With The First Pick
Fansided

2017 Miami Dolphins Mock Draft

By Blake Yagman

Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs onto the field for player intoriductions prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs onto the field for player intoriductions prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defensive Back

The Dolphins secondary has been decimated by injuries and questionable acquisitions.

The biggest issue has been that Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones is on injured reserve. Jones is an elite player; without him, the entire defense suffers. Byron Maxwell came to Miami from the Eagles and has been benched multiple times; Chris Culliver was signed to add depth but has been injured and unable to contribute; and second-round pick Xavien Howard has been out since early October with an injury of his own.

Gase and the Dolphins have to be frustrated with the lack of continuity in the secondary. The team could look to draft a corner (and possibly a safety).

Gase and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph prefer large, physical defensive backs. In the pass-heavy age of the NFL, toughness is a premium quality for defensive backs.

Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Corn Elder (29) lines up during the second quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Miami defeated App State 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Corn Elder (29) lines up during the second quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Miami defeated App State 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Out of the University of Miami, Corn Elder is a defensive back that is cut from the mold of Hurricanes of old.

Arguably the Hurricanes most valuable player, ‘Canes captain Corn Elder is athletic enough to cover the ACC’s best wide receivers, yet tough enough to tackle in run support like a linebacker. Elder, although a great corner, could profit from a move to safety because of his elite ability to read opposing offenses. Any team that adds Elder, who could be available in the mid-rounds, is lucky.

The University of Michigan has two outstanding defensive players of its own: Jabrill Peppers and Jourdan Lewis.

Peppers, one of the most popular players in the country, is versatile enough to play linebacker or strong safety. Peppers, if he declares for the draft this year, might be gone by the time the Dolphins have their first selection. Lewis, in my opinion, is college football’s best cover corner. If the Dolphins want to secure their defensive backs going forward, Lewis could start from day one.

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