Phinphanatic writer’s 2020 Miami Dolphins first round mock draft

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to the media during a press conference prior to Super Bowl LIV at the Hilton Miami Downtown on January 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The San Francisco 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the 54th playing of the Super Bowl, Sunday February 2nd. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to the media during a press conference prior to Super Bowl LIV at the Hilton Miami Downtown on January 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The San Francisco 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the 54th playing of the Super Bowl, Sunday February 2nd. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 12: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

If you thought pick 18 had some differing points-of-view among our writers, wait till you see who they believe will be selected at 26.  (Hint:  nobody two people picked the same player.)

James AndersonAustin Jackson, OT, USC – There is a huge need to add to the offensive line.  Some might see this as a ‘reach’ but there should be a run on linemen in this pass-happy era.  Jackson might be a better pass protector out of the box but could develop run-blocking skills; he has the size for it.

Nick BellotoXavier McKinney has been slowly rising as one of my favorite players in the draft.  He is a quality player who could help round out a vastly improved secondary from a year ago.  He needs to work on a few things, specifically catching the ball, but if he can continue to break up passes and provide quality production against both the pass and run he’ll be a stud in Miami.

Dale-Paul Jordan:  It’s time to complete the trifecta.  With the 5th pick they selected their franchise QB.  At 18, they helped solidify their line for the next 5 years with an elite tackle.  With their last pick of the first round, the Dolphins select D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia.  Looking back at the Dolphins offseason, you can see a direct focus on their defense during free agency.  Now the Dolphins use the draft to inject some youth on the other side of the ball and that is exactly what the Dolphins rebuild should be all about.

George Keim Josh Jones, T, Houston – Jones is the fifth rated tackle on alot of scouts big boards.  He’s got prototypical size and immediately comes to Miami pegged as a day one starter; filling a big need for the Dolphins.

More from Dolphins Draft

Pablo RoseroJonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin – Taylor is my top running back in the draft; an opinion not shared by most draft pundits.  He showed he can produce consistently, having posted three straight years of 2000+ yards from scrimmage; producing as a receiver in his final year as a Badger.  Taylor is a speedster who seemingly always breaks away at the second level.  An improved offensive line and a clear path on the depth chart towards starting could make Taylor a top-ten back in 2020.

Matthew Stevens:  Having bypassed quarterbacks like Herbert and Tua at 5 and Love at 18, the Dolphins finally address their need for a young QB with the selection of Jalen Hurts out of Oklahoma.  While many project Hurts won’t go until the second round, it’s a good idea to grab him here because the Dolphins would get the all-important 5th year option.  Hurts has been a winner everywhere he’s gone (Alabama and Oklahoma) and looked good doing it.   With this selection, the Dolphins get their own “Lamar Jackson-esque” (dual-threat) player to build their offense around.

Brian Miller: Ezra Cleveland, OT – The Dolphins are reportedly very high on Cleveland who is projected to be a 2nd round draft pick. Waiting to see if he is still around at 39 doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. He fits a need that they have and fills a gaping hole.

Well Dolphins fans, how do you think we did?  Who did we miss?