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In less than 3 weeks the NFL Draft will begin, and there are still many weaknesses with the Dolphins. Free agency did not address any of them, but I do believe this team is in better shape than the one that limped into the offseason last year. The Dolphins are still weak at CB, LB, and OG. Nothing was really addressed during free agency, but perhaps that is a good thing as the Dolphins have been overpaying for players the past 3 years and it hasn't gotten them better. It's time to for the Dolphins to start making smart decisions during the draft and stop wasting Stephen Ross' money.
So, who should our draft pick be? Seems that Miami Dolphins first pick will be Darron Lee, OLB from Ohio State according to Darryl Williams, oddsmaker at FootballBettingCenter.com; however, I think differently. I believe the Dolphins will go with ILB Reggie Ragland because I believe the Dolphins #1 priority is still to stop the run. What better way to put fear in the offense than to draft a heat-seeking missile over the middle. That missile is Reggie Ragland. I do like Darron Lee as well, but we keep hearing the words "potential" and "impressive showing at the NFL Combine" and "raw". The Dolphins need to hit the ground running and that would be by drafting Reggie Ragland.
Now, IF either RB Ezekiel Elliot and CB Vernon Hargreaves falls to #13, then the Dolphins may have no choice but to draft either one. I do not think they will fall in the draft.
PHINFEVER MOCK DATABASE (63)
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SITE |
MOCK |
BIO |
COMMENTS |
UPDATED |
Reggie
Ragland |
ILB |
The Dolphins have had a lot of cornerbacks to visit the past month and just about all of them are corners that should be selected after the first round. I still believe the Dolphins priority is to stop the run, and what they need is a heat-seeking missile in the middle of the defense. That missile is ILB Reggie Ragland. |
Apr 10
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McKenzie Alexander
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CB |
1) Mackensive Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5'10, 190 lbs - With the release of CB Brent Grimes, the need for a CB opposite Maxwell is a need that has to be addressed, and Alexander could be the guy. Strong, compact, physical and very good in man press coverage. Is a technican and studies his technique as well as the player he will be playing against. He will have to become more comfortable with zone coverages and he does not have the ideal size, but he has everything else you want in a cornerback. Will come up and hit. Spoke with Alexander at the Combine. 2) Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU, 6'5, 326 lbs - I have been disappointed that Miami has not done MORE in trying to address a position that has been problems for years. They tried to sign Boone, but missed on him. There were other guards that I thought Miami could go after, but did not and have not gone after any other OG so far Bushrod was bought in to compete at OG, and while it is thought that he can make that move, he still will be making a transition to a new spot. Alexander is big, powerful, and is a Road Grader in the run game and has the quickness to get to the next level and get to linebackers. Adujst well to stunts and blitz and was a 4 year starter, playing at RT and OLG. He does need to improve his sink and anchor to deal with rusher that go from speed to power, but he fits the bill for what the Dolphins are looking for. Spoke with Alexander at the Combine. 3) Deion Jones, OLB, LSU, 6'1, 222 lbs - The linebacker position for Miami in 2015 was a position of concern. Kiki Alonso will provide an upgrade at one spot, and Jones could provide another upgrade. Active, instinctive and very athletic with range and coverage ability. Good against the run and is good working off blocks, making plays. Performs on special teams as well. Miami was at the LSU Pro Day. |
Mar 20
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Kevin Dodd
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DE |
I wanted to give us Hargreaves or Elliott with our top pick but instead I predicted Philly drafting Zeke and Tampa taking Hargreaves right after that, so by the time its our turn I think it will be narrowed down to a small player pool consisting of Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd, Mackensie Alexander,Darron Lee and William Jackson. I think the Giants will take one of the Clemson ends at #10. Lee is a possibility but as of now we have 3 starters filled at linebacker. The 2 corners will be considered but not so sure they at top 13 material. So there is a very good chance we end up with one of the Clemson pass rushers and right now I’m predicting its Dodd who has really climbed up teams boards. In the National Championship game he lit up the Crimson Tide with five tackles for loss, including three sacks. Wake and Williams are at the tail end of their careers so we can ease Dodd in slowly as the heir apparent to Wake. Dodd’s a large pass rusher with a great motor and a knack for getting to the quarterback. |
Mar 24
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Kevin Dodd
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DE |
Biggest needs: Running back, edge rusher, cornerback Pick: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson If Elliott is still here, he’d be hard to turn down. Although the Dolphins may feel satisfied with Mario Williams replacing Olivier Vernon, picking up Dodd if he is still around would be a good long-term solution at a position where you can never have enough quality depth. Other Possibilities: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State; Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State |
Mar 28
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
(No comment given)
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Apr 8
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McKenzie Alexander
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CB |
Since the combine, William Jackson III has skyrocketed up draft boards and in my eyes, has even surpassed a guy like Mackensie Alexander. While the Dolphins could go defensive end here to help ease the blow left behind by Olivier Vernon, their defensive line isn’t in terrible shape. Instead, they address corner which is the biggest need on the team. The Dolphins traded for Byron Maxwell, but if his play is any resemblance of his future performance, Miami is in desperate need for another corner as Jamar Taylor isn’t a starting caliber CB either. Jackson plays a physical, intelligent game on the outside and has great speed to go along with his cover skills. |
Mar 28
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
The Dolphins are looking to add speed on defense, especially at the linebacker level. Lee certainly offers range, and is an ascending player with high upside.
