Miami Dolphins 2016 mock draft

Nov 9, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams (2) with the ball as offensive linesman Jon Heck (71) and guard Landon Turner (78) block in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Round Two

Landon Turner – Guard – North Carolina

Guard play in Miami is abysmal. Period. Jamie Douglas is trying but the Dolphins need to replace both Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas. Turner wasn’t even active for their week three game against the Bills. Branden Albert is banged up again and that has been his MO since arriving in the NFL. Let’s not forget that Albert also has a chronic back problem which was one of the leading reasons the Chiefs let him go.

Turner is a big strong guard who can pull efficiently and is strong in both run and pass blocking. As a redshirt freshman in 2012, Turner started the final four games and appeared in 12 of those games. He has started ever since. If Turner continues to play strong at UNC this year he will likely increase his draft stock and may not be available when the Dolphins select in round two, even if they are drafting high. The good news is that there are plenty of guards and tackles that can be slide in day one starters for the Dolphins at the top of round two.

The Dolphins could go cornerback here as well but to be honest the Dolphins can no longer afford to draft offensive lineman in the mid-rounds. They tried with Jonathan Martin who was an epic fail and Jamil Douglas was a 4th rounder last year but Miami needs players that are developed and ready to play now. Turner is ready for the NFL and his transition should be pretty easy. With so much money tied up in four or five players, I find it very unlikely we see a free agency splash. Although the Dolphins will most definitely attack the 3rd and 4th tier lineman from next years crop of cast offs.

Next: Round Three