Miami Dolphins daily mock draft Saturday edition
We’re shoving out our daily seven-round mock drafts for the Miami Dolphins here at PhinPhanatic leading all the way up to the 2018 NFL Draft. In today’s draft, Miami lands one of the top linebackers of the class.
Earlier this week, we began our daily seven-round mock drafts for the Miami Dolphins using the Fanspeak mock draft simulator tool. While the simulator does not account for trades, and is far less than 100% accurate, it does allow us to give a perspective on what team needs the Dolphins will be addressing, and where to expect Miami to find them.
For this simulation, I used the composite big board, and NFL Mock team needs. For every simulation, we use difficult level. Take a look below at how today’s simulation played out.
Round 1 – Tremaine Edmunds – LB
Even though the Dolphins are highly looking to add a linebacker quickly in this draft, this is the first simulation we’ve done so far where Miami lands one in the first round. With the top four quarterbacks going in the first five picks, and Roquan Smith going to the Colts at #6, this becomes an easier pick for the Dolphins, who land the linebacker with, arguably, the highest potential of this class.
Round 2 – Dallas Goedert – TE
Goedert is projected as a late first-round pick, and it’s unlikely that he falls to the Dolphins here at pick 42. By taking him here, he actually became the first tight end taken off the board in this simulation so that’s probably not realistic. Dolphins fans would be jumping for joy though if the first two rounds fell like this for them.
Round 3 – B.J. Hill – DT
I really wanted to take a running back here, but with Kerryon Johnson and Rashaad Penny coming off the board just a few picks prior, I decided to go with best player available that still fills a need. Miami needs to fill the void of losing Ndamukong Suh, although it’s not as drastic as some may think. Hill has great speed for his size with a good IQ for the game. He’s the best available defensive tackle remaining on the board at this time.
Round 4 – Mike White – QB
Miami tried their hand at a former Western Kentucky quarterback a few years back that didn’t pan out, but they would have a much better shot with White. White began his career at South Florida before landing in Western Kentucky so it would be a sort of homecoming if he does land with the Dolphins. He has to learn to become more consistent, and read defenses, but he can be groomed while backing up Ryan Tannehill.
Round 4 – John Kelly – RB
I like a lot of the running backs in this class that I’m sure I’ll be happy with whoever the Dolphins select. One in particular that I like is Kelly, who is a bit undersized, and doesn’t have the greatest speed. Kelly is tough though, and does have the potential to become a workhorse back if called upon. He’ll have a great teacher in Frank Gore, and all around player in Kenyan Drake, to learn from in order to help improve his game.
Round 6 – Tray Matthews – S
It’s unclear yet as to whether or not Miami wants to sign Kenny Vaccaro or not, or possibly wait to see how the draft plays out before offering a deal. Matthews is a viable option for them, however, in the late rounds. He was also viewed as the alpha male in the locker room according to his Auburn teammates, and we all know how Adam Gase feels about those types of guys.
Round 7 – Jake Bennett – C
This is the second time I’ve mocked Bennett to the Dolphins at this point of the draft. Mostly because I think he fits the mold of what Miami is looking for as an offensive lineman, plus he can play both guard and center. This is no longer a dire need for the Dolphins, and Bennett can add some valuable depth as a late round pick.
Round 7 – Antonio Callaway – WR
Callaway has some character concerns for sure. If he had stayed out of trouble, he’d probably be a first or second round pick this year. He needs to get his head on straight, but with that said, he’ll still here his name called at some point, probably on Day 3. Although Miami has a bunch of wide receivers at the moment, this is a low-risk, high reward option for their final selection.