The Trade That Just Keeps Looking Better

The Miami Dolphins' trade with Houston in 2019 is providing benefits now and will continue to do so in the future

The Houston Texans' 0-4 start in the 2020 season is good news for the Miami Dolphins, who own their first- and second-round picks in the 2021 NFL draft as the result of the big Laremy Tunsil trade.

The Dolphins already have used one of their three premium picks from the trade on 2020 first-round selection Noah Igbinoghene, who still looks like a good cornerback prospect even though he's gone through some tough growing pains early in his rookie season.

But it's looking like maybe the Dolphins will get more out of the Tunsil trade than just draft picks, and that's because of tackle Julien Davenport.

He was one of the two players who came over in the trade, and is back for his second season with the Dolphins.

And now he could be in line to start at left tackle against the 49ers on Sunday if rookie Austin Jackson has to miss the game because of the foot injury he sustained in the loss against Sunday.

And if Davenport starts, it's because of the way he performed in his 25 snaps when he stepped in for Jackson, who left the game, came back and then left for good.

In short, Davenport played well enough that head coach Brian Flores very well could be going with him as the left tackle, though he also has the option of using either rookie second-round pick Robert Hunt or move right guard Jesse Davis to left tackle.

“Julién is another guy, a quiet guy," offensive line coach Steve Marshall said. "He’s been around the block. He’s in I think his third year, fourth year in the NFL, and came in and played in a tough situation. We were down, we had to throw it and he did a nice job. He’s a smart guy, very intellectual guy, and has really worked hard to improve on some of the things we talked about in the offseason, and going forward we’re going to count a lot on Julién.”

Of course, it's the two 2021 extra draft picks that has the fan base excited, particularly because Houston currently has the No. 2 draft position behind only the New York Jets 

But the Dolphins won't get to collect that reward from the Tunsil trade until next spring. What they'll be getting from Davenport this season and in the future just feels like a bonus.