Dolphins Post Free Agency Mock Draft
By Eric Roddy
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Xavier Su
I recently posted an article featuring a website called first-pick that features an interactive NFL Draft game. It enables you to be the GM of any of the 32 NFL teams and complete a draft, equipped with trading abilities and information on every draft prospect. I have been playing around with the game, and have compiled a mock draft for the Miami Dolphins that I would like to share. Here is my first attempt at a mock draft post NFL Free Agency (keep in mind FA is not over and these picks may change). These are the picks I would like to see Miami make in May, not necessarily the picks they will make.
Round 1: Xavier Su’a-Filo, Guard, UCLA
Unfortunately, OT/OG Zack Martin was off the board when it was time for the ‘Phins to pick 19th overall in the first round. I saw too much value in Su’a-Filo to pass on a different offensive linemen. Xavier would be a starter Day 1 with the Dolphins, and would shore up one of the missing pieces still left on this new O-Line. At 6 foot 4, 307 pounds, he is the perfect size for Miami’s zone blocking scheme.
Round 2: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Moses has the size and strength (6 foot 6, 314 pounds) to be a top-notch tackle in the NFL. The Dolphins have yet to sign another tackle to play opposite of Branden Albert, and I think Moses would be a great fit for the RT position. After a few years of playing on the right side, I see Miami moving Moses to protect the blindside and become their franchise LT. Moses has a great upside and has been compared to NFL starter Ryan Clady.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Round 3: Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU
Despite Miami re-signing Randy Starks, I went with a DT in the third round. The Dolphins showed us last year that having depth on the D-Line is important, as we saw the constant substitutions between Jared Odrick, Paul Soliai, and Randy Starks. Johnson, much like his teammate Ego Ferguson, has a quick first burst that helps him get into the backfield. He is a great run stopper and possesses long arms and a large frame that help him shed blockers and get to the ball carrier. He is also a sack threat.
Round 4: Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor
Whether the Dolphins sign RB Knowshon Moreno (or another FA RB) or not, I think they need to draft a RB. There are plenty of good ones in this draft, and Seastrunk should be available in the 4th. The 5 foot 9, 210 pound back runs a 4.51 forty-yard dash. Not only can he beat you with speed, but he is strong enough and has a low center of gravity perfect for breaking tackles. Seastrunk has great hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield, and I think Miami should bring him in to compete with Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas for the starting job.
John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Round 5: Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers
I have had Coleman on almost every one of my mock drafts, and for good reason. The guy is an athletic nightmare for opposing defenses. The 6 foot 6, 225 pound monster does not sacrifice speed for his size, as he ran a 4.56 forty yard dash at this year’s combine. Couple that speed and size with a good set of hands, and Coleman would be a great addition to OC Bill Lazor’s offense.
Round 6: Dontae Johnson, FS, North Carolina State
One of the only downsides in recently acquired FS Louis Delmas is his inability to stay healthy for an entire season. The hard hitting safety (previously with the Detroit Lions) has been riddles with injuries throughout his NFL career. Enter Dontae Johnson, a 6 foot 2, 200 pound ball hawk who has a passion for abusing receivers and running backs. He would be a great addition to an up and coming Dolphins secondary, and could learn from safeties Delmas and Reshad Jones.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Round 7: Ryan Groy, OG, Wisconsin
Groy set a school record by starting 54 games throughout his career at Wisconsin. He played almost every position on the O-Line except for center, and this versatility could be of extreme value for the Dolphins. Groy has great size at 6 foot 5, 315 pounds and would be an interesting project for new O-Line coach John Benton. The Dolphins should know more than any other team that you can never have too many offensive linemen.
Feel free to share your thoughts on the above draft. I look forward to the upcoming draft!
FINS UP!