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Apr 8
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
Miami needs help on the second and third level of its defense. Lee is one of the fastest linebackers in the draft and should be able to help against both the run and the pass.
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Apr 3
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
They keep sniffing around veteran runners. Why not just land the best back in the draft?
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Apr 5
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
Even with defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Olivier Vernon often drawing multiple blockers, Miami's linebackers struggled to make big plays a year ago. Lee remains a bit raw after leaving Ohio State as just a redshirt sophomore but his talent is obvious. A former quarterback and safety, Lee combines a unique perspective on coverage with outstanding athleticism, including closing speed and explosiveness as a hitter.
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Apr 8
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Kevin Dodd
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DE |
Letting Vernon walk out the door and signing Mario Williams to pair with Cameron Wake means age is an issue on the defense line, so Mike Tannenbaum starts to restock the well with back-to-back Clemson pass rushers.
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Apr 7
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McKenzie Alexander
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CB |
The Dolphins need a corner for defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to mold opposite newly-acquired Byron Maxwell.
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Mar 15
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
Needs: OL, CB, RB. Best player available strategy in play, though Miami must add defensive playmakers after losing Olivier Vernon and Brent Grimes in free agency. Lee entered the Buckeyes starting lineup in 2014 after Ryan Shazier joined the pro ranks. The former safety generated 27.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over the next two seasons. Lee was named defensive MVP in Ohio State's Sugar Bowl win over Alabama for the 2015 national title. in round two works. The Dolphins need that type of impact with Cameron Wake recovering after tearing his Achilles mid-season.
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Apr 4
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
They'd probably love to see Elliott fall this far, but if not, they go for a defensive upgrade.
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Apr 4
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Eli
Apple |
CB |
CB with length - significant upgrade in secondary.
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Apr 4
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McKenzie Alexander
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CB |
Needs: OL, CB, RB. Best player available strategy in play, though Miami must add defensive playmakers after losing Olivier Vernon and Brent Grimes in free agency. Lee entered the Buckeyes starting lineup in 2014 after Ryan Shazier joined the pro ranks. The former safety generated 27.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over the next two seasons. Lee was named defensive MVP in Ohio State's Sugar Bowl win over Alabama for the 2015 national title. in round two works. The Dolphins need that type of impact with Cameron Wake recovering after tearing his Achilles mid-season.
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Mar 28
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
(No comment given)
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Mar 19
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Shaq
Lawson |
DE |
13 Miami - * Shaq Lawson - DE - 6-3, 275 - Clemson
42 Miami - Cody Whitehair - OG - 6-5, 310 - Kansas St |
Apr 1
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Reggie
Ragland |
ILB |
The 2015 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Ragland has plenty of experience from his time in Tuscaloosa, where he led the Crimson Tide in tackles in his senior season. After weighing in at a hefty 259 pounds at the Senior Bowl, which raised some eyebrows, Ragland dropped 12 pounds between then and the NFL Combine. If he can stay lean, he has the potential to do some great things in the NFL.
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Apr 8
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Reggie
Ragland |
ILB |
I’m not a big fan of the Dolphins trade, and it costs them Ezekiel Elliot in this mock. With Hargreaves gone too, the Phins make a safe pick and take Ragland who they can play outside over Misi or move inside when Kiko Alonso blows out his ACL in week 2. Round 2: Derrick Henry RB, Alabama. The Dolphins get their RB of the future, and everyone rejoices. Everyone but Jay Ajayi that is. |
Apr 5
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Jack
Conklin |
OT |
I went with need more than value for the Dolphins at 13. Miami has been trying to shore up their offensive line the past few years and Conklin would help get them in the right direction and be the heir apparent to injury prone Branden Albert.
