Miami Dolphins should have their pick of Clemson defensive lineman

The Miami Dolphins are still the hot team to draft a quarterback but it will be the Clemson defensive lineman that should get more attention.

When Chris Grier and Stephen Ross took to the mic after Adam Gase was fired, they made it clear that they were going to re-build the roster. Later after Brian Flores was hired, it was said that they intend to build from the inside out. Enter the Clemson defensive prospects.

Three Clemson defensive front players are expected to be drafted in the first round next month and the Miami Dolphins are in the perfect spot to get one of them and fix their front seven on defense. While singularly not considered the best of their class they surely fit in the top of round one.

Clelin Ferrell – DE/OLB

Ferrell fills not one but two needs as the Dolphins are saying their defense will be a mosh pit of schemes that is more hybrid than simply a 3-4 or a 4-3. Ferrell is versatile and can line up or down on the line of scrimmage. He has a very good motor and initial burst off the line making him a valuable edge rusher who can collapse the pocket.

Ferrell makes a lot of sense for the Dolphins given the uncertainty at the defensive end position where Andre Branch and Robert Quinn are expected to be released and William Hayes will not be re-signed. There are also questions about Cam Wake’s future as well. With only Charles Harris slated to return the Dolphins need to find a stud on the edge and Ferrell is that guy.

With 55 tackles and 11.5 sacks Ferrell has made a case for a top 5 draft spot but some believe that he will slide a bit due to other teams needs and the fact that this draft class, especially at the top is deep with defensive front talent. 19 of his tackles in 2018 were for losses.

Christian Wilkins – DT

Wilkins was impressive for Clemson in 2018 and he did not harm to his status during the NFL Combine which will wrap up today. A speedy defensive lineman who can take on multiple blocks and still make plays, the Dolphins could use a big body in the middle of the defense but the question is will Miami draft a player that won’t be an every down player for them in their new scheme?

In 2018 Wilkins’ impressive season with the Tigers came with 50 tackles of which 14 were for losses and he added 5.5. sacks and forced a fumble. He was outstanding in the National Championship dismantling of Alabama’s offense.

Dexter Lawrence – DT/DE

Many project Lawrence to be a mid to late first round draft pick which might allow the Dolphins to trade back from 13 overall and grab him in the early 20’s. Lawrence is not as polished as Wilkins and Ferrell and there have been questions about his consistency but he is a solid pass rusher who can set the edge and do his job by filtering the run game back towards the middle where the linebackers can make plays.

Lawrence is interesting because he has all of the tools you want in a defensive edge rusher but lacks the polish at this point and needs to refine some of his technique but he is definitely a day one draft pick and a starter the moment he arrives.

If the Dolphins want defensive help they should turn to new defensive coach Marion Hobby who is familiar with the Clemson defensive lineman after coaching with Clemson from 2011 to 2016. He will have insight into these players and still knows the coaching staff well.