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Mock Draft v1.1

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by zwave21, Mar 20, 2014.

  1. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    With the 1st wave of Free Agency behind us, we can expect the Dolphins to make additional moves for depth or stop-gap options. The majority of big money has been spent. Still, there are quite a few options still out there that could help the team.

    Most Pressing Needs:
    RT - RG - LB - RB

    Additional Needs:
    TE - CB - WR - QB

    Pretty obvious if the season began today we would have a pretty solid left side of the line then swiss chesse on the right side. That is a must fill and pronto for this season to have any chance to get going. I like the addition of Albert (contract is pricy but it had to be done), I also like the potential of Shelley Smith who is a scheme fit and much needed pulling guard we have been deprived of.

    It's obvious that our staff and FO is not pleased with the production of our LB core last year. Emperor Jeff made sure to pay them pretty rich too which leaves us little option the cut department. Still, I think getting a instinctive and athletic LB to man the middle of our defense could be the difference. Shift Ellerbe outside and have Misi hold down the fort on the other. On passing downs sub in Jelani Jenkins who is a good cover LB. Then either cut Wheeler eat the dead money or play him sparingly and as a sub. (Don't sleep on Dion Jordan moving more to LB this year).

    I for one am not giving up on Lamar Miller, but I do not think he is a true #1 or a work horse back. Pairing him with big back who can hit the holes in between the tackles would be ideal. RB are not the commodity they once were in the NFL, seems to me like they are heading into the draft to assess this need. (FYI, Knowshown Moreno and LeGarrette Blount are still on the market).

    When you look at this FA, it has been talented teams stocking up on more talent. Look at the Broncos they just completely reloaded and in my mind upgraded Eric Decker to Emmanuel Sanders. The Pats got Revis and Browner to counter the Broncos. The Eagles got Darren Sproles even with Shady McCoy entrenched at RB. The Colts signed Hakeem Nicks to a minor deal which could pay huge dividends paired with Andrew Luck who now has Nicks, TY Hilton, Reggie Wayne, Colby Fleener, and Dwayne Allen to throw too.

    Looking at TE, CB, WR, and QB we have a good deal of money and starters invested there. Well, yeah we do but none of those position groups are complete. At TE we lack in-line guy who can block with his hand in the dirt, we lack a tall bodied seam threat as well, Charles Clay is great but he is a H-Back more than TE, and a WR more than a TE at that as well. At CB we re-signed Grimes, and signed Finnegan (wish it was the '11 version of him) remember Finnegan was hurt but has been on the decline. Behind them is Jimmy Wilson (strictly nickel CB), Jamar Taylor and Will Davis two rookies who proved nothing last year. That group is far from complete, folks. At WR we still lack a large body who can take over in the red zone. Wallace is a game breaker with speed, Hartline is a possession guy, Gibson is a slot guy coming off an injury, and Matthews similar to that of Gibson minus the injury. James Jones would've been a great fit for us. And QB, this is the year we figure out who RT17 is. If he falters we need a backup option and sorry Matt Moore is a reliever nothing more than a Band-Aid. Investing a mid to late round pick on a QB like Aaron Murray or David Fales wouldn't be the worst thing.

    Draft Time: My strategy is a mix between need and BPA. Value always needs to play a part in the process but looking at the draft class at #19 we could be in play for some real playmakers as well as players who can help fill a need. After signing a LT in FA, a Guard in FA, I do NOT like the thought we need to go OL in round 1. If it were me I would invest another FA signing in a OL, either a G or T. I would still invest 2-3 picks in OL but not in Round 1 (yes even if Zack Martin is on the board).

    Round 1 - CJ Mosley ILB Alabama: The more and more I think about it I think this regime views LB as a real position of need. Behind OL and not far behind LB was the worst group on the field for the Dolphins. Mosley has slipped in some draft boards, which is fine to me because I still view him as the best LB prospect for what we need. This guy is a day 1 starter and a guy we severely need. We may even be able to trade down and still get him. To me if Eric Ebron is on the board he may be the only player I'd choose in front of Mosley. As I pointed out earlier I am not comfortable drafting Zack Martin to play G or RT for us especially in round 1 with a draft class deep with OL.
    Backup Pick: Ryan Shazier LB Ohio St.