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Apr 5
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Reggie
Ragland |
ILB |
The Dolphins could use a boost to their linebacking corps. Ragland is the Total Package and is arguably the safest and surest pick in this year’s Draft.
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Apr 5
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McKenzie Alexander
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CB |
With the addition of free agent DB, Ifo Ekpre Olomu, Miami only added a potential roster addition to (but not the answer to) the largest void on the team. What Miami must do is find a way to address this need, and make this problem vanish like they did with the former number 21's baggage. The search for that missing piece in their secondary may prove more difficult than expected, as top picks Ramsey and Hargreaves came flying off our boards this week. Two questions come to mind in this search for the missing DB: Who is the best DB available at pick 13? Are they worth the early round pick? It just so happens that the answers to both those questions are "Yes" and "Yes". In this week's CMD, Mackensie Alexander is again sitting right where Miami needs him to be. Forget the lack of INTs in college; this guy flat-out marooned top WRs on his little island at the collegiate level. It was not all too long ago that we had this kid rated as the top DB in the draft. The only thing left to see now is how his man-coverage skill set transfers to the NFL. Round 2: Derrick Henry RB, Alabama. The running back situation is not as bad as one may think at first glance. Jay Ajayi had a very nice start to his short season and has quietly become the lead guy down here in the beautiful Florida sun. Does this mean that the situation should not be addressed? Let's face it; the signing of Pead and Thomas was not well-received in Phins' Nation, and it is safe to say that Miami will still be addressing the running back position at some point in the draft. In this week's CMD, it just so happens that there is this monster of a gem sitting at pick #42, just waiting to be picked and polished. Derrick Henry's size alone is incomparable among active running backs and his NFL comparison is to last season's Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller. There is simply no reason why a team looking for a running back should pass up on this guy in RD2. |
Apr 8
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
The Dolphins need a linebacker who can play in space and make plays all over the field. Lee, with his athleticism, instincts and cover skills, could be that player.
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Apr 6
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
Lee offers tremendous upside, and I think a smart defensive coordinator will find him extremely versatile. He's an explosive, blitzing threat who is great in space and will grow into an above-average coverage linebacker. Athletes like this are special, and Lee has the instincts to go with that raw ability.
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Apr 6
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
The No. 5 player on our board, Elliott has the skill set to be an every-down RB from Day 1. He's an exceptional blocker and a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, while also showing great vision and suddenness in the open field. The Dolphins need some semblance of a run game to take the pressure off QB Ryan Tannehill.
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Mar2
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Reggie
Ragland |
ILB |
The Dolphins have been playing for years without a true ILB, and have struggled against the run and the short passing game because of it. While inside linebacker is often not a premium position in terms of players receiving first round draft grades, Alabama's Reggie Ragland is an athletic, three down player who is equally adept in coverage as he is against the run. ROUND 2: MIA: Kendall Fuller, S, Virginia Tech*. Miami is looking to revamp their secondary, and an athletic free safety like Kendall Fuller of Virginia Tech would add some much needed quickness to the mix, and could help form a long term duo if the Buccaneers are able to grab corner Vernon Hargreaves in the 1st round. |
Mar 8
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Jalen
Ramsey |
CB |
Ramsey reminds me a lot of a young Antonio Cromartie or more recently Patrick Peterson. He's an unbelievable long-striding athlete with tremendous instincts and ball skills. Occasionally he will get burned taking risks, but overall there is very little not to love here. He has rare talent and is close to a sure thing. The only real concern here is that Ramsey may be gone by the time Miami picks. The most concerning team being the Jags, 'Ramsey would be the best possible pick for the Dolphins in the draft. He would start immediately at cornerback, and would likely allow the Dolphins to move on from Brent Grimes if they choose to do so. He's a lock down corner and would become the team's defensive leader for years to come. Ramsey likely won't fall to 8, but if he does, he will become a (member of the) Miami Dolphins.'
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Mar 8
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
The Dolphins need a linebacker who can play in space and make plays all over the field. Lee, with his athleticism, instincts and cover skills, could be that player.
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Mar 29
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
In order to fit Byron Maxwell’s absurd contract under the cap, the Dolphins had to cut veteran cornerback Brent Grimes. Though he was aging, Grimes was their best cornerback last season, better than Maxwell, so they didn’t get better at the position; just more expensive. They still need an upgrade on the other side. Fortunately, even though they inexplicably moved down from 8 to 13 in that trade, they could still be in position Vernon Hargreaves, arguably the top cornerback prospect in this draft class (some would argue Eli Apple, who is also an option at this pick).
