The Miami Dolphins have left themselves quite a lot of work to do in the NFL Draft next month. Free agency is winding down and the Dolphins still have needs on the right side of the offensive line, at defensive end (pass rusher), at wide receiver (2?), at safety, and yes, at quarterback. The Dolphins can still fill a hole or two by signing a veteran (Jake Scott, Phillip Wheeler, others). They could also hold out hope that a veteran or two, an acorn if you will, could become available later this offseason as teams trim their rosters. We’ll know sooner or later.
For today, though, we want to focus on the draft. The Dolphins have a top 10 pick for the first time since they had # 1 overall in 2008, when they drafted Jake Long. Like most years, everyone has an opinion on what the Dolphins should do with the #8 selection. Should they take Ryan Tannehill, who some believe can be a franchise QB? Should they take a supposed ‘elite’ pass rusher, like Quinton Coples? Or should they invest another draft pick in the offensive line by drafting a Cordy Glenn or David DeCastro? That last question probably made you throw your phone or computer onto the floor.
We’re curious to know what the majority of Dolphins fans would do with the #8 pick, if they were the Dolphins GM. If I were GM, as I’ve mentioned before, I would try to trade down into the mid teens or around pick 20. This would bring in another 2nd round pick (possibly more) and I would draft Brandon Weeden. However, let’s take out the possibility of trading down, so a player must be selected. As the Dolphins GM, you have the following options on the board (among others) to choose from:
Ryan Tannehill, QB Texas A&M – Tannehill is coming of an impressive pro day…but really, pro days are meant to make the players participating look good…especially QBs. The Dolphins offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, knows Tannehill better than anyone since he coached him at Texas A&M. Tannehill is a converted wide receiver with 19 career college starts. He has a good arm (not great), good accuracy and excellent athleticism. According to many experts, he has all of the tools to become a franchise QB, but he’ll need 1-2 years to develop.
Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina – Coples has all of the measurables you look for in a defensive end. He’s got long arms, he’s quick off the ball, and he’s good against the run and in pass rushing situations. The question with Coples is his motor. Last year he had a tendency to take plays off or not go at 100%. However, the potential is there and if the Dolphins can tap into it, he could be another Jason Pierre Paul (who the Dolphins should’ve drafted a few years ago!)
Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame – After trading Brandon Marshall for 2 third round picks, the Dolphins have a glaring hole ta wide receiver. Joe Philbin has made it clear that he believes in a balanced offense with the QB spreading the ball around. I expect the Dolphins to select two wide receivers in the draft. The only question is where they will be taken. This may seem high for Floyd, but the potential to be a very good WR is there. Floyd is 6’3″, 220 lbs. Floyd catches the ball with his hands instead of with his body, which is a good thing. He uses his strength and size, not necessarily quickness to get separation from the cornerback. He runs good routes and can get in and out of them quickly. He ran a 4.47 40 yard dash at the combine, so he won’t blow by corners, but he has the size to make up for what he lacks in speed.
David DeCastro, OG Stanford – DeCastro is easily the best guard prospect in the draft. Teaming him with Jake Long and Mike Pouncey would make for a very good offensive line, perhaps the best in the NFL. #8 may seem high to take a guard, but that offensive line would give whoever the QB is, plenty of time to make his reads and go through his progressions.
Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB South Carolina – Ingram has a great motor and a knack for making the big plays, something the Dolphins have lacked. The only knock on Ingram are his arms…they’re short. This could pose problems against large offensive tackles. However, Ingram’s stock has been on the rise and is said to have had an exceptional pro day.
There you go, that’s who’s left on the board. Below is how the Draft is shaking out, and the Commissioner just announced that the Miami Dolphins are on the clock…..
1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
2. Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT USC
4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB Alabama
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB LSU
6. St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Riley Reiff, OT Iowa
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