How The Dolphins Will Attack Rounds 5 & 7
How will the Dolphins attack the backend rounds of the draft will be just as interesting as the first three rounds. Remember, the Dolphins lost their third and fourth round pick in this upcoming draft due to a draft day trade last year. They were able to stock pile three 5th round selections (what’s up with the Dolphins and the 5th round) once again.
Just to recap, the Dolphins, if I was in charge, selected the following players in the first to third rounds:
Assuming the Dolphins sign Zach Brown: Takkarist McKinley, Marcus Williams and Sidney Jones
OR
Assuming Brown doesn’t sign: Jarrad Davis, Charles Harris and Sidney Jones
Fifth round – 166th overall:
The Dolphins are going to address their guard need, as the way the board unfolded, their primary target wasn’t available (Lamp). Waiting until the 5th round is a concern, but it does provide the Dolphins an opportunity to select Zach Banner USC- Guard. Banner follows the type of player that the Dolphins have previously selected, as he is an alpha player. You need someone to give a half time speech, motivate the player next to you, or a leader in the trenches, the Dolphins get all that with this selection.
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Fifth round – 178th overall:
The Dolphins need to start thinking of their defensive line again, and specifically, there nose tackle rotation. Although Suh is going to give the Dolphins everything (as he should with a 20 Million cap hit) he needs a break or two. Jordan Philips is going to need to show that he was worth the second round selection, as his former back ups are no longer on this team. As such, the Dolphins select Deangelo Brown – DL – Louisville. Brown, was the back backbone of Louisville defensive line, so let’s see what he can do without getting double or tripled team.
Fifth round – 184th overall:
The Dolphins would be wise to double down in the 5th round on offensive linemen. Remember our starting center hasn’t played a full season since 2012. Pouncey really hurt our running game, the stats show that the Dolphins are different team with him in the line up. With our current roster, there are okay options, but an injury away can shift the entire dynamic of the Dolphins line. With the 184th selection the Dolphins select Jon Toth – Kentucy – Center. The biggest thing that I like about Toth, he hasn’t missed a game. He’s got a lot of work to do, but has the build needed to play either Center or Guard, which makes him an ideal choice in the 5th round.
Seventh round – 223rd overall
I can’t remember the last time a seventh-round pick made an impact for the Miami Dolphins outside of special teams? With that in mind, the Dolphins will select Ben Boulware LB – Clemson. Boulware once again fits into the character type, that all previous picks have in common. Boulware is a young determined athlete that will first make his mark on special teams. He has the drive and passion to be a draft pick and let’s see what he can do under Matt Burke.
Taking a step back the Dolphins, had to address their gaps along the oline, and with Banner and Toth both available, it made for an easy decision. Brown is the darkhorse. He will have an opportunity to get some valuable reps as a rookie, and based on his desire to succeed, could actually have an impact.
Even with the draft coming to an end, the Miami Dolphins still have a few needs to address, and this mock did not take trades into consideration, so watch out for that come April. Nonetheless, the key factor is what will become of Zach Brown and the Dolphins? If they sign Brown before the draft, the Dolphins are in a position, where they can draft BPA (Best Player Available) which is something that Grier continues to stress.