The Miami Dolphins are reportedly zeroing in on taking Utah's Spencer Fano with their No. 11 pick.
There are a multitude of directions the Miami Dolphins can take with their No. 11 pick. Offensive line, wide receiver, safety, and cornerback are all positions of need, and any player taken high could be a day-one starter.
That said, there appears to be a player that the Dolphins are favoring for their No. 11 selection: Utah's Spencer Fano.
It would be very wise for the Dolphins to take a lineman with their No. 11 overall pick, simply because the line took major hits with the exit of Cole Strange and Larry Borom. Also, Autin Jackson may have been re-signed, but he remains a health risk.
Left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer are good at their jobs and represent what the line can be, but they are not enough. Left guard Jonah Savaiinaea struggled mightily and was one of the worst guards in the league.
Head coach Jeff Hafley indicated there would be plenty of competition and change on the line, and it makes sense due to needing to protect quarterback Malik Willis.
That said, a new report has indicated the Dolphins could be targeting Fano with the No. 11 pick. This comes from ESPN's Jordan Reid, who believes he could be a lock for Miami if available when they select.
"Sources have told me the Dolphins are big fans of Utah lineman Spencer Fano and would take him at No. 11. The team loves his versatility, believing he can play any interior spot or be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle. Austin Jackson is entering a contract year, and there are a lot of question marks surrounding his durability. New front offices have leaned on selecting an offensive lineman to start their tenure, so this pairing makes a lot of sense," Reid wrote.
There is a chance that consensus top lineman Francis Mauigoa drops to No. 11, but that is not a guarantee. Instead of also taking Penn State's Vega Ioane, the Dolphins instead go with Fano.
It would make sense to take Fano due to his ability to move up and down the line. There is a need for everything, but the left tackle and center position, and his youth could push other linemen to be better. Jackson needs to be able to stay on the field, but if he cannot, Fano would be the presumed Day One replacement.
Willis and running back De'Von Achane are now the most important players on offense, so establishing a line matters a great deal. Allowing Willis the time to sling the ball and opening lanes for Achane will pay dividends for the offense.
There is also the chance that the interest in Fano is a smokescreen, as most teams play a cat-and-mouse type of game to ensure they get every front office off their trail of who they might actually take. Still, taking Fano and bolstering the line would be a smart play for this new Dolphins team.