NFL Draft, as he mirrors Tua’s play style and would fit well in coach Mike McDaniel’s offense.

By the Numbers

• Tua Tagovailoa missed 7 games this season due to various injuries.
• Dillon Gabriel threw for over 18,000 passing yards and had 189 total touchdowns in college.

State of Play

• Tyler Huntley is set to become a free agent, while Skylar Thompson has joined the Steelers.
• The Dolphins traded their previous third-round pick to acquire a fourth-round selection for 2024.

What’s NextThe Dolphins are expected to finalize their strategy ahead of the draft, potentially trading back into the third round to secure Gabriel. This move could provide depth and stability behind Tagovailoa and prepare for future injuries.

Bottom LineSelecting Dillon Gabriel could be a strategic move for the Dolphins, addressing critical backup needs and creating a more cohesive offensive system while mitigating the risks associated with Tagovailoa’s injury history.