Resetting the Dolphins' NFL draft needs We are approximately three weeks away from the NFL draft. The Miami Dolphins made several moves in recent weeks that alter the needs on their roster. With that in mind, let’s take a look at where Miami stands: No. 1 need: Guard Analysis: The Dolphins entered the offseason with two holes at guard following the decision to move Laremy Tunsil to left tackle in 2017. The team answered by signing free agent Ted Larsen and re-signing Jermon Bushrod. Coach Adam Gase expressed confidence in Bushrod at last week’s NFL owners meetings, which is justified. Bushrod played well in his first year moving to guard, and Gase believes he will get better. However, Larsen has a lot to prove at left guard, especially in replacing Tunsil, who did well in his rookie season. No. 2: Outside linebacker Analysis: Although Gase confirmed he hasn’t communicated which linebackers will play in what spots, it’s likely free-agent pickup Lawrence Timmons will remain in his natural position of middle linebacker, and 2016 Dolphins leading tackler Kiko Alonso will move to outside linebacker. That leaves a big question mark at the second outside linebacker spot. Former starter Koa Misi reportedly took a pay cut to stay and is currently the favorite. The Dolphins also hosted a free-agent visit with former Buffalo Bills linebacker Zach Brown, and selecting a linebacker high in the draft also is an option. No. 3: Defensive tackle Analysis: There is a legitimate debate whether defensive end or defensive tackle is a bigger need for Miami. Depth is thin in both areas of Miami’s defensive line. But for me it comes down to whether I trust defensive tackle Jordan Phillips more or defensive ends Andre Branch and Cameron Wake? I trust the veteran defensive ends, along with backup William Hayes, will consistently do their jobs. That’s an older three-man rotation, but a solid one. Phillips has been too inconsistent and takes too many plays off. Miami needs another defensive tackle capable of pushing Phillips to consistently be his best. Overall, Miami is doing a good job of filling most of the gaping holes on its roster this offseason. The Dolphins are well positioned to take the best available player at No. 22 overall in the NFL draft, which is a change from previous seasons.
Mel Kiper, Todd McShay disagree on Dolphins' direction at No. 22 The NFL draft is just a few weeks away, which means mock drafts are in full swing for the league’s 32 teams. On Wednesday ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay provided their latest mock drafts with some intriguing picks for the Miami Dolphins. The two draft experts disagreed on Miami’s direction at No. 22 overall, which makes for an interesting debate. Let’s examine. Kiper’s pick: Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky McShay’s pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State Analysis: Kiper is staying with his pick from two weeks ago of Lamp, and I think it is a solid selection. Although drafting a guard in the first round isn’t sexy, I made the case for Lamp last month for being a quality choice and fit for the Dolphins. Guard remains Miami’s biggest need at this stage, and Lamp has the versatility to potentially play four spots on the offensive line at the next level. The McShay pick surprised me, and I do not agree with it. The only scenario I could see Miami taking Conley is if he is the clear best available player left on the board. But that will be tough, considering the bevy of quality linebackers and defensive linemen in this draft. For example, among the players still available at No. 22 in McShay’s mock draft include Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis, Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell, Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton, Alabama linebacker Tim Williams and Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham. It is hard to envision the Dolphins drafting a cornerback with so many quality prospects at need positions still on the board.
According to Armando, Gase has been pretty vocal that "you can never have enough quality corners". Not saying we'll draft one high but he's definitely left the door open. We've got Maxwell, who apparently we are gonna cut in a year or two and not much else of true quality. Got a couple of mediocre young guys and some questions marks but that's not much. Also not sure I agree guard is necessarily our biggest need. Yes we have a hole there but damn we have holes all over the defense too. Not sure why guard is elevated over DE, DT, LB, S and maybe CB where we also need quality upgrades, but I keep reading that somehow G is more needed even though it's not a premium position. Just give me best player available at one of our multitude of need positions
ESPN's Todd McShay vomits his three-round NFL Mock Draft today, and has these picks for Dolphins: 1st round (22nd overall)--Ohio State CB Gareon Conley; 2nd (54th)--Vanderbilt LB Zach Cunningham; 3rd (97th)--San Diego State guard Nico Siragusa
On espn all trades draft 22. Miami Dolphins Seahawks get: 1-22, 2018 fourth-round pick, CB Byron Maxwell Dolphins get: CB Richard Sherman The Dolphins aren't exactly shy about going after players they value, and they would be getting a massive upgrade at arguably the weakest position on their roster by trading for a future Hall of Fame cornerback in Sherman. Miami doesn't have a ton of cap room, but by packaging Maxwell and saving $3.5 million as part of the trade, the Dolphins should be able to squeeze the Stanford product onto their roster. Maxwell improved dramatically as the season went on in 2016, and he would give the Seahawks some semblance of familiarity as they rebuild at cornerback. There's also not a ton of risk, as Seattle would be able to cut Maxwell after the season without incurring any dead money.