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Apr 6
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Miles
Jack |
ILB |
Jack could go sooner — maybe to Dallas — but he's a good fit for a Dolphins team sorely in need of defenders. (* Farmer's mock still has the Dolphins at #8 in the draft. Miles Jack will not be there at #13) |
Mar 6
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
Even after adding Byron Maxwell, I don’t trust the Dolphins corners. Hargreaves is a top-10 talent and they don’t lose value even after trading back from 8.
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Mar 18
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
Some people have Elliott as a possible top 10 guy. I think that is too high for any running back. This could be is landing spot as RB is very important in an Adam Gase offense.
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Apr 5
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
Even after acquiring Byron Maxwell from the Eagles, the Dolphins could use help in the secondary. Hargreaves' ability as a playmaker won't be overlooked. ROUND 2 : Miami Dolphins: Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas |
Mar 11
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
The Ohio State standout would give the Dolphins an electric runner to build around.
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Apr 5
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
Trader Mike Tannenbaum hits a home run with Elliott.
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Apr 7
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Shaq
Lawson |
DE |
The loss of Olivier Vernon in free agency can be mitigated by this excellent, determined, tough player who can make plays, and helps ease the pressure on DE Cameron Wake.
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Mar 23
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Eli
Apple |
CB |
Miami continues to invest in making its defense dominant.
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Mar 29
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DeForest
Buckner |
DE |
There is a lot of hype around Buckner and his potential off the edge. Cameron Wake is coming off a torn Achilles at the age of 33 and Olivier Vernon is coming up on impending free agency.
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Jan 18
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
Trading down from #8 will likely cost the Dolphins a shot at Ohio St. RB Ezekiel Elliott. Remember, not only does Miami need a long-term replacement for Lamar Miller but they were also infatuated with Todd Gurley a year ago. If Elliott is off the board the most logical alternative would be a cover guy and they would likely be thrilled to see Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves III still on the board. The major knock on Hargreaves is a lack of ideal size / length (5-10 1/2). While there is precedent for sub-6’0” corners coming off the board in the Top 10 overall it doesn’t happen often. Hargreaves has a chance to be one of the exceptions. Despite his somewhat diminutive dimensions Hargreaves plays a lot bigger due to an aggressive, physical mentality. Hargreaves will be paid handsomely for his coverage ability though, where his speed, quick feet, fluid hips and instincts allow him to stick to opposing wideouts down the field. Hargreaves is also a playmaker in the secondary, finishing his Gators career with 28 pass breakups and 10 interceptions in just three seasons. Think of Hargreaves as a rich-man’s version of Jason Verrett. Don’t rule out a pass rusher either since Cameron Wake and Mario Williams are both on the wrong side of thirty. Top 3 Team Needs: CB | RB | LB |
Mar 31
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Emmanual
Ogbah |
CB |
It's hard to see the Dolphins not going for a defensive end this year after losing not only Olivier Vernon, but also Derrick Shelby, who was one of the most underrated players on the market. Now left with 34 year old Cameron Wake coming off a torn achilles and 31 year old Mario Williams coming off the worst season of his career, the Dolphins have to be making their pass rush priority number one in the draft. While they might consider either of the two Clemson pass rushers, Shaq Lawson or Kevin Dodd, we prefer Emmanuel Ogbah who has the production and measureables to earn this billing. Ogbah recorded 24 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss over the past two years, and his 4.60 forty at 275 pounds combined with his 35 1/2" inch arms prove he's ready to play immediately. ROUND 2: Miami Dolphins - Eli Apple (CB Ohio State) |
Apr 3
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
Many believe that Elliot will not be available when the Dolphins pick at 13. The biggest hurdle may come at the 8th overall selection where the Dolphins moved out and Philadelphia moved in. It would be an ironic twist of fate if a player that is high on the Dolphins board goes to the team they swapped picks with. New rumors have surfaced that the Eagles may try and move up in the draft to land a quarterback and if that happens, Elliot could fall. He could fall regardless. The Dolphins have a visit scheduled with Elliot. The Dolphins would almost certainly jump at this opportunity as Elliot would not only fit well within the Dolphins offense but immediately give the team a one-two punch with Jay Ajayi. A playmaking runner who has solid vision and physicality, Elliot would make the Dolphins offense very potent…if they can fix the offensive line. ROUND 2: Shaq Lawson – DE – Clemson |
Apr 8
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Eli
Apple |
CB |
The Dolphins recently released Brett Grimes and add a young cornerback with the size and speed to excel.
