Teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparation as the 2015 NFL Draft is nearly here.
To preview the draft for the Miami Dolphins, I got together with Brian Miller of Phin Phanatic. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. What are the team’s biggest needs heading into the draft and how might they address them?
"The Dolphins have needs at WR, G, and LB. All three are open for a first round selection and to some degree corner could be an option as well. The draft is deep with wide-out talent and the guard talent is pretty good as well. Linebacker will be interesting because the best options will either be at the top of the draft or between picks 20 and middle round two. Miami will need to make a decision on two of the three. They have no 3rd round pick this year."
Phin Phanatic
2. What needs to happen for this draft to be considered a success?
"The Dolphins need to draft at least two if not three impact starters. Joe Philbin’s job is once again on the line and the Dolphins have spent a lot of money in free agency and are ready to tab Ryan Tannehill as the teams long term quarterback by giving him a new contract. They need to fill their holes with playmakers because they didn’t address them in free agency."
3. What in your mind would make this draft a failure?
"Simple, drafting small school prospects paid off last year in terms of gaining some high potential players but that is not a formula for success. The Dolphins need to plan for the present as much as the future and small school projects are not the way to go. In fact, projects in and of themselves is really not the way to go. The Dolphins need players that can contribute early."
4. What is a bold prediction for your team this draft?
"I would not be surprised to see the Dolphins trade up for a top wide-receiver but while I believe they could and might, they are short picks to make it a realistic shot. Still they could find a way and short themselves on picks this year and maybe next. Barring a trade I have no idea, the Dolphins are playing this years draft so close to home that local beat writers can’t get a real idea of where they are leaning."
5. What is a draft angle the general public might not be aware of for your team?
"GM Dennis Hickey wants to gain more picks so the thought seems to be they will try and trade down and recoup a pick or two but over him is Mike Tannenbaum who wants to make a splash with high potential players. The two will need to work closely together to find the right combination of players that will not only satisfy themselves but also head coach Joe Philbin who demands high character players. I don’t believe that is as important to Tannenbaum."
For full Dolphins coverage, check out Phin Phanatic.
Next: 2-Round 2015 NFL Mock Draft