On The FinSide 7 round Dolphins mock draft

It starts to get more interesting when you hit the mid-rounds. Miami has found some solid players in the middle of the draft including Jay Ajayi and Lamar Miller most recently. Thus far the Dolphins have drafted, in my portion of the mock, two corner’s and a tackle. It’s time to address other areas of need.

Cat’s pick – Joe Dahl – guard – Washington State.

Paul’s pick – Isaac Seaumalo – guard – Oregon State.

Both selections address one of the most obvious needs on the team. The offensive line has been atrocious for far too long and the Dolphins inability to find serviceable free agents has let to Ryan Tannehill being sacked more than any other quarterback the last four years. The selections of offensive lineman is not surprising given the fact that neither Cat nor Paul have addressed the position prior to the 4th round.

I however have already addressed the position in round two so I’m going in another direction.

Scooby Wright, III – LB – Arizona

Wright is projected to go in the 4th round in most mock drafts but he could be off the board by a linebacker needy team in the late 3rd. Of course all players can go too early while some others fall. The 4th round will be interesting because one player could still be on the board that would warrant serious consideration. Linebacker Jaylon Smith. Smith’s knee injury during bowl season puts his rookie season on ice. Smith isn’t expected to play a single down in 2016 and there are questions as to whether or not he will ever return to the field as the player he was in college. If Smith were healthy he would be the top linebacker in the draft. There is no way of knowing which team will take the risk of drafting Smith or what round he may go in but if he is still on the board in round 4, I would give a lot of thought to eating his first season.

ROUND 5

Moving on to round five Cat doubles up with the offensive line while Paul goes in a direction most expect Miami not to pursue.

Cat – Joe Thuney – guard – N. Carolina

Paul – Tyler Higbee – TE – Western Kentucky

I don’t see the Dolphins going tight end in this draft. They have made a committment for at least one more year on Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims will return along with Jake Stoneburner. Tight end is a need at some point in the next two years but too many other holes need to be filled first. No one can complain about another guard or any offensive lineman for that matter so Cat is correct that Miami could go back t0 back lineman in round four and five.

Tyler Ervin – RB – San Jose State

Ervin isn’t the elite running back that Ezekiel Elliot is but he is a good option to spell Jay Ajayi. Ervin is quick and fast and can make a big impact returning kicks and punts as he acclimates to the NFL level. The Dolphins, for my part, have not addressed the running back position yet and drafting Ervin will give Miami an opportunity to really look at Damien Williams, and the other back-ups. The Dolphins could also add another free agent runner to compete in training camp and possibly split carries with Ajayi while Ervin develops.

Next: Rounds 6 & 7