Miami Dolphins 2016 mock draft
By Brian Miller
Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) tackles Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt (34) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Round Four
Reggie Ragland – ILB – Alabama
Ragland will likely enter the 2016 NFL Draft ranked far higher than he is now. In fact if the Dolphins value him at all, he may be their target in round three but a strong showing by this Alabama senior in 2015 could move him into the bottom of the 2nd round as well.
The Dolphins lack playmakers in the linebacker interior. Koa Misi was a lone bright spot against the Bills in week three but the Dolphins have moved him outside after trying him out in the middle during the 2014 season. Miami has gone the route of playing Kelvin Sheppard in the middle but he is actually being outplayed at times by un-drafted rookie Zach Vigil and that is not acceptable.
Miami needs to address the linebacker problems they have. Failed attempts in free agency with Dannelle Ellerbe and Phillip Wheeler have left the Dolphins thin at linebacker and their other free agent acquisitions have been poor as well.
Round Five
Jordan Lucas – CB – Penn State
Can the Dolphins actually afford to wait for a cornerback in next years draft? Probably not. The Dolphins spent two 5th round picks on corners in the last draft. Bobby McCain is at least playing. Tony Lippett is a big project that has a long way to go before he makes any impact on the roster, even on special teams. McCain is a question mark as well.
Lucas transitioned to safety this spring which can only help his stock. He has started 24 of his last 25 games entering the season at cornerback. At 6’0″ 199 pounds Lucas is fast and has the type of height the Dolphins lack at the position. Nothing is going to solve the Dolphins problems in the 5th round of a draft. If it does then the team will get lucky. Lucas has some work to do and he won’t be a fill in starter immediately but the Dolphins should see a higher upside from Lucas than they did in Lippett and likely McCain as well. Having a player who can play both safety and corner also gives the team some needed flexibility.
Next: Round Six & Seven