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Miami Dolphins Offseason Square Two

By Dale-Paul Jordan

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) attempts to tackle in the first quarter in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) attempts to tackle in the first quarter in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last week, an article was created to lay the foundation of how the Miami Dolphins should attack free agency.  High level overview, the Dolphins would be wise to sign the following players:

Amini Silatolu – G
Jeff Allen – G
Trumaine Johnson – CB
Malik Jackson – DE
Danny Trevathan – ILB
Lamar Miller – RB
Derek Shelby – DE
Leon Hall – CB

The biggest name missing from this list is Olivier Vernon – that is based on design.  OV shouldn’t be part of the Dolphins game plan, I stated this before and I will again, he just doesn’t show me one of the most important characteristic in the game – heart.

Nonetheless, now that the square 1 is completed, square 2 is the NFL Draft. The Dolphins are armed with a pick in every round and an extra one in the 7th.  As the roster and depth chart start filling in there are still some notable depth issues that must be addressed, thankfully there is the draft to fill these voids with blue chip prospects.

1st round:

  • Being the GM my first target is Jalen Ramsey. He is the best player in this draft class – think Sean Taylor and Eric Berry mixed into one.  It is highly unlikely that Ramsey will be available with the 8th overall pick, as such, it might come down to two players; Jaylon Smith or Myles Jack.   Let’s be honest with each other, if Jaylon Smith, didn’t tear his MCL, there is no way he would be available at the 8th spot– this prospect was being considered for the first overall selection.  The Dolphins would be getting one of the best players in the draft at the 8th selection, who might not play until week 10? Do you decide to take on the risk? Jaylon Smith is my target and I make the selection – you can’t pass on a player like that.  He looks like the next coming of Patrick Willis and the Dolphins passed on him for Ted Ginn Jr, history won’t repeat itself.

2nd round:

  • One thing to remember is my primary first target, Ramsey. I wasn’t able to get him, and the Dolphins still have a free parking sign with the Free Safety position.  I would re-sign Louis Delmas, to an incentive ridden contract.  I look around the room, I resolved my need at guard with acquiring two legit swinging guards in free agency.  I need to address my safety concern and I look at the board and its shining with Darian Thompson from Boise State.  DT is legit, a definite playmaking free safety that the Dolphins haven’t had since Brock Marion.

3rd round:

  • My first round pick might not be able to play until week 10, or, I might even decide to redshirt him his entire rookie year. The Dolphins understand and appreciate the injury concern, and would be wise to double down in the linebacker position, as this was one of their weakest positions last year – enter Scooby Wright.   Wright is a beast of linebacker and can play the SAM or MIKE.  Pairing Wright with Trevathan and Jenkins finalizes my 4-3 formation.  What is even better, is next year, I have potentially the best linebacking core in the AFC, with Jaylon Smith, Scooby Wright, and Danny Trevathan.  Last thing to mention – my entire core is under 25 and will be playing their best ball with Suh in the middle.

4th round:

  • I am comfortable that I have 3 day one starters with my first three picks. Now, I am looking for depth.  What happens if my one of guards gets injured, I can’t feel comfortable putting in Dallas Thomas? I use my 4th round pick on the best guard available and that is Sebastian Tretola from Arkansas State.  Tretoal comes from a power running scheme and looks like a player ready to take the next step.   Don’t get me wrong, he is a project player, but 3 years at the guard position in a run orientated system, makes me feel great about this prospect.

5th round:

  • Let’s put it this way, if Bronson Kaufusi is still around in the 5th, I am running up to the podium. 6’7 and was ranked 2nd in all important categories for a defensive end to Deforest Buckner.

6th round:

  • The Dolphins don’t have a legit backup center. If Mike Pouncey goes down again, I don’t believe the Dolphins can remain competitive with Jamil Douglas handling the ball.  In this case, as I did in the 1st and 3rd round, I once again double down on Oline.   Austin Blythe from Iowa.  Best player available that can learn and develop behind Pouncey.

7th round:

  • I am filling out roster spots for either the best player available for WR and CB, trying to replicate my hidden gem find on Rishard Mathews. Understanding that I want to see what I have in Matt Hazel.  With my second 7th round selection, I could go cornerback, but I doubled down last year with McCain and Lippett, whom I am excited about.

To review:

Free Agency:

Draft

Amini Silatolu – G

Jaylon Smith – OLB
Darian Thompson – FS
Scooby Wright – OLB
Sebastian Tretoal – G
Bronson Kaufusi – DE
Austin Blythe –C

What do you think of the remade Miami Dolphins?

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