    Round 2 - Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE Washington: Yes, they may not be a reality but in my mind if these two players are on the board when we get on the clock they can instantly make us better. ASF is a big bodied TE, who has superb athleticism. He is also a physical guy and not afraid to block. He played quite heavy at 280 at Washington this year, I'd look at him around the 265lb mark. I think he will slide a bit in the draft as Ebron and Amaro look like the clear cut 1-2 options. Having ASF with Wallace, Hartline, Clay, and Gibson split would look awful good for Tannehill, and he will appreciate a red zone target with size.
    Backup Pick: Brandon Thomas G/T Clemson

    Round 3 - Charles Sims RB WVU: I know what you are thinking that I am crazy not to address OL in the 1st three rounds of a draft with a desperate need on the right side of the line. Well, I did say to invest in a FA stop gap for the time being whether its G or RT. But, as discussed earlier Lamar Miller isn't the workhorse we need. Charles Sims may just be. He can truly do it all...meaning run between and outside the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and split as a WR, and he can pass block. He reminds me of a Matt Forte clone, and I love the way Forte plays with his decisiveness and all around game. Sims isn't considered a bruiser by any means but he has good size and being up to split him out and still have Miller in the backfield could drive defenses crazy.
    Backup Pick: Jeremy Hill RB LSU (love this kid just don't our staff takes a look at him due to off field stuff)

    Round 4 - Billy Turner RT ND State: A small school guy who hopes to fall in the line with the success of his predecessors from small schools. Turner has ideal size and athleticism to be a quality starter in the NFL. He just needs technique work and more strength. He also could be moved inside temporarily to G. Having a veteran on the right side to help ease his transition into the pro game would be ideal.
    Backup Pick: JuWan James OT Tenn ; Jake Mehwort OT Ohio St.; James Hurst OT UNC

    Round 5 - David Fales QB SD State: Fales made a living in college with his anticipation on his throws, something Tannehill seems to lack sometimes. Fales could come in and learn the system under Lazor which could be an ideal fit with the route schemes and needed anticipation. Fales isn't superb at any particular category but he looks the part when the lights come on. He would allow us to free up cap space by cutting Matt Moore who in my mind is way overpaid for a backup. Devlin can serve as the backup with having experience under Philbin. We just need to prepare for the worst and having Fales workout to turn him over for picks or compensation in the future ain't bad either.
    Backup Pick: Bryn Renner QB UNC

    Round 6 - Wesley Johnson G/T Vanderbilt: Love this kid and to get him at this point in the draft would be great value. Looking at him he is 6'5" 295lbs so he needs to gain some seirous weighty and hit the NFL strength program. What I like about him is he has played every position on the offensive line in the SEC against the best competition in college football. He is a developmental guy who has real potential. I'd look for him to be a Guard but if he bulks up enough and keeps his quickness he could end up at RT. Have him and Billy Turner battle it out for a starting spot with the veteran, heck if both beat them out a la what the Bears rookie OL did last year, than so be it.
    Backup Pick: Michael Shoefield OT Michigan

    UDFA: I'd look for some low lying fruit like RB's, WR's, LB's, and DL.

    Going into the 2014 season with a depth chart like this could have some potential:

    LT: Albert/Turner
    LG: Smith/Garner/Brenner
    C: Pouncey/Garner
    RG: Veteran/Turner/Johnson
    RT: Vet/Turner/Johnson
    H-Back/TE: Clay/ASF
    WR: Wallace
    WR: Hartline
    WR: Gibson/Matthews/Binns
    RB: Miller/Sims/Thomas
    QB: Tannehill/Devlin/Fales

    DE: Wake
    DT: Starks/Mitchell
    DT: Odrick/Mitchell
    DE: Vernon/Jordan
    OLB: Misi/Jenkins
    MLB: Mosley
    OLB: Ellerbe/Wheeler/Jordan
    CB: Grimes
    CB: Taylor/Finnegan
    SS: Jones
    FS: Delmas
     
    Boik14, Starry31, Fin D and 2 others like this.
  2. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    Im not thrilled about the idea of us taking yet another first round olineman but...we have to...nothing else matters more than keeping tannehill upright next season. If we were capable of doing that last year, we're in the playoffs.

    I like the idea of getting another lb and rb, but you can't prioritize them over ol IMO. Zach Martin is more important to us than Mosley.
     
