After finishing 15-19 over the last two seasons, the Miami Dolphins began making changes. The franchise jettisoned head coach Mike McDaniel. Now, they will start the process of rebuilding, with the upcoming draft serving as a catalyst. Using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, we can see what picks align properly with what Miami needs.
Round 1, Pick 11: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The best corner in the draft for a myriad of reasons. First, look at the traits. A combative corner, Delane can use that determination to stay connected to the route. However, his makeup/closing speed is elite.
As a result, he is rarely out of the play completely. Instead, he remains within breathing distance. Moreover, despite his 187-pound frame, Delane will give the Dolphins a sure tackler on the boundary, unafraid to sift through the wash. He could be a potential lockdown corner.
Round 2, Pick 43: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
At TAMU, Bisontis made his living with physicality. At the snap, he takes on the defender with aggression, not stopping until the echo of the whistle. Yet, the lineman is very athletic and possesses the range and talent to play every position on the line.
Jonah Savaiinaea, who started at left guard, struggled mightily. According to PFSN NFL Player OL Impact Rankings, he ranked No. 195.
Round 3, Pick 75: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Tua Tagovailoa, through aspects both within and outside his control, wore out his welcome in Miami. Yet, the Dolphins are still contractually bound to him. According to Spotrac, Tagovailoa accounts for 18.53% of the salary cap.
Meanwhile, Beck, even before his star-making performances in the College Football Playoff, owns a profound talent base. While he is athletic enough to move around the pocket, he has serious arm talent to connect at all three levels of the field with the required velocity needed to move an offense.
Round 3, Pick 87: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
While the team figures out what to do with Tyreek Hill, they either need a replacement or a suitable alternative. Granted. Branch may not produce Hill’s production, but he will give the Dolphins a big-bodied wideout with enough burst to keep defenders honest.
McDaniel tried to beat teams with two undersized wideouts on the field at the same time. That worked in warm weather, but the lack of size inevitably catches up to the Dolphins. Fields can work with power, especially with contested catches.
Round 3, Pick 89: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
Whether the team re-signs Darren Waller or not, it has no bearing on drafting Joly. He will be a seam-ripper within the offense. Meaning, lined up in the slot, Joly will streak past the linebacker or safety, leading to a big play if the ball finds him. In contrast, do not ask him to serve as a punishing inline blocker. That remains a work in progress.
Round 4, Pick 111: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
De’Von Achane is an explosive back, blessed with the speed to outrun everyone on the field in the open, without a doubt. However, the new coach will need to bring in a bruiser to gain the tough yards between the tackles.
Allen’s sole purpose is to run downhill as soon as possible. He will help the Dolphins in cold-weather games that require a tougher approach to the run.
Round 5, Pick 151: Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech
At 240 pounds, Miami will not count on Height to set the edge or stop the run. Instead, on passing down, he will be tasked with turning him loose on the edge and getting to the quarterback.
If he gains 15-20 pounds without losing speed, his role changes. However, his twitchy first step gains the corner, and that is all the Dolphins need. He will turn 25 before the season starts, so being a situational pass rusher looks like his lot.
Round 7, Pick 225: Ahmad Moten, DT, Miami
Moten could bring an interior disruption into the fold. The Dolphins need toughness. Additionally, with a new coach on board, he will bring his own staff and, most importantly, his own players.
Moten brings strength and surprising quickness on the interior. With Drake Maye and Josh Allen playing Miami four times per season, the Dolphins need to crush the pocket.
