Phin Phanatic
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Matt’s final 2019 Miami Dolphins 7 round mock draft

By Matthew Stevens

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: head coach Dan Mullen of the Mississippi State Bulldogs talks with Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 23: head coach Dan Mullen of the Mississippi State Bulldogs talks with Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 23, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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With the 2019 NFL Draft less than 24 hours away, it’s time for me to present my fourth annual Miami Dolphins mock draft.

This time of year especially mock drafts seem to be like opinions; everybody has one.  Since the draft is unpredictable, and mocks are rarely correct, why do I bother to print one?

I have made no secret that, while I don’t believe I could be a full-fledged general manager, I believe I can draft better than the Dolphins current GM (currently Chris Grier.)  By performing this exercise, I have archived proof of who I believe the Dolphins should take in each year’s draft; that way I can’t be accused of fabricating facts and/or hindsight reporting.

Enough with the explanation.  It’s time to make some picks.

Round 1 Pick 26

In the first round I am projecting a trade down scenario where the Indianapolis Colts move from 26 to 13 and select a pass rusher like Clelin Ferrell and give up their second 2nd round pick in this year’s draft (59) and a 3rd in 2020.

With the 26th selection Miami selects DT Jeffery Simmons from Mississippi State.  Despite the harsh tone uttered by GM Chris Grier and HC Brian Flores at the thought of “tanking”, it’s clear that Miami is building for 2020 as opposed to this upcoming season.  Simmons will most likely be out for all of 2019 but in essence gives the Dolphins a ‘de facto’ top 5 2020 first round pick.

Round 2 Pick 48

Miami is determined to use this draft to improve ‘in the trenches’.  With that in mind, the Dolphins select C Erik McCoy, Texas A&M.    McCoy seems to be moving up draft boards quicker than he moves to his second level blocks but with a run on defensive linemen and offensive tackles taking up picks, McCoy falls to Miami at 48.  McCoy can play any of the three inside o-line positions but fits best at center.  Let him learn for a year at LG next to Daniel Kilgore and the Dolphins will have their center of the future in 2020.

Round 2 Pick 59 (pick from Indy trade)

The Dolphins still need help along the defensive line and a pass rushing DE in particular.  Jaylon Ferguson from Louisiana Tech would be a perfect fit at this point.  Ferguson was once considered one of this class’ top edge prospects but for reasons that eludes  me he has dropped during the offseason process.  I understand he lacks the physical traits that many of the other edge players possess but he didn’t produce 45 sacks and 67.5 tackles for loss by accident; I don’t care what level of competition he faced.

Round 3 Pick 78

Through the first two rounds of the draft the Dolphins haven’t addressed their biggest need along the offensive line; right tackle.  The selection of OT Bobby Evans out of Oklahoma solves that problem.  While he doesn’t possess the ideal traits of an NFL tackle, Evans has experience playing both tackle positions in an elite conference (Big 12).  Give him a year at right tackle and, worst case scenario, bump him inside and the Dolphins have a potential Pro Bowl guard.

Round 4 Pick 116

If Brian Flores is going to play a ‘multiple front’ defense, and values “football players”, he needs versatile players to implement his scheme.  LB Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii could fit nicely into this defense.  What Tavai lacks in athleticism he makes up for in ‘smarts’ and motor.  He will also contribute immediately on special teams.

Round 5 Pick 151

While wide receiver isn’t considered a priority need for the Dolphins, Dillon Mitchell from Oregon is too good to pass up here.  Devante Parker is still unproven after four seasons and both Jakeem Grant (Achilles) and Albert Wilson (hip) are recovering from major injuries this offseason.  The addition of Mitchell, who ran 4.46 at the Combine, potentially gives Miami more speed at the receiver position.  He does need to be ‘coached up’ to reach his potential but that’s why he’s available this late in the draft.

Round 7 Pick 233 

With the pick acquired from the trade of QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami continues to fortify their defensive line.  P.J. Johnson, defensive tackle out of Arizona, fills a specific need for the Dolphins as a massive DT/NT against the run.  Neither Davon Godchaux nor Vincent Taylor are truly equipped to be the ‘space eater’ that Johnson is.

Round 7 Pick 234

RB Ryquell Armstead from Temple probably will be long gone by this pick but he was available in the mock draft I participated in.  If he is available, Armstead gives the Dolphins a ‘battering ram’ at running back to complement the more elusive Kenyan Drake while also providing value as a blocker.

If Armstead is not available, the next highest running back available on the board is Washington’s Myles Gaskins.   While he doesn’t offer the value/upside of Armstead, Gaskins is a proven producer that can share carries while the Dolphins new staff continues to evaluate Drake and last year’s pick Kalen Ballage.

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