Exploring the draft: Day 3

The first two days of the 2016 NFL draft have passed and the Miami Dolphins were very active in day 2. Addressing needs as corner running back, and depth at wide receiver, the Dolphins still find themselves in need of more depth at linebacker and defensive line.

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With day 3 upon us, there are some solid options available on defense. We’ll first look at the linebacker position. Scooby Wright III of Arizona does not possess ideal size and speed, measuring in at 6-0, 239 lbs. and clocking in at 4.9 at the combine. When looking at the tape, Wright is an undeniable playmaker and one of the best defenders in college football in 2014, winning Pac 12 defensive player of the year.

Behind Wright, Clemson’s B.J. Goodson possesses better athleticism and size ( 6-1, 242, 4.69 40) and has previously worked out for the organization. Goodson brings value on special teams, while giving Miami a thumper against the run. Graded as a 3rd-6th round talent, Goodson could realistically be there for Miami in the 5th.

Shifting to the defensive line, its surprising to see Baylor defensive tackle, Andrew Billings on the board, despite being graded as a 1st-2nd round talent. Billings ( 6-1, 311 and 5.0 40) possesses a squatty, athletic build and would provide instant help on run defense. Needing a true run stopping defensive tackle that could take on two blockers, Billings would compete with 2015 pick, Jordan Phillips and veterans Earl Mitchell and Chris Jones.

To acquire Billings, the Dolphins would ideally have to trade up. Notre Dame’s Sheldon Day and Maryland’s Quinton Jefferson are possible options for Miami in the 5th and 7th round. While Day lacks ideal size at 6-1, 293 lbs., his play is reminiscent to the Bengals’s Geno Atkins and Rams’ Aaron Donald. Day could be a solid 3-technique in the Dolphins 4-3 scheme and help with the interior pass rush.

Maryland’s Quinton Jefferson is seen as a late round talent that could be had between the 6th- 7th round. After working out for the organization, Jefferson brings ideal size, 6-4 291 lbs, while having the athleticism (4.9, 40) to play both tackle and end. Jefferson had a strong junior season, notching 6.5 sacks, blocking a kick and even contributing an interception.

After a strong day 1 and 2, the Dolphins find themselves still in position to acquire help at both linebacker and defensive line. With so many question marks, the Dolphins could find potential contributors in the day’s later rounds. Who do you want the Dolphins to select?

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