Five prospects the Dolphins could target on Day 3 of the NFL draft
After waiting for 101 selections to make their first pick, the Dolphins are expected to be a bit more active with three picks on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Dolphins used their first pick late Friday night on Georgia inside linebacker Channing Tindall, a player who general manager Chris Grier believes has high upside after breaking out on a Bulldogs defense full of NFL draft picks.
The first two nights of the draft weren’t unusual for the Dolphins solely because of the long buildup to their first selection. Grier said his phone wasn’t ringing as much for potential trades. He was also unwilling to part with the team’s premium 2023 draft capital in any deal to move up a few spots.
Grier, however, will have to be creative Saturday afternoon if he wants to be more of a player in the final rounds of the draft. The Dolphins have a fourth-rounder and then a pair of seventh-rounders.
Here are five prospects the Dolphins could target on the final day of the draft:
Arizona State OL Dohnovan West
West, who doesn’t turn 21 for another two weeks, was a three-year starter in college, logging 29 starts at center and both guard spots. He was a two-time All-Pac 12 selection. Grier said the team would add competition at center for Michael Deiter, who started eight games last season.
Boston College OL Alec Lindstrom
Lindstrom started all 37 games in college at center and was named first-team All-ACC in consecutive seasons. While he may not have much positional versatility, he was coached by new Dolphins offensive line coach Matt Applebaum and is regarded as a cerebral player.
South Dakota State RB Pierre Strong
Strong was an explosive runner in South Dakota State’s zone scheme, similar to the one Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is implementing. Strong was named to the FCS All-America team four times and led the division in rushing in 2021, recording 1,686 yards. He finished his college career with over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Alabama LB Christopher Allen
Allen, who came to Miami for a predraft visit, had his college career derailed by a pair of season-ending injuries. But in 2020, his last healthy season, Allen was named second-team All-SEC and led the conference in tackles for loss. He projects as an outside linebacker who can instantly play against the run and develop as a pass rusher.
Miami (Ohio) LB Dominique Robinson
Robinson, who also came to Miami for a predraft visit, is still fairly new to playing defense. He’s a converted quarterback and wide receiver who played just 16 games as an edge rusher in college. Robinson was a quick learner, though, recording 6.5 sacks over the last two seasons. He was named third-team All-MAC in 2021 and his athletic traits project him as a potential impact speed rusher with more development.
This story was originally published April 30, 2022 at 7:43 AM.