  3. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I just don't think Mosley is a top 20 talent, and I'm not a S Jenkins fan, he was 280 for a reason and I don't think it was because of coaches telling him to bulk up..I've looked at his career since high school and it's my opinion that this is someone who doesn't work that hard in the gym.

    I'm pretty down on Lamar miller, but I would love billy turner in the fourth round, also love Dakoda Dozier if he hangs to the mid rounds.
     
    Da 'Fins likes this.
  4. Boik14

    Boik14 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    A for effort, the actual draft is acceptable but not my first or 2nd choice. Id give it a B- if we came out of it with that draft. The late round guys bother me more then the earlier ones.
     
  5. MIASportsFan

    MIASportsFan New Member

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    Would not mind Mosley in the first, but finding a legit RT whether it be in what's left of FA or the draft is crucial.

    I would pass on Jenkins.
     
  6. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    Thee...Ohio State University
    If Jack Mehwort is available in the 4th, he will be a Miami Dolphin.
     
  7. Kucha

    Kucha Season Ticket Holder

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    That's why I'm not happy about having to take a Zach Martin. It's frustrating that the Fins are again sitting there with gaping holes.
     
  8. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Fin I don't get to watch Ohio St games that often how is Mehwort? I believe he played LT for you guys so taking into account Hyde's season he must excel in run blocking? I hate to say it but I have never been a fan of Big 10 players but when it comes to OL they usually are the ones that pan out.
     
  9. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    DJ, what is it about Mosley that doesn't excite you? I'm with you on having reservations about him that early but I do think his instincts, athleticism is something we desperately need at the LB position. ASF, if that's the case than I hear you on not wanting a slacker in the weight room.

    I know a lot of us are down on Miller, but guys he still had 700 yards and a 4.0ypc average with one of the worst offensive lines in history. He isn't going to be the "The Guy" but paired with a back who can complement on his deficiencies he still has great value. (If Moreno is the complement than I very much like the looks of our backfield for 2014).

    Turner and Dozier are two guys who could be day one starters found in round 3-5.

    I am just completely against drafting a OL in round 1 when they will most likely be asked to play LG or RT. Neither of those positions should yield a pick in the 1st round of any draft. When we still have major needs at playmaking positions that can be filled in round 1, that is where our focus needs to be.
     
  10. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    It's just that Z, I don't get that excited when I watch him play, and I'm a bit worried about his frame, he's steady, he's instinctive, can stay on the field all three downs, is fluid in coverage, is a good tackler, but at 19, the game doesn't look explosive enough unless he's the best on the board, I'm thinking he might get pushed around a lot more at the next level, I would sacrifice a bit of speed and coverage for the skillset of Skov. In the 2nd, could be a mistake, but at 19 I don't think I could pull the plug.
     
  11. dolfan22

    dolfan22 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    I am hearing Lyle Lovett sing " the boys from North Dakota " ... hopefully they don't " drink whisky for their fun " at least not too much if we do draft them .
     
  12. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Might have to agree with you on that one. At 19 his game really doesn't jump off the charts and for some reason Bama has a interesting history of players turning pro with injury history (Milliner, Richardson, Upshaw, etc.) I like Skov a lot he plays angry and with a chip on his shoulder. I just don't know how dependable he can be in pass coverage. He blitzed an awful lot at Stanford which he did very well, but can he be the main guy in the middle of a 4-3. In the 2nd I'd be more than happy to have him.

    One player I am interested in is Christian Jones from FSU. Played LB for 2 seasons before moving to DE this season. He's a big kid at 6'4" and can move in space. Looks like a fluid athlete and with him playing DE he can take on blockers. Not sure I'd touch him until round 3 but he could be a player who comes into his own in the pro's like Lawrence Timmons.

    Who would you look at pick #19 DJ?
     
  13. GMJohnson

    GMJohnson New Member

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    If there's a good RT with the potential of playing LT in a pinch available at 19 then it's a no brainer IMO. The only excuse for going elsewhere would be if a supremely talented guy fell to us or the staff saw another potential RT who was likely to be available in the later rounds.

    Gotta have an OL that can move people, period.
     
  14. Roman529

    Roman529 Senior Member

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    Here is my mock for what it is worth:

    1. OG: Zack Martin, Notre Dame
    2. RB: Tre Mason, Auburn, OR Bishop Sankey, Washington
    3. TE: C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa
    4. DT: Daniel McCullers, Tenn
    5. LB: Lamin Barrow, LSU
    6. WR: Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State
     
  15. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Mewhort should be gone well before the 4th unless there are injury or off field concerns.
     