I dont get what that guy was doing in that all trades piece, he had us giving up a shit ton more than he did the Cowboys for the same guy.
Mel Kiper's 'Grade A' mock draft for Dolphins heavy on defense In case you didn’t know by now, the Miami Dolphins defense struggled last season. The group was ranked 29th overall and 30th against the run, which led to some changes this offseason. This is reflective in ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s "Grade A" mock draft. This version is not predicting who the Dolphins will take. It is a projection of what Miami can do to receive the best possible draft grade. Here are Kiper’s selections: Round 1 (No. 22 overall): Florida LB Jarrad Davis Round 2 (No. 54 overall): Colorado CB Chidobe Awuzie Round 3 (No. 97 overall): USC G Zach Banner Analysis: It is no surprise that Kiper would pick defensive players for the Dolphins in the first two rounds. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Miami sticks to that side of the ball in the first three rounds of this draft, considering its only major question mark on offense is at guard. I like the pick of Davis, and he is one of my top choices for Miami in the first round. Davis is an athletic, aggressive playmaker, and that is what the Dolphins lack defensively. This draft has a lot of depth at cornerback. So I think Miami would be better suited to address another area in the second round. Finding a young pass-rusher or a run-stuffing defensive tackle to push the inconsistent Jordan Phillips would be my preference over Awuzie at corner with the Dolphins' second pick. Banner would add competition at guard as a third-round pick, which isn’t a bad idea.
Second wave of QBs could lead to trade possibilities for Dolphins DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins hold their lowest first-round draft slot in seven years following their 10-win season and playoff run in 2016. Miami holds seven picks total and currently is the only NFL team without fourth-round and sixth-round selections this year. But with so much speculation and chatter about this year’s quarterback class, could the Dolphins find trade opportunities late in the first round to acquire more picks? Miami’s No. 22 overall pick could garner interest next week from quarterback-needy teams. According to ESPN’s Jon Gruden, four quarterbacks will be taken in the first round. North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson are expected to go in the first 15-20 picks. However, interest in the second wave of quarterbacks -- which includes Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes II and Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer -- is picking up. There are plenty of teams selecting after Miami in need of a quarterback, either immediately or trying to find a successor for their aging starter. Those clubs include the Houston Texans (No. 25), Kansas City Chiefs (No. 27), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 30) and New Orleans Saints (No. 32). With so many teams interested in a quarterback, the value of Miami’s No. 22 pick could rise. "We'll always make what decision we feel is best," Dolphins vice president Mike Tannenbaum said Wednesday of potential trades. "Typically you get calls both ways, maybe three in front of you and three behind you. We have our trade charts." In a defense-heavy draft, Miami could afford to trade back and acquire more picks to provide depth and fill more needs. The Dolphins were ranked 29th in total defense last year and 30th against the run. They can use more playmaking, youth and athleticism at linebacker, safety, defensive end, defensive tackle and a nickel cornerback. Another second-round or third-round pick could be very valuable. The Dolphins did a solid job of filling many of their pressing needs this offseason. Perhaps the only gaping holes currently are at linebacker and guard. This puts Miami in position to take the best available player and/or field trade offers. Trading down for more picks is a good idea for the Dolphins if the opportunity presents itself.
Dude is 29 and overrated. I still think he can contribute but he's relatively limited and is past his prime.
agreed Seahawks have not received offers near Richard Sherman's worth "Nobody has come close to meeting" the Seattle Seahawks' asking price of a first- and third-round pick for cornerback Richard Sherman, NFL Network's Mike Garofolo reports. WHAT IT MEANS: Per Garofolo, if a trade were to take place, it would likely be during the first or second night of the draft. The odds continue to be billed as above average that Sherman gets dealt, but the fact that things have gotten and stayed this public suggests a fairly strong possibility. if we paid a 1st and 3rd for him, i would blow up the stadium
dream scenario for me next thursday is the browns going Garrett/any non QB at 1 &12 and then one of the top QBs is still around at 22 so we trade them 22 for pretty much any deal that includes their 1st round pick next season.
