Miami Dolphins 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0
Jul 29, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins helmets are seen prior to a scrimmage at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
I’ll be the first to point out that doing NFL Mock Drafts this early is idiotic. Nevertheless, I decided I would take a shot at throwing together a full 7-round mock draft for the Miami Dolphins to spark some debate between fans.
Note: I’m torn on some of the picks I have below, and I’ll tell you why in the description.
This mock draft is based upon current need ruling out free agency pick-ups, but does take into consideration “probable” decisions for Miami’s OWN free agents – re-signing CB Brent Grimes (tagging), re-signing S Chris Clemons, DT Paul Soliai, etc.
Without further ado….
First Round Pick #19
January 1, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Taylor Lewan (77) against the South Carolina Gamecocks works out prior of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Analysis: I’m not sold on this pick. The first reason being, I don’t know if Lewan is the answer at left tackle for the Miami Dolphins, but I do think that under the current circumstances, he would have to be the pick for the team. I am uncomfortable selecting Tennessee OT Tiny Richardson at 19, and I don’t feel comfortable with ‘Bama OT Cyrus Kouandjio at left tackle. This pick is purely based upon upside, which Lewan clearly has over the aforementioned tackles.
That being said, Lewan is a 6’7” 315 pound monster, who could strive as a right tackle in this league in a zone blocking scheme. Lewan is the pick under the current circumstances.
Second Round Pick # 50
November 3, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) works out prior to the game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
Analysis: I actually love this pick right here for a few reasons. The first of which being that Miami will likely allow DT Randy Starks to walk due to his pricey demands, but will likely retain DT Paul Soliai – if they do not this could all change. Secondly, Easley has first round talent, but an injury hampered his junior season. But this guy could be a stud within the middle of this defense.
Easley is a 6’2” 285 pound defensive tackle who is ultra athletic and would give DC Kevin Coyle numerous possibilities. With this selection Coyle could implement a sub-3-4 package or a hybrid style defense to confuse opposing offenses. Easley could also play 4-3 defensive end in short yardage situations.
Third Round Pick # 81
Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles linebacker Christian Jones (7) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Jones, LB, Florida State
Analysis: Now here is a bit of a surprise pick to some, but it makes sense when you take a deeper look. Miami may end up cutting 2013’s disappointment of the season in OLB Philip Wheeler and that could bode well for last year’s 4th round pick, Jelani Jenkins. And if MLB Dannell Ellerbe plays as bad as he did last season, Miami may be looking for an upgrade in the middle, also.
Enter FSU MLB Christian Jones.
Jones is a freakishly athletic linebacker at 6’3” 235 pounds and will likely run a sub 4.6 at the combine. He is an excellent blitzer and covers quite well. Jones would likely need a season to figure out how to adapt to the speed of the NFL, but I think Jones could develop into a 3-down linebacker at the next level. And yet again, it would really give Coyle some great possibilities with his defense along with an added dimension of speed.
Fourth Round Pick # 112
Brandon Thomas, OG, Clemson
Analysis: Yes, round 4 is where Miami finds their guard to stick next to whoever plays left tackle next season for this team. Brandon Thomas, similar to the majority of the offensive players you will see in this mock, played in a pro style offense during his collegiate years, and is a perfect fit for this Miami offense.
Thomas is a 6’3” 305 pound guard who does everything well, but nothing incredible. He’s your prototypical fourth round guard who could end up turning into an all-pro or completely go unheard of three seasons down the road (John Jerry?).
Thomas possesses some nice foot work and great athleticism for a guard. He would be a nice find in the fourth round for this Miami team.
Fifth Round Pick # 143
Oct 5, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back James Wilder Jr. (32) warms up before the start of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
James Wilder Jr. RB, Florida State
Analysis: Wilder is going to test very, very well at the combine due to his incredible athleticism, but he may not go as high as he should due to his lack of production at FSU due to a clogged back field. Nonetheless, Wilder should be a Miami Dolphin next season…
Why?
He is a 6’2” 230 pound running back who has experience in a pro style offense, runs hard, catches the ball well, and can pass protect. That’s right, he was the primary pass pro back at FSU.
Would you like to know what else he did for the ‘Noles?
He was their short-yardage back and excelled in that role. He has the speed, elusiveness, and power that RB Daniel Thomas wishes he had.
Any questions?
Sixth Round Pick # 174
Nov 9, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach James Franklin celebrates with offensive linesman Wesley Johnson (67) after they scored a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the Florida Gators 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Wesley Johnson, OT/G, Vanderbilt
Analysis: Wesley Johnson could end up going much, much higher than the sixth round after the combine because he is going to test very well. He’s a super-athletic offensive lineman who is listed at 6’5” 295 pounds.
He has started every single game for Vanderbilt since 2010 and has played four out of five positions along the offensive line.
Due to Johnson’s athleticism and experience at numerous offensive line positions, he would be a perfect fit for this Miami offense. Johnson would be the newer and much cheaper Nate Garner, in which he could step in for any starter along the offensive line.
Seventh Round Pick # 211
Oct 12, 2013; Fort Collins, CO, USA; San Jose State Spartans cornerback Bene Benwikere (21) intercepts a pass intended for Colorado State Rams wide receiver Thomas Coffman (2) in the fourth quarter at Hughes Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Rams 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Bene Benwikere, CB, San Jose State
Analysis: Bene Benwikere is your typical late round corner prospect. He is an unpolished corner who has some upside, but it’s nothing extraordinary.
Bewikere is a great tackling corner and could fit in well with this secondary. He plays the ball well in the air, and likes to play press coverage. This organization likes to draft secondary players late in the draft to develop them, Bewikere could be their new project.
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