  16. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    If any of these three drop I must look hard at Donald, Barr or Lewan, on talent alone none of them should be there...after that, then I look at impact offensive skills players Cooks and Ebron...if all five of those are gone, than Martin, Odell and M Lee.
     
  17. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    I concur on Mosley.

    I saw nearly every Alabama game this year and I just did not see anything really special. He's also undersized (237). I'd be disappointed. If we traded down to #25-28 I'd be okay. If I thought he was Ray Lewis re-incarnate - great. But, just don't see it. He's just a steady, decent player but also played on a very good defense that helped.

    If Zack Martin is on the board, I would be disappointed if we didn't take him. He's a plug and play player on the right side, imo. Otherwise, I think we'd have to go to a skill position talent. We need OL or explosive, big play talent.

    I also think an ILB of equal value as Mosley can be had in round 2. Whereas, there is no OL talent in round 2 that matches Martin.

    Of course, there is a very good chance that all four of the top OL will be gone by 19 (Matthews, Robinson, Lewan, Martin). If they are, I'd like to trade down (unless the TE is there).
     
  18. MrClean

    MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member

    Did you know that Ray Lewis was going to have a Hall of Fame career before the 1996 draft? Or were you saying he looks pretty good but he isn't on a level with Mike Singletary?

    Zack Martin has played something like 2 games on the right side at ND. There may be some adjustment if a team wants him to be their starting RT from the get go.
     
  19. Da 'Fins

    Da 'Fins Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    Of course not. But, I did see Lewis play at Miami and he looked a lot more active and aggressive. I may be wrong on Mosley but I just can't see his value at #19.

    I think you could plug Martin in at OG on the left or the right (and move Smith to the right if necessary).

    Martin is just a good football player, imo. And I think he'd be a solid O-lineman who would crack the starting lineup somewhere.
     
  20. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    Martin has to be the pick if hes there. As you mentioned, he could be a guard for us or a tackle. Plus, albert doesn't play full seasons. We need someone who could step in at lt in the event albert misses a game or three
     
  21. Fineas

    Fineas Club Member Luxury Box

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    I don't really disagree with your characterization of Mosley but I'd still be fine with Mosley at 19. IMO, in most drafts, including this one, 19 is not all that different from 32. Mosely is a first round talent at a position of need and is pretty plug-and-play. I'm fine with ZMartin too, but I think that transition to the right side and the move from college to the pros for an OL is a bigger transition than for a LB. I think ZMartin looks pretty pro-ready, but he's still nowhere near the prospect that Fisher, Joekel and LJohnson were last year and they all struggled pretty significantly at RT. Mosley reminds me of Jon Beason and I think he can have a similar career to what Beason was when he was healthy.
     
  22. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    man, he scares me a bit at 19 Fineas, I know smaller guys have done it before, but this kid is not stout..I think in the top 20-25 he's being overrated.
     
  23. th#_4th_son

    th#_4th_son New Member

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    Xavier Sua'filo > Zach Martin
     
  24. Fineas

    Fineas Club Member Luxury Box

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    I'm not concerned about his size at all. He's really no smaller coming out than Ray Lewis, Zach Thomas, Mike Singletary, Beason, etc. None of those guys succeeded due to brute strength or an ability to manhandle guards or centers. They did it on instincts and an ability to avoid blockers and trash. I guess I don't care much about the draft slot -- you are splitting hairs if you think there is some kind of big difference between a guy who goes 15-20 and a guy who goes 25-30. There's just not much fo a difference. I don't see much bust potential in Mosley at all, and there are a lot of ther guys who are supposed to go in that same range who I think have plenty of it. Just get a good, reliable player at a position of need there -- by the time the season starts none of us will care if he was taken 5-10 picks too high. If he's a good player it will be a good pick, and i think he'll be a good player. No, he's not the most dynamic LB I have ever seen, but a lot of the guys who flashed that dynamism just weren't that good or reliable.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  25. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    There is a bit of a concern about size for me at the position, and he very well may fill out,but for someone smaller I don't see the explosiveness that should come with a smaller package..were talking 19 brother..
     

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