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Mar 12
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
With Lamar Miller moving on, the Dolphins add Elliott to their backfield mix to join last year’s fifth-rounder, Jay Ajayi. Elliott is a three-down player that can run in any scheme, pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield
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Apr 6
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
Hargraves is considered the second best DB in the draft, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Dolphins liked a different corner. Hargraves is productive, but his lack of ideal size could be a deciding factor. 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State |
Mar 30
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Jack
Conklin |
OT |
No sex appeal to this pick but a whole lot of smarts, Dolphins need help here
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Apr 8
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
Miami needs a back. How about the best one in the draft?
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Mar 26
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Darron
Lee |
OLB |
The blazingly fast Lee gives the Dolphins some much-needed second-level help.
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Apr 1
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Jack
Conklin |
OT |
After missing on corner and running back, Phins settle for best remaining O-lineman.
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Apr 4
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Vernon
Hargreaves |
CB |
Has all the traits to be a top corner in the NFL
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Apr 1
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McKensie
Alexander |
CB |
(No comment given)
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Apr 10
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
Elliott in Miami is a match that makes so much sense that I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Dolphins try to trade up a few picks to make sure it happens. In the best case scenario where he makes it to No. 13, the Dolphins get the top running back in the draft class to replace Lamar Miller and pair with Jay Ajayi. |
Apr 4
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Eli
Apple |
CB |
Miami traded for former Seahawks and Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell in an attempt to solidify the position, and it doubles down here with the selection of Apple, another good-sized corner prospect.
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Mar 24
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William
Jackson III |
CB |
The NFL tends to be more stubborn about its ideal prototypes at some positions than others. Cornerback is one, so don’t expect Jackson (6' 0", 4.37-second 40) to hang around long come Round 1. He can challenge receivers in man or zone and, frankly, would be a bigger help to the Dolphins’ secondary than new arrival Byron Maxwell.
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Apr 6
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Shaq
Lawson |
DE |
As the Broncos again showed us in the AFC title game, the way you beat Tom Brady is with a relentless pass rush. Miami signed Mario Williams and re-secured Cameron Wake, but Lawson adds some youth and speed off the edge, and that’s a winning combination. Cornerback is still a need as well, because Byron Maxwell’s addition and Brent Grimes’s departure isn’t a game-changer for the Dolphins’ secondary.
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Mar 30
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Ezekiel
Elliott |
RB |
Losing Lamar Miller to the Texans in free agency was a big mistake, but the addition of Elliott would be an enormous upgrade for an offense that needs to get stronger and more consistent in the run game. At his best, Elliot brings to mind Todd Gurley and Adrian Peterson with his speed, power and agility, and to top it all off, he’s a dynamic blocker.
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Apr 8
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Noah
Spence |
DE |
The Dolphins get a very good player with some off the field issues.
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Apr 1
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McKensie
Alexander |
CB |
Landing Byron Maxwell as part of a salary dump trade from the Eagles does little to address the Dolphins' concerning situation at cornerback long term. Alexander was a lockdown cornerback for Clemson and he has the skill set necessary to become the same type of player at the next level.
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Apr 4
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DeForest
Buckner |
DE |
Buckner seems to be a consensus top 10-15 pick. Dolphins need pass-rushing help, so if the shoe fits
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Mar 8
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Shaq
Lawson |
DE |
The Dolphins have the aging Cam Wake at defensive end and added Mario Williams but lost Olivier Vernon so they still need a new piece on the edge and Lawson, a pure speed guy with the requisite motor will bring a much-needed youth to the position.
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Mar 26
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Shaq
Lawson |
DE |
Even after signing Mario Williams, the Dolphins can use a younger pass-rushing threat.
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Mar 28
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Reggie
Ragland |
ILB |
Only the Browns had more issues stopping the run in the AFC than Miami. Plugging Ragland into the middle of the Dolphins defense would have the dual benefit of shutting down some of those rushing lanes while also allowing Alonso to play in space on the outside.
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Jan 29
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Ronnie
Stanley |
OT |
The Dolphins have endured issues on their offensive line for quite some time. Their tackles used to be terrible. Then, there was Bully-gate, which forced Richie Incognito's departure. Now, the guards are horrible. Ronnie Stanley is obviously a tackle, but someone could easily just move inside. Besides, Stanley is the best-available player here, and he offers a long-term solution at left tackle for the Dolphins. I mentioned the football-passion issues with Stanley above, but he's too good to pass up at this juncture. |
Apr 6
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