Draft Decisions

NFL Draft Needs: Dolphins

by Josh Norris

March 29, 2016, 12:25 am ET

Updated On: October 4, 2018, 4:04 pm ET

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.

No. 1 Team Need: Cornerback

Silva's Analysis

Current Dolphins No. 1 corner Byron Maxwell is on his third team in three years and was one of the biggest busts of 2015 free agency in Philadelphia. Current No. 2 corner Jamar Taylor was benched for ineffectiveness late last season. The depth chart is rounded out by 2015 fifth-round pick Bobby McCain, former Michigan State wide receiver Tony Lippett, special teamer Chimdi Chekwa, and practice squad type Tyler Patmon. Under new DC Vance Joseph, the Dolphins plan to play more press coverage in the secondary.

No. 2 Team Need: Running Back

Silva's Analysis

The Dolphins' running back depth chart reads: Jay Ajayi, Damien Williams, Jahwan Edwards. Albeit plenty talented, Ajayi plummeted to the fifth round of last year's draft due to a bone-on-bone condition in his right knee. A 2014 undrafted free agent, Williams has averaged 3.48 yards per carry through two NFL seasons. Edwards ran a 4.80 forty at the 2015 Combine and went undrafted out of Ball State. New coach Adam Gase has stated he wants a "stable" of backs, presumably more talented than what Miami presently has. Traditionally, running backs under Gase are rushing-receiving combo threats as opposed to one-dimensional grinders.

No. 3 Team Need: Offensive Line

Silva's Analysis

A case can also be made for defensive line and linebacker as Dolphins needs. I went with offensive line because the unit is in a patchwork state with concerns of some sort at all five positions. Miami's guard play was among the worst in football last season, and the club's only offseason moves involved signing washed-up veterans Jermon Bushrod and Kraig Urbik to compete with disappointing youngsters Billy Turner, Jamil Douglas, and Dallas Thomas. Elsewhere on the line, LT Branden Albert, RT Ja'Wuan James, and C Mike Pouncey combined to miss 13 games last season. Pouncey is recovering from offseason foot and hip surgeries.

Norris' Mock Draft

Round 1 (13): CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida - There are two top corners in this class. Hargreaves and Jalen Ramsey. After that, Williams Jackson and Vernon Hargreaves make up the second tier. All four are likely first round picks. Hargreaves is one of the top athletes in this class, regardless of position. Yes, I know Hargreaves lost on a handful of “big plays” in 2015, but he is a polished press corner with an aggressive demeanor.

Round 2 (42): G Christian Westerman, Arizona State - It would not be a surprise for a team to consider Westerman a plug and play starter. There’s a lot of talk around Joshua Garnett and Cody Whitehair. Don’t sleep on Westerman, who can latch on and occupy defenders with great strength.

Round 3 (73): RB C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame - The former receiver looked like a natural while carrying the load for Notre Dame last season. He’s not raw at the position, just inexperienced. I’m expecting Prosise to feel more comfortable with his vision, timing and cuts as he sees more and more carries.

Round 4 (107): EDGE Jason Fanaika, Utah - Teams who miss out on the top edge rushers will be fighting for scraps in this potentially weak class at the position. Fanaika tested like an average NFL athlete and is at his best when attacking the outside shoulder of an offensive lineman and ripping around them.

Round 5 (147): CB Justin Burris, NC State - Burris is one of my favorite third day corners in this draft. He’s aware of routes and closes quickly on underneath receivers.

Round 6 (186): DT Trevon Coley, FAU - Another third day favorite of mine. Coley is slippery on the interior, flexible in his hips, and can work around interior linemen.

Round 7 (227): C Matt Skura, Duke - This center class is loaded. Therefore, talents like Skura will fall into the later rounds. The Dolphins need some kind of insurance behind Pouncey.

Round 7 (231): LB Joe Bolden, Michigan - Bolden is incredibly active and projects as a special teamer.

Dolphins Current Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Ryan Tannehill

RB: Jay Ajayi

WR: Jarvis Landry

WR: DeVante Parker

WR: Kenny Stills

TE: Jordan Cameron

LT: Branden Albert

LG: Jermon Bushrod

C: Mike Pouncey

RG: Kraig Urbik