Dolphins would be wise to Double Down on Second Day
The smokescreen of whom the Dolphins should select is over,Laremy Tunsil is now a member of the Miami Dolphins. Congratulations to this blue chip prospect that was considered a top 3 player, moments before the NFL draft. Media outlets across the country will now be dissecting this pick as if they were first year med students. Move on people, we got another 2 rounds coming up today!
Where does that leave the Miami Dolphins – in great shape! The Dolphins own the 11th selection of the 2nd round, 10th selection in round 3 and the 9th selections in round 4. Based on the how the big board has been presented, the Dolphins have a chance to repeat history, and double down with either the cornerback position or Linebacker.
Here is how it could potentially work:
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Cornerback:
Mackenzie Alexander is still on the board. How? No idea. To be honest, Mackenzie should have been drafted in the first round, he possess the skills sets to become a day 1 starter for the Dolphins. The knock on his game is his lack of playing making plays – interceptions – but watching the game tape this deficit was caused by lack of opposing quarterbacks throwing against him. If the Dolphins would like another starter, Mackenzie makes a lot of sense in the second round.
In the 3rd round, why not once again select another promising cornerback in Cryus Jones from Alabama. Jones has been playing in pro style defense with Nick Saban for the past few years and has been flying under the radar. Drafting Jones and pairing him with Maxwell, and Mackenzie, all of a sudden, the Dolphins lack of depth in the secondary is addressed.
Linebacker:
Myles Jack. Could the Dolphins honestly come away with two top 5 prospects? The thought alone is too enticing, I am not even sure how this could be possible. Yes, Jack has concerns, primarily focused on his knee. Jack admitted to the media that he will eventually require surgery, the same doctors that told J.J that he has nerve damage and won’t last after his rookie contract runs out. Bottom line, if the Dolphins medical staff, honestly thinks Jack can play for 3-4 year, why not take him?
The other injured linebacker that everyone knows will not be able to suit up this upcoming season is Jaylon Smith. Similar to Jack, Jaylon would have been a top 5 selection if not for tearing his ACL during last years bowl game. Jaylon is the definition of a game changer – think Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis had a love child (ugly image, but you get where I am going). The biggest downside for the Dolphins would be that Jaylon wouldn’t suit up in 2017. Should they waste a 3rd round selection on a player with these circumstances? Why not? Dolphins selected John Jerry in the 3rd round – that didn’t work out, Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner – these are the worst two guards in the league right now? How much of an immediate impact have these former 3rd round selections made? Jaylon Smith – the sky is the limit for this kid once he recovers.
The Dolphins would be wise to repeat history and double down in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, a combination of elite linebackers or cornerbacks. The Dolphins legitimately have a chance to select three potential top ten players within each round, and that is an opportunity of a life time.
For a team with a stigma of poor drafts, the opportunity is there for the Dolphin to seize.