The Miami Dolphins invested a high second-round pick on Liam Eichenberg in the 2021 NFL Draft, eyeing a potential franchise left tackle at No. 42 overall.
Eichenberg’s career has been an adventure ever since. After struggling as a rookie, he moved to left guard in 2022. Last season, he split time on both sides of the line before closing the season as Miami’s starting center.
In 2024, Eichenberg has settled in as Miami’s primary starter at right guard. But now in the final year of his rookie contract, he’s PFF’s 65th-ranked guard in the NFL through 14 weeks, based on the site’s grading metrics.
Eichenberg will likely draw interest on the open market, given his experience playing all over the offensive line. The Dolphins, meanwhile, should be seeking an upgrade to help shore up their protection for franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently projected the Dolphins to ditch Eichenberg for breakout star Mekhi Becton of the Philadelphia Eagles. Here was his take on the potential upgrade at right guard:
“Liam Eichenberg has had more than enough chances in Miami to become a solid starter. It hasn’t happened yet. You could make the argument Mekhi Becton was the same way with the New York Jets, but he has since revived his career after signing a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has moved to guard, stayed healthy and should get paid this spring. The Dolphins should be looking for ways to clear the money to target him. Massive and mauling guards have become en vogue for several teams from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. Miami could benefit from joining the movement with Becton.”
Becton was a home-run signing by GM Howie Roseman this past offseason. The Eagles turned the Jets’ castaway at tackle into one of the league’s breakout stars at guard, and he signed him for just $2.75 million. Becton has massively outperformed that number and figures to strike it big in 2025, either via extension from the Eagles or on the open market.
Complicating things for Philly are a pair of major defensive stars — LB Zack Baun and DT Milton Williams — who are in line for lucrative, multi-year contracts themselves. Philly also has a capable backup guard in former third-round pick Tyler Steen, so while there figures to be mutual interest for an extended stay in Philly, Becton’s situation could linger past the start of the new league year.
Becton would be a serious upgrade for Miami. He’s PFF’s No. 16 ranked guard in football, and he’s been a masher for the NFL’s top rushing offense this season.
Signing him would require a leap of faith from the organization financially, as Becton’s first four years as a pro with the Jets were a disaster, but if Becton shakes free from the Eagles, Miami would be a logical destination for the former No. 11 overall pick.
