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Patriots send Miami Dolphins a major message after drafting Will Campbell

So much for the hope of a slide...
Brian Miller
Brian Miller

Phin Phanatic

LSU v Florida / James Gilbert/GettyImages

The Miami Dolphins won't pick until at least the 13th spot, but their division-rival New England Patriots have already sent them a big message with the fourth overall pick.

The Patriots took offensive tackle Will Campbell of LSU, who has been considered the top offensive tackle in this year's class by a large margin. The selection fills a need for the Patriots but also sends Dolphins general manager Chris Grier a message.

The Dolphins have good edge-rushers who will give Campbell fits early in his career, but they have to stay healthy. If Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb can get back on the field, they and Chop Robinson could make life hell for Campbell.

While Miami's edge-rushers are solid, the message to Grier is a simple one: draft a defensive lineman.

Will Campbell to New England puts more pressure on Chris Grier to fix his defensive front

Miami will need to get help for the front. The Browns, who traded down from the second overall pick, took Michigan's Mason Graham at No. 5. This leaves the Dolphins with several choices at 13 should they want to go in that direction, and they should seriously consider it. Graham's teammate, Kenneth Grant, would make great sense for the Dolphins.

The AFC East is going to be interesting this year as the Patriots have made a lot of offseason moves to make their roster better for their new head coach. Mike Vrabel is going to bring more intensity to the Patriots, and the Dolphins may find themselves needing to match them physically.

If the Dolphins don't go defensive tackle, corner is in play, but they may also look to follow the Patriots' lead and fix the offensive line. The Dolphins have plenty of options, and trading down from No. 13 is considered a real possibility, as well.

Brian Miller

Brian Miller

Brian Miller has been an editor and senior content contributor for Phinphanatic for 18 years. Brian was born a Dolphins fan. He won multiple Miami Dolphins "Webbie" awards, voted on by his peers. He has had his articles mentioned in Sports Illustrated and the New York Times as well as discussed on national and local Miami radio shows. He has written articles for the Miami Dolphins Game Day magazine as well. Brian is a former paramedic who has served in various capacities for over 22 years. He is the father of four kids and has been married for 30 years. Brian also currently contributes to an entertainment site Along Main Street.