Final staff predictions for Miami Dolphins first round pick
By Brian Miller
The NFL Draft will kick-off tonight but there is no guarantee that the Miami Dolphins will make their selection at 22. Moving up, down, or out of round one is always a possibility.
Now that the mock drafts are over it’s only a matter of waiting to hear whose name is read off the card when it’s turned in to the front desk and then read by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Although the mock drafts are over, there is still time to predict what name that might be.
Our staff is taking a stab at the prediction as well as providing insight into their own desires of who they want the Dolphins to pick. Tell us in the comments who you want Miami to draft and who you think they will draft.
Matt Stevens:
Who I think the Dolphins WILL pick:
Forrest Lamp G- This selection reminds me a lot of 2011 when everybody was mocking C Mike Pouncey to the Dolphins. This pick doesn’t appeal to me personally but Lamp can play all five OL spots so he provides the kind of versatility that the Dolphins covet.
Who I want them to take:
DE Derek Barnett is my ‘dream pick’ but is probably gone by this time so I will continue to “pound the table” for DE/OLB T.J. Watt.
I know he only has one year of starting experience but he can immediately fill Miami’s SLB vacancy on 1st and second down while also rushing the passer from the DE spot on third down.
Dale-Paul Jordan
Who the Dolphins will draft:
Reuben Foster – LB – Alabama
The reasoning is simple…the Dolphins most pressing need is not a play making linebacker that can fully play all three downs, however, Foster will slide to the latter end of the draft due to his off field issues. The Dolphins are known for following their draft board which is usually based on best player available and Foster will be on top of their draft board. Add in the fact the Gase/Saban ties and this is a match made is heaven. The Dolphins will then attack defensive end in the second round.
Who I think they will draft
Jordan Willis DE Kansas State
The weakest position of depth is the defensive line. Basically, they are one injury away from having a bunch of cast offs anchor one of the most important positions. In a division against Tom Brady, the Dolphins need to find ways to constantly present pressure, enter Jordan Willis.
Tyler Olson
Who I WANT Miami to draft:
Reuben Foster, LB – Alabama
If Foster drops down to Miami at 22 there’s no way they can pass on his talent. They proved last year that they’re not worried about a player with character concerns. Foster would be a huge asset to Matt Burke’s defense. Plug-and-play from day 1.
Who I THINK Miami will draft:
Forrest Lamp, G – Western Kentucky
A safe pick for Miami that’ll lock in the left side of their line for years to come. Lamp may have growing pains early on going from Western Kentucky to the NFL but he could be BPA and the top team need at 22.
Eric Frosbutter
Who I want Miami to draft:
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Miami really needs to add a linebacker early in the draft. Reddick had an excellent Combine, and would fit in nicely as an every down player.
Who I think Miami will draft:
Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
The Dolphins still need to add an offensive guard, and Lamp is rated as the best in this class. Lamp played tackle in college, but is expected to play guard in the NFL, and possibly even center. With Miami’s injury woes on the line, they could utilize him in other areas if needed.
Sean Hennessey
Who I want: Obi Melifonwu, DB, UConn
Seattle’s experiment with creating a physically larger secondary paid dividends for them. Melifonwu was a top performer in the 40, vertical, and broad jump at the NFL Combine. With his downhill speed and Miami’s Wide-Nine defensive scheme, he could at the very least be a solid pass rusher for when Suh and Wake are covered. While he doesn’t fill a pressing need, his athleticism and potential could be developed and make him a valuable bargaining chip in the future.
Who I think will be drafted: Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky
Derric hit the nail on the head. A healthy, productive line keeps Tannehill safe, develops the run for Ajayi, and trickles down to better passes to receivers. Not only could Lamp be an instant starter, but he can be plugged into multiple positions on the offensive line.
James Anderson
Who I want Miami to draft:
Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
It’s not often a perfect fit lines up to what appears to be the Dolphins biggest need. And when it happens it shouldn’t be passed over. You have to pick Lamp to keep the strong running game intact. Ryan Tannehill is said to start playing with a knee brace and is also expected to be more of a pocket QB. The extra protection is crucial as is continuing a strong running game.
Who I think Miami will draft:
Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Most of the chatter is DE in the first round with the idea of replacing Cam Wake and I believe Takk has used Cam as a role model. While having more pressure on the QB and replacing Wake is ideal. I don’t feel it should have precedent over OG. Wake has at least a few years left. And newly signed William Hayes as the third man to Wake and Branch is better comparatively to the projected starting guards in Jermon Bushrod and Ted Larsen.
