Phin Phanatic
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Five Senior Bowl Sleepers and how they’d fit with the Miami Dolphins

By Pablo Rosero

Jan 26, 2021; Mobile, Alabama, USA; National running back Michael Carter of North Carolina (7) drills during National team practice during the 2021 Senior Bowl week. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2021; Mobile, Alabama, USA; National running back Michael Carter of North Carolina (7) drills during National team practice during the 2021 Senior Bowl week. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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AMES, IA – AUGUST 31: Defensive lineman Elerson Smith #16 of the Northern Iowa Panthers tackles running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – AUGUST 31: Defensive lineman Elerson Smith #16 of the Northern Iowa Panthers tackles running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 29-26 over the Northern Iowa Panthers in triple overtime. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Northern Iowa EDGE rusher Elerson Smith would be a sleeper pick for the Miami Dolphins.

Smith is a player that I have frequently had in my mock drafts throughout the season. I still have high hopes that the Dolphins can end up drafting him, but an impressive Senior Bowl could lift the senior from Minnesota’s stock.

After Northern Iowa, and almost every FCS team, canceled their 2020 season due to COVID-19, it was almost obvious that Smith would find himself playing in the Senior Bowl. The 6-foot-7 245-pound EDGE is long and lanky, and his 14 sacks his junior year is just Smith scratching the surface of his potential.

Luckily for the Dolphins, they get to coach the small school prospect at Mobile. It would be difficult to see the Phins not be a fan of the Northern Iowa EDGE.

Related Story. Miami Dolphins address key needs in end of season 6-round mock draft. light

Truth be told, the Dolphins could use an additional EDGE rusher in the draft and Smith could be a player that the team could land in the third round or beyond. Fans may not like it, but the small school prospect surely has the potential to be worth the day two draft selection.

However, in a year with virtual combines and pro days, a great performance could take a late-round prospect and move him up a couple of noches.

Do not be surprised if Smith ends up being taken as early as the third round.

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