Phin Phanatic
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5 best first round options for Miami Dolphins

By Brian Miller

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Evan Spencer (6) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) react following Elliot
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Evan Spencer (6) and running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) react following Elliot /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Jack Conklin – Offensive Tackle – MSU

There are a lot of people in the mainstream media who do not think Miami will address the tackle position in round one. I actually have Conklin as my first choice if Elliot if off the board. Conklin can play both guard and tackle and the additioin of Conklin gives the Dolphins flexibility with the offensive line. Playing guard in 2016 next to Branden Albert will help Conklin develop and acclimate to the NFL speed. Albert’s contract is also high and the Dolphins could move on from their left tackle as early as the 2017 off-season.

If the Dolphins do indeed expect Albert to be gone in a year or two years, having their future left tackle on the roster will help the transition and eliminate the hole that Albert would leave. In addition it fixes the left guard position immediately for the near future allowing the Dolphins to either develop his replacement when he moves to left tackle, or find a replacement in next years draft or free agency.

Conklin is a very solid tackle/guard with good footwork. He is physical at the point of contact and uses his legs well to move with pass rushers but he needs to get better in that protection as he lacks good speed and strength. He will need to get stronger to play left tackle down the road. As a run blocker Conklin is very good and the Dolphins need someone who can help open holes. I have never been a proponent of drafting offensive lineman in round one but this year Conklin has become that exception.

Next: Linebacker

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