2017 NFL Mock Draft: Week 16 Update
By Jon Dove
Miami Dolphins
1st Round, No. 18 overall- Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
2nd Round, No. 50 overall- Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Adam Gase has done a tremendous job changing the culture of the Miami Dolphins. His strengths as a leader and coach jumped out when the team turned around what looked like another losing season. This is his team to build and he’s earned more say in how the roster is constructed.
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Gase is an offensive coach who knows that a young quarterback like Ryan Tannehill needs proper weapons. The tight end position is an important piece to the puzzle and is often seen as a quarterback’s safety blanket.
Jake Butt is the type of pass-catching tight end who’d quickly become a favorite target of Tannehill’s. He has the speed to attack the seam and the size to win in contested situations. His body control allows him to adjust to poorly thrown balls.
Butt’s experience at Michigan has given him plenty of opportunities to improve as a blocker. He’s not going to drive defenders several yards off the line, but he knows how to use his hands and seal the defender.
Miami needs to add some depth at the linebacker position and could land a potential star in Jarrad Davis. He’s a well rounded linebacker who always flies to the football and holds up well in coverage.