NFL Draft 2015: Miami Dolphins Team Needs
By Zac Snyder
The Miami Dolphins have made a habit of being major players in free agency and this offseason has been no exception. Ndamukong Suh‘s record-setting deal brings in a new anchor for the Dolphins’ defensive line and tight end Jordan Cameron gives Ryan Tannehill another weapon on offense.
There is still work to be done if the Dolphins are to challenge the New England Patriots for the AFC East crown. Next up on the Dolphins’ plan to unseat the Patriots is to put together a solid class out of the 2015 NFL Draft.
For a look at the Dolphins’ draft shopping list, I got together with Phin Phanatic‘s Brian Miller. Below are my questions followed by Brian’s answers.
1. How have the team’s draft needs changed since free agency opened?
"They haven’t. The Dolphins didn’t sign anyone in free agency that filled a need entering the off-season. They signed Ndamukong Suh but they had Randy Starks and could have re-signed Jared Odrick. The move was great for the franchise but it wasn’t a “draft” need. The team added a wide-receiver in Kenny Stills but released Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, and traded Mike Wallace."
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2. What would you say are the top three needs remaining?
"Wide receiver is a big need entering this year as Stills is still young and inexperienced so he won’t be carrying the load on the outside by himself. The Dolphins also need a guard as well. Unfortunately they have more than two needs. They must address the cornerback and linebacker positions as well if for depth only."
3. Are there any prospects that have caught your eye so far?
"Most are paying attention to the wide-receiver group but Miami keeps things pretty close in house so guessing on where they may go is not very easy. DeVante Parker has been talked a lot about and Shaq Thompson could be a 2nd round linebacker option. Trae Waynes is also in the discussions as well."
4. What do you think would make for a successful draft for your team?
"The Dolphins are entering a pivotal season with both Joe Philbin and Dennis Hickey, the teams general manager, on the last year of their contracts. They need to draft players that will have an impact on the roster this year. The problem is Mike Tannenbaum is sitting above them all and he is trying to build a team for the future as well. Drafting starters will make this draft a success."
5. So much draft focus often goes to the first few rounds, but is there something you’d like to see your team do in the later rounds?
"Last year the Dolphins drafted a lot of small school players and I would like to see that stop this year. In the later rounds I think the team should take some chances on the high upside players who fell due to character flaws. It’s not Joe Philbin’s MO but there are steals to be made. Position specific? I would alternate offensive lineman, linebackers, and secondary on day three. I’m also tired of mid-late round running backs. Miami has drafted enough projects."
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Next: Post-Free Agency Frenzy 2015 NFL Mock Draft