Justin Neeley
I think the Miami Dolphins will select Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida.
This pick makes a lot of sense. The Fins need help at the linebacker position, and defense is the more prudent need in the first round. Davis doesn’t come with any baggage like Reuben Foster or some of the other names there, and he has the potential to be a star in the NFL for years to come. He can bring the pressure and with the Lawrence Timmons signing you can expect him to grow into a leader. If he’s still available, and something tells me he might be, then I don’t see why they wouldn’t keep Davis in Florida.
Who do I think they should take?
Christian McCaffrey, RB/WR/KR/PR, Stanford.
Crazy, I know, but i’ve been on board the McCaffrey bandwagon since 2015. He’s an all around talent with versatility at any offensive position. He can return punts, taking pressure off Jarvis Landry. He’s a better pass-catcher than Kenyan Drake and when he’s on the field, you can line him up anywhere and expect a big play to develop. The Dolphins need defense, but this years draft is chock full of talent on that side of the field, so Miami can afford to take a risk. The kids a born playmaker.
Ryan Davis
Who I want Miami to draft:
OL Forrest Lamp
The Dolphins have been looking for guards for the last ten years. They have used Rex Hadnot, Chris Liwienski, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Justin Smiley, Donald Thomas, Richie Incognito, John Jerry, Daryn Colledge, Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, Jermon Bushrod, and many more at the guard position over the last ten years. The Dolphins get an instant starter at a position that has been difficult to fill for a decade and he can play multiple positions on the offensive line. Laremy Tunsil and Forrest Lamp will solidify the offensive line for the next 8 to 10 years.
Who I think Miami will draft:
LB Jarrad Davis
Jarrad Davis is a talented linebacker that fills a need. He will be the best player available at pick 22. OL Forrest Lamp, LB Reuben Foster, DE, Derek Barnett, and LB Haason Reddick will be off the board when the Dolphins pick.
Derric Turner
I want Miami to draft:
Forrest Lamp, G – Western Kentucky
We all have seen what a healthy offensive line can do for Jay Ajayi and the confidence in the pocket for Ryan Tannehill. Lamp brings in a Day 1 starter who can play anywhere on the line that is needed. With Branden Albert being traded and Mike Pouncey seen on crutches at Aaron Hernandez’ funeral, anything other than OL in the 1st Round would be shocking.
I think Miami will draft:
Taco Charlton, DE – Michigan
Miami’s DE group is getting old. Cameron Wake is 35, William Hayes is 31, and Andre Branch is 27. It’s time to rebuild and mold the next age of DL group for the Dolphins. Wake is a great mentor who can teach Charlton on one of his weaknesses, setting the edge consistently. Although he may not have final call on pick selection, we all know Stephen Ross’ connection to the University of Michigan.
Jairo Crespo
Want: Trade Back or
Forrest “I Love” Lamp, OG, W. Kentucky
Dolphins’ talent is suited for a power run team (QB play). Tannehill needs a clean pocket and is coming off of a knee injury. Also this draft is projected to have a weak crop of Offensive Linemen, possibly forcing Miami to take an OL early to give themselves the best chance of finding a starter.
Who I think they will Pick:
Reuben Foster, ILB, Bama (Depending on who falls)
Everyone else loves Reuben Foster’s tape. Instinctive, sideline to sideline, hitter, and faced top talent. With the recent “failed” sample, incident at the combine, and other questions off the field, it’s not foolhardy to think that Foster could fall to the Dolphins. Lawrence Timmons is a stop gap LB, Kiko is more of a coverage, Misi is not dependable, and Hewitt is still raw.
Brian Miller – site Editor
Who I think they will draft:
Charles Harris – DE – Missouri
I think the Dolphins are so high on Harris that if a trade offer comes in and he is on the board they will draft him instead. I’m not a fan. This is a guy to me that is good for the first 2 seconds of a play and then is done. While he fills a need I think there are better options at 22.
Who I would like them to draft:
Jordan Willis – LB – Kansas State
Tough call here because there are a lot players projected to be in Miami’s lap at 22. I would love to see Reuben Foster but everyone wants that. The question is will he fall? Same with Derrek Barnett. While I like Forrest Lamp and would be fine with the pick, I would really like to see the Dolphins trade back into the late 20’s or 30’s and take K. State LB Jordan Willis who I think will blossom into a top NFL LB.