Miami Dolphins 2018 draft names that could surprise fans
By Brian Miller
When the Miami Dolphins 2018 draft begins many believe that quarterback and linebacker will be top options with corner and safety being another.
No one knows what the Miami Dolphins are planning to do Thursday night. While most people believe names like Baker Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Roquan Smith, Tremain Edmunds, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are going to get a lot conversation through the early part of the night, Miami fans should brace for some surprise names that might be heard when the commissioner announces their pick.
If there is one thing that the Dolphins are very good at it’s they know how to keep a secret. Typically one that surprises their fanbase. Remember passing on Brady Quinn and hearing Ted Ginn, Jr.? How about hearing Charles Harris‘ name or Ja’Wuan James name or Jared Odrick‘s name and so on and so on and so on.
At pick 11 the Dolphins might still find a way to make people shake their heads. Here are some names that could be called on Thursday.
Vita Vea – Vea wouldn’t be a surprise but many fans do not see him as a special player. The Dolphins may view this differently and could be trying to fill the void left by Ndamukong Suh. Drafting Vea wouldn’t be the end of the world but he isn’t a popular choice and even Dave Hyde of the Sun-Sentinel mentioned that he is a two down defensive lineman.
Leighton Vander Esch – Most believe that LVE will be a mid to late first round draft pick. Concerns over his health reportedly had some teams taking him off their boards entirely. The LVE camp denies any health concerns. LVE is a coverage linebacker and does well in coverage so naturally there is a need in the minds of Dolphins executives. Drafting him at 11 would be a huge risk and a bigger reach. Could he be an option if the Dolphins move down? Maybe but hearing his name at 11 will not make people happy.
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Mike McGlinchey – Lately the top offensive tackle in the draft has been creeping up draft boards and rumors of his rise on teams boards is also starting. McGlinchey is expected to be drafted in the top 15 and some think he could go around ten. Guess who drafts at 11? Mike Tannenbaum has a history of two things, drafting offensive lineman and defensive lineman. The Dolphins don’t really need McGlinchey so hearing his name called at 11 would be a bit of shock and really make Twitter a hotbed of complaining Dolphins fans.
Derrius Guice – Guice is a first round talent and the Dolphins could be in the market for a running back since Frank Gore is here on a one year deal. At 11 it is a bit high as he figures to go in the mid to late round one. Depending on who is still available at pick 11 selecting Guice could send social media into a panic.
Da’Ron Payne: Between Vita Vea and Payne, I’m on the Payne side of the fence but if the Dolphins drafted him at 11 I would be more than shocked. Payne is a ball player and has great athleticism for his size but like Vea it is taking a player at a position that really isn’t a huge need.