Miami Dolphins 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Ja’wuan James, OT, Tennessee
6’6″, 311 LBs
The Player
James is a powerful offensive lineman who beats defenders with raw size, strength and anchor. He flashed dominance at times as a Volunteer but too often displayed poor footwork and worrying athletic ability, but there is certainly plenty to love in terms of upside.
The Pick
This is a need for the Dolphins and it feels they really reached for a player when better pass protectors were on the board. Joel Bitonio, Xavier Su’a Filo and Morgan Moses all seemed to make much greater sense. With those guys on the board and still having gone with James, I have to assume that this is their guy at tackle.
The Fit
With the addition of Branden Albert in the offseason, it makes more sense that James would start at right tackle which worries me because he does not have the quick feet at this point to be a good run blocker. However, the Dolphins are obviously committed in protecting Ryan Tannehill, but one has to wonder if they got the right guy.
Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
5’11”, 205 lbs.
The Player
Landry will never blow anyone away as an athlete or a guy with great size, but he is an absolute catching amchine. He has incredibly strong hands and attacks the ball. He is a tough player who will go over the middle and love to block guys in the running game.
The Pick
One of my favorite receivers in the draft, I think this was a quality pick.
The Fit
Landry has the potential to start from day one as the slot receiver and quickly turn into Ryan Tannehill’s best friend.
Oct 5, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) makes a reception against Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Cedric Jiles (13) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 59-26. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Turner, OT, NDSU
The Player
Turner is an athletic freak who has great power and movement skills. He is still a bit raw and is undersized, so there is a chance he moves to guard, but he has a lot of ability.
The Pick
Turner is a guy I thought very highly of during the process and the picked up a guy who can really help out their quarterback.
The Fit
The Dolphins line needs as much talent as it can get and Turner can start from the first day at guard.
Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty
6’1″, 205 lbs.
The Player
Aikens has very good long speed and is very physical. He is a bit stiff and needs to play the run better, but there is very good upside there.
The Pick
Aikens was a guy a lot of people liked, so this could end up being a steal.
The Fit
The Dolphins starting CBs seem set so Aikens could push for slot duties, but is most likely a fourth corner and special teams player.
Arthur Lynch, TE, UGA
Oct 12, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Arthur Lynch (88) jumps over top of Missouri Tigers defensive back Randy Ponder (7) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
6’5″, 258 lbs.
The Player
Lynch is a smart route runner with good hands and solid speed. He is a tough player who is willing to get those tough yards in the middle of the field. As a blocker, he is incredibly aggressive and just wants to put the defender on his ass. I love his mentality.
The Pick
Lynch is getting undervalued due to his “old fashioned” skill set, but he is very good at what he does. Should be a good pick.
The Fit
With Dustin Keller coming off an injury and Charles Clay being the team’s best receiver from last year, Lynch may have a chance to grab the number two tight end spot and as he shows his dependability, he’ll get more targets and snaps.
Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana
6’3″, 234
The Player
Tripp is a very athletic and fluid coverage linebacker who flies all around the field and can make an impact from various positions. I’d like to see him get a little bit stronger, but I love the mentality he plays with.
The Pick
Think was just about right for Tripp’s selection.
The Fit
The Dolphins linebackers were pretty abysmal last year and that gives Tripp and opportunity to see the field in nickel situations at the least.
Matt Hazel, WR, CCU
6’1″, 195 lbs.
The Player
Hazel is not a great athlete, but he is a dependable receiver who can make some spectacular catches. Really good player to have going over the middle.
The Pick
Another good value for a good player.
The Fit
The wide receiver depth chart is getting pretty crowded at this point, but is hard to cut a guy with Hazel’s size and strength at the catch point. Expect him to not only make the team, but see some targets in his first year.
Terrance Fede, DE, Marist
6’4″, 274 lbs.
The Player
Fede is a very athletic, strong defensive end who uses violent hands to get into the back field. He has tremendous upside, but he needs to strengthen his base and awareness against the run.
The Pick
The 7th round is for the high upside picks. Let it be.
The Fit
The Dolphins have lots of talent on the edges right now, but no team is ever set at pass rusher. Expect Fede to see some time in the rotation.