I like him too. I would be pretty pumped if we ended up with him, Raekwon, or somehow Rueben fell with all the controversy surrounding him
The Dolphins have told Jarvis Landry they want to keep him beyond the expiration of his contract this season but have not begun serious talks on an extension or given any indication when those talks might begin, according to a team source. But Landry is handling all of this very maturely and has no intention of holding out. He has a very good bond with Adam Gase, who has told Landry how much the team values him, and that relationship has grown even stronger this offseason. NBC’s Cris Collinsworth, who owns a piece of Pro Football Focus, this week called Landry the NFL’s “most dangerous slot receiver.” Landry’s 856 receiving yards from the slot last season led the league, well ahead of No. 2 TY Hilton (745). Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/s...y-jackson/article145680129.html#storylink=cpy
From Armando: The NFL schedule will not be released until 8 p.m. Thursday and so it is an annual rite for reporters around the league to try to find out details about what the team they cover will be facing and in what order the coming season. The Miami Herald is all on in this exercise! And so here’s what we know at this hour: The Dolphins will open at home and finish their season at home. The team, which is having Phase III construction at Hard Rock Stadium now, will be ready for the start of the NFL season and proof of that is that it will play host to the Tampa Bay Bucs on the NFL’s opening weekend. So the season opener is also the home opener. The Dolphins will also finish their 2017 season at home -- this against the Buffalo Bills, per a Buffalo source. That game will be on Dec. 31. That suggests the Dolphins will travel to Buffalo early in the season, right? Well, wrong. The Dolphins and Bills are going to enjoy late December together as they play one another in two of the final three weeks. The Dolphins will visit Buffalo on Dec. 17, according to the same Buffalo source. The Miami Dolphins are an “it” team now. That means networks like the Dolphins again after they improved to 10-6 last season and made the playoffs. And that means prime time appearances. This season the Dolphins will have four prime time games. The Dolphins will be playing the Raiders, Patriots, Panthers and Baltimore in prime time. The game against at Baltimore is a Thursday night game. The games against New England and Carolina are on Monday night. The game against the Raiders is on a Sunday night. Everyone knows the Dolphins will be visiting London at 9:30 a.m. (eastern in the U.S.) on October 1 to play the New Orleans Saints. The game is one of the Dolphins’ “home games” in 2017 so there will be seven at Hard Rock Stadium. What was not known until now is that the Dolphins requested and were granted a request to forgo their bye following their nearly 10 hour, 4,500-mile flight home. The entire trip for the Dolphins will include 20 hours in the air, covering 9,000 miles. The Dolphins, playing in London for the fourth time since 2007, have always had a bye week following the game in Britain. This year, however, the team decided to play the very next week in order to save the bye for later in the year. That bye week will come for Miami in Week 11 or the weekend of Nov. 18-19-20. The London game will be Miami’s fourth game of the season. The team’s braintrust didn’t want a rest stop so early in the season. The Dolphins instead will get their bye week later -- after multiple more games might have worn on the roster. NFL teams employ bye weeks to allow their injured players to rest and recover. So the NFL has done the Dolphins a solid in this instance. The Dolphins, meanwhile, are obviously thinking the long trip will have no ill effects on the team’s next game the weekend of Oct. 7-8. The Dolphins believe that in 2016 they recovered well enough from trips to at Seattle and after a west coast trip to San Diego and Los Angeles to make the later bye the more profitable approach. The Dolphins lost at New England the week after they traveled to Seattle in 2016. And they beat San Francisco at home the week after returning from Los Angeles. It must be said, however, Miami to London and back is further than a west coast trip for the Dolphins in the continental United States. As a reminder the 2017 Dolphins opponents are: New England Dec. 11, New York Jets, Denver, Oakland, Tampa Bay Sept. 10, Tennessee and Buffalo on Dec. 31,at home. New Orleans in London on Oct 1 is designated as a home game. At New England, New York Jets, Buffalo on Dec. 17, Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina Nov. 13, Kansas City, L.A. Chargers. The Dolphins do indeed play both Super Bowl teams from a year ago, including the champion Patriots twice. That’s it for now ... Refresh this page often to get the latest nuggets on the Dolphins schedule as they leak and be here at 8 p.m. for the release of the full schedule. Follow Armando Salguero on Twitter: @ArmandoSalguero Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article145754539.html#storylink=cpy
Sbnations 2 round mock has Foster falling to us and us taking Watt in round 2 No way I see this happen my god can a man dream..
the more I look at how the bottom half of this draft is going to play out the more I want to trade down with a team that needs a QB.
naw. play the long game and get a future 1st even if it means you only end up with that late 2nd being your first pick in this draft. Count on the Jets/Browns/Bills to do what they always do and suck
If some team falls in love with a guy like Mahomes or Kizer we could get both, this years 2 and/or 3 and a future 1st
that's the dream, but I'd even be happy if the fins got a 1st next year and an early third this year from a team you think will give you a top 10 pick next year