Miami Dolphins Mock Draft

1st round – 15th overall [Mike Pouncey – G/C Florida]

Many mock drafts have the Dolphins taking Mark Ingram. With so much talent in the later rounds of the draft Miami would be better suited to fortify the interior line and wait on a RB. The Dolphins have not tried to hide who they are. They want to be a power running team that can pound the ball down your throat and throw when they have to. The lack of rushing production wasn’t for a lack of attempts. The Dolphins ranked 11th in the league in rushing attempts but finished 21st in rushing yards per game. This is because of lack of consistency on the offensive front.

Adding a player of Pouncey’s caliber would help bring stability and versatility to the line. Bringing the G/C from Florida would let the Dolphins to slide Richie Incognito over to center and play Pouncey at guard. Or keep Incognito at guard and try Pouncey at center. With so much uncertainty involving the CBA Pouncey is a safe pick that will be an anchor on the line for years to come.

3rd round – 79th overall [Taiwan Jones – RB E. Washington]

With Ricky Williams flirting with retirement seemingly every season and Ronnie Brown set for possible free agency this is a position of need for the Dolphins. Jones is rising on team’s big boards after running in the 4.2-4.3 40 yd at his pro day. He has also put on weight coming in at 6’ 195lbs at his pro day. Assuming his performance hasn’t vaulted him into the late second and Jones is available he is a solid pickup for the Dolphins with their 79th overall pick.

4th round – 111th overall [Ricky Stanzi – QB Iowa]

Unfortunately both GM Jeff Ireland and Head coach Tony Sporano are under the gun to produce a winning product. Many believe that if the Dolphins do not make the playoffs, or at least make an improvement from last season both of their jobs could be on the line. This reality does not lend itself to drafting a quarterback early and planting him in front of Chad Henne. They drafted Henne and their future with the team will likely lie in how he performs this year.

Still the dolphins need to draft a quarterback. Other than Henne, the Dolphins are thin at quarterback. Chad Pennington is coming off yet another shoulder surgery, and Tyler Thigpen has shown he cannot be a long term answer at quarterback. Ricky Stanzi has shown he can be a leader, being named a team captain before his senior year at Iowa. He is coming from an offense where he operated under center and is used to dropping back from under center. He has shown mobility and accuracy while throwing on the run. Its no secret that the Dolphins have been looking for a quarterback since Dan Marino retired over a decade ago. Without a standout option at quarterback for the Dolphins at 15, they will have to look for a quarterback later in the draft. If they can, the Dolphins will try and move down and possibly take Ryan Mallett, or Andy Dalton. If you want to see how a trade might work out you can find it here (link to my dolphins trade article). Without being able to trade down Stanzi is a good value pick in the 4th round to come into camp and push Chad Henne.

5th round – 179th overall [D.J. Williams – TE Arkansas]

When Bill Parcells cam to Miami he brought some pieces from his last stop in the NFL, head coach Tony Sporano and TE Anthony Fasano. With the departure of Parcells, Sporano finds himself on the hot seat, and Fasano watched his biggest supporter take his exit. D.J. Williams will bring a receiving threat to the Dolphins to go with Wr Brandon Marshall. Williams has show that he has great hands and can be productive TE in the SEC. His size and athletic ability remind me of Aaron Hernandez. He has shown tremendous leadership in his community and is the type of player the Dolphins can count on off the field as much as they can count on him on the field.

6th round – 179th overall [Ronald Johnson – WR USC]

With the progression of Brian Hartline not where it should be the Dolphins will be looking for a receiver to line up opposite Brandon Marshall. At this point of the draft teams will be looking for players that can make an impact on special teams. Johnson can do just that, returning punts and kicks for the Trojan he ranked 2nd in the Pac-10 in punt return average. Johnson ran a 4.4 40 yard dash but that is not indicative of how explosive he plays. Johnson is still young and needs to work on his route running, but the impact he will make on special teams will buy him time to correct his technique.

7th round – 217th overall [Bruce Miller – OLB Central Florida]

The 2010 Conference USA defensive player of the year, Miller will be able to line up at OLB/DE and let the Dolphins move Koa Misi inside.

7th round – 218th overall [Byron Maxwell – CB Clemson]

Although Vontae Davis is becoming a very nice corner for the Dolphins, Sean Smith did not progress like his counterpart. The depth at corner became dire enough that 36yr old Al Harris played signifigant minutes at the end of the season. This pick will add depth to an area of need for the Dolphins. Maxwell will bring a big body and another player who can contribute on special teams right out of the gate.

7th rounder – 235th overall [Andre Jackson – C Fresno State]

This pick will be for insurance in case Incognito and Pouncey both fail at center. Presumably one of the two will be able to play center and then this pick will add depth to a line that will be depleted with the departure of Joe Berger.