Draft Day Preview: Miami Dolphins

Expectations for the Miami Dolphins were not high in 2016 under a new head coach and a new system. Their new head coach, Adam Gase, was a rookie and had to find the identity of the Miami Dolphins. After starting the season towards the bottom of the league and a 1-4 record, the Dolphins picked it up and won nine of their next 11 games. This gave them a Wildcard Playoff berth and their first winning season since 2008. Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier says that for this year, it is about filling depth in the draft.

The Dolphins will look to refine their game and pick up depth to take the team to the next level.

Dolphin’s Needs

While this team made the playoffs last year, there are still holes to be filled. The Dolphin’s run defense was abysmal last season. The Dolphins allowed the third-most rushing yards in the league with 2,247 yards. That’s 140 yards per game, and that needs to be addressed in the draft. This can be done by taking a player at the defensive tackle position, or a linebacker who can make backfield tackles.

The Dolphins also need offensive line help in this draft. During the offseason, the team traded their starting left tackle, Branden Albert, to the Jaguars for tight end Julius Thomas. This hole is filled by 2016’s first round pick Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil will move from left guard to his natural position at left tackle. But now, the Dolphins need to look at guards to protect Tannehill as he recovers from the knee injury he suffered last season.

The Dolphins might need to look at center in the draft, too. Pro Bowl Center Mike Pouncey has anchored the line for several seasons but has been hampered by hip injuries the previous two seasons. Pouncey only played in five games last season, and new photos have emerged showing he cannot walk without the assistance of a cane.

@OmarKelly we need Lamp, because our O line is going to be a problem. Pouncy doesn't look like will last a full season again! pic.twitter.com/Xtd1HgmGGa

— Todd (@MiamiFanTTwice) April 24, 2017

Should the Dolphins look for a replacement for Pouncey?

Another area of need is safety. After free safety Isa-Abdul Quddus injured his neck last season, it is feared that his playing career is over. This leaves a spot at the safety position the team needs depth at. Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones is coming back from his injury, but if he is reinjured, that unit will look very thin. Depth may be required.

First Round

The Dolphins own the 22nd pick in the draft this year, but that doesn’t spell doom for the players that can fall into the team’s lap. There have been many players speculated to go to the Dolphins, with positions such as offensive guard, safety, linebacker, defensive end, and cornerback.

If the team opts to improve their offensive line, guard Forrest Lamp fills a need for the Dolphins. Arguably the best guard in the draft might still be available by the time the Dolphins are drafting, and he can help keep Tannehill upright. Guard has been a position the team has struggled with, and to have stability would be beneficial for them.

Former Florida Gator Jarrad Davis could be a good look at number 22. Davis looked phenomenal at his pro day and his stock is rising. The Dolphins might elect to choose Davis who is a proven playmaker.

There is not a lot of difference between the linebackers the Dolphins can take at 22, but it is looking more and more that the pick will be a linebacker.

There have been a lot of developments come out recently that can affect the stock of players the Dolphins are looking at as well.

Character Concerns

It was announced Monday that linebacker/safety Jabrill Peppers failed his drug test at the NFL Combine with a diluted sample. Peppers, who was considered to be a top-20 pick, is now falling on boards and the Dolphins may want to snag him.

The same goes for linebacker Reuben Foster. Foster also had a diluted sample at the NFL Combine and now his stock is falling fast. Foster was a projected top-10 pick and is a game changing linebacker that the Dolphins could use to help their run defense. The question now is if he is worth it. If there are character concerns and this becomes an issue, he will be a bust. But if it was an honest mistake like he says it is, it could pay off in the long run.

The Dolphins know a thing or two about players falling in the draft. Last year, videos came out of offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil smoking from a bong on his Twitter before the draft. Tunsil went from a potential top-5 pick to uncertainty in a matter of minutes. The Dolphins, picking at 13, decided to draft the falling offensive lineman. The pick ended up working out for the Dolphins, and Tunsil was a great offensive presence.

The Dolphins don’t want a repeat of former first-round pick Dion Jordan, though. The Dolphins traded up to pick Dion Jordan in the 2013 draft. After several suspensions for substance abuse and inability to make it on the field, the Dolphins finally cut ties with the controversial player. Character concerns play a huge role in where to draft a player. It may be more important to take a sure pick than a controversial player.

Second Round

It is difficult to predict how the first round will go and what players will be taken. So to say who the Dolphins will draft with their second round pick, you can only assume. This section will be about players that might be available when the Dolphins pick.

If the Dolphins elect to go with a linebacker with their first round pick, they will look to improve their offensive line. Same with if the Dolphins go with Lamp; they will look at linebacker.

An offensive talent that should be available, guard Dorian Johnson from Pitt. Johnson has good size and can protect the interior of the line. Jay Ajayi will be able to run behind him no problem. Scouts also say he is a “smart, hard-nosed player.” This is the type of player Gase likes to have in the locker room.

In linebacker talent that will be available, Raekwon McMillan from Ohio State is a possibility. Mcmillan is a solid linebacker that can go out and cover well, and also can wrap up running backs.

With either player, they can make an immediate impact.

NFL Draft

Who should your team select in the 2017 #NFLDraft? https://t.co/1tHt8PKtEj pic.twitter.com/LbGSren2eR

— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2017

The NFL Draft is this Thursday, starting at 8 p.m.

The Dolphins will be selecting late in the first with the 22nd pick but could trade up or down come draft day.