Dolphins final mock draft: Miami bolsters offense with limited capital

With the NFL Draft on the horizon, here’s what I have Miami doing with their limited draft capital in my final Dolphins mock draft.

Barring any last-minute deals, the Miami Dolphins will only have four selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. There are limited opportunities for the Dolphins to add to their team this weekend, but the team will look to make the most of their second and third-day picks.

Miami added some big names this offseason, including Terron Armstead, Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert, and Chase Edmonds. Despite those moves, Miami still needs help to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

With the picks below, the Dolphins will look to get more explosive while improving upfront on the offensive line. Miami will give quarterback Tua Tagovailoa the best chance to succeed with their ammunition in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Round 3, Pick 102: James Cook – Running Back – Georgia

The name of the game this offseason in Miami is speed, so they continue that theme here with Georgia’s James Cook. While the younger Cook may not possess the same elite-level explosion and lateral ability as his brother Dalvin, James is a great athlete in his own right. He’s never been the guy in college, which means there is a ton of tread left on those tires.

He will join another timeshare with the Dolphins, one that features those aforementioned additions this offseason in Mostert and Edmonds. Cook could be lightly used early on but will be an explosive option on passing downs and to spell the other veterans in this backfield. He figures to carve out a significant role with the Dolphins as the season progresses and could eventually find himself as the long-term starter in Miami.

Round 4, Pick 125: Alec Lindstrom – Center – Boston College

Lindstrom to the Dolphins seems like one of the bigger slam dunks in the 2022 NFL Draft from a scheme and logical perspective. Former Boston College OL coach Matt Applebaum has hired this offseason to the same position in Miami. He could jockey for his former stud center and get Lindstrom to Miami. Michael Dieter has improved as the pivot man with the Dolphins, but competition is needed at the position.

Lindstrom’s brother Chris was a former first-rounder with the Falcons, and Alec also looks like a potential starter at the next level. While he will need to add size to hold up at the next level, Lindstrom is a technician with legitimate football intelligence and tons of starting experience. If available here in the fourth, I believe Miami will be very interested in securing his services.

Round 7, Pick 224: Bubba Bolden – Safety – Miami (Fla.)

The Dolphins hit a home run with their 2021 second-round selection of safety Jevon Holland. The former Oregon Duck was one of the better safeties and cover men in the NFL as a rookie and pairs nicely with 2020 third-rounder Brandon Jones moving forward. However, depth could be a concern and the team would do well to add reinforcements on the back end.

Bolden was once viewed as a potential first-rounder, but due to injuries and inconsistent play, he could be available late for the Dolphins. Staying in Miami could be a boon for both Bolden and the Dolphins, though. Bolden is an instinctive player and big hitter but needs to improve on his fundamentals and freelance tendencies. He could surprise the NFL with the right coaching and leadership.

Round 7, Pick 247: Tyler Vrabel – Offensive Tackle – Boston College

Some more dot-connecting here with Vrabel to the Miami Dolphins. As the son of former Patriots great and current Titans coach Mike Vrabel, the bloodlines are a promising guideline for Tyler’s future in the NFL. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, he has the size, length, and tenacity to become a productive player for the Dolphins.

Miami brought in former Saints’ OT Terron Armstead this offseason to pair with 2021 second-rounder Liam Eichenberg. However, the jury is still out on Eichenberg and Vrabel could provide immediate competition and insurance for the position. Pairing Vrabel with Applebaum in Miami seems like an ideal fit here in the seventh round.