6 potential Miami Dolphins targets to watch at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
The next phase of the NFL offseason takes decision-makers to Indianapolis, home of the 2023 Scouting Combine. Over the next week, the Dolphins will get an up-close look at the 2023 Draft Class, with over 300 prospects gathering for physical measurements, testing and interviews.
Miami has needs on both sides of the ball. With all four of their running backs entering free agency, the Dolphins may be seeking a new ball carrier in the backfield. And with tight end Mike Gesicki likely to depart in free agency, a tight end to bolster an already dynamic offense could help. Miami also must add to an offensive line that struggled to find continuity after several injuries.
On defense, the Dolphins are looking to players on each level who fit new coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. Cornerback is one of those needs after the position’s depth was struck in 2022. Three inside linebackers are slated for free agency, so a new player in the middle of the defense could be targeted. And a running mate at safety for Jevon Holland could also be a priority in a scheme that often uses two-high shells.
Here are prospects, from six areas of need for the Dolphins, to watch for at the combine.
Running back: Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs
Chris Grier’s history as a general manager doesn’t suggest the Dolphins would use their second-round pick on a running back. But Gibbs is one of the best options in a group of interesting backs. A former five-star prospect, Gibbs started his college career at Georgia Tech and then transferred to Alabama for his third and final season.
Gibbs is a sudden athlete who not is not only dynamic on handoffs but has value as a receiver. According to Pro Football Focus, he led all running backs over the last three seasons with 25 receptions of 15-plus yards and 39 forced missed tackles on receptions. Gibbs has struggled at times in pass protection and his frame – 5-11, 200 pounds – doesn’t project as an every-down back. But he could fit in head coach Mike McDaniel’s zone running scheme and present a mismatch in the passing game. Pro Football Focus said Gibbs’ NFL comparison is Raheem Mostert, who led the Dolphins in rushing this past season. Gibbs is a Day 2 prospect.
Tight end: Georgia’s Darnell Washington
At 6-7 and 270 pounds, Washington quickly passes the eye test and has athleticism you rarely see for someone that size. With his physical profile, Washington was an imposing blocker in Georgia’s offense (some have even suggested he add weight and transition to offensive tackle). Washington is not an explosive or concise route runner and he didn’t get as many opportunities in a stacked Bulldogs offense but he could be the all-around tight end the Dolphins need. Washington is a Day 2 prospect.
“He is like playing with a sixth offensive lineman in the run game, and he is still developing and learning in the pass game,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said on a conference call last week. “I think there’s more there. Obviously, they had the best tight end in the country there with [Brock] Bowers, who is just an absolute freak show. So he doesn’t get as many balls as he would on other offenses, but he is really intriguing.”
Offensive line: Maryland’s Jaelyn Duncan
The 6-6, 300-pound Duncan was a four-year player at left tackle who held his own against some of the better edge rushers to come through the Big Ten Conference. His athleticism allows him to do it all, whether it be pull, get to the second level or move into his pass set quickly. He needs refinement with his technique, though. He can err in his hand placement and fail to use his arm length properly at times. Duncan is a Day 2 prospect.
“He is somebody that I think is a year away,” Jeremiah said. “Like, it’s all in there. It’s all in his body. He has a ton of ability. He is very athletic. He is going to test — I would be shocked if he doesn’t test extremely well. I know he has been working with Duke Manyweather who does a great job in Dallas, and you can already see him making strides there. I think his best football is in the future, not in the past.”
Cornerback: Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes
Forbes, 6-foot and 180 pounds, was a three-year player who mainly lined up at outside corner. He can play in man coverage or settle into zones and showed a knack for the ball, recording 14 interceptions and six touchdowns. Forbes can be overaggressive and undisciplined at times, however, and will have to add more to his frame to hold up in run support. Forbes is a Day 2 prospect.
Inside linebacker: Iowa’s Jack Campbell
The recipient of the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, Campbell fits the mold of a prototypical middle linebacker and offers upside in coverage. He’s at his best as a run defender, working through blocks to get to the ball carrier. In coverage, he likely won’t excel in man coverage but can drop into shallow zones. Campbell is a Day 2 prospect who Jeremiah thinks could rise after the combine.
“He is going to probably run in the 4.5s [in the 40-yard dash],” Jeremiah said. “He could start getting some love and some talk about him up there in the first round.”
Safety: Illinois’ Sydney Brown
If the Dolphins want a do-it-all safety to pair with Holland, Brown could be the prospect for them – and like Holland, Brown is originally from Canada. A native of Ontario, Brown starred at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School with his twin brother, Chase (Chase is a top running back prospect in the 2023 Draft), before the two moved on to Illinois.
Sydney spent most of his time in the box in college but his athleticism projects him as a deep safety in the NFL. He’s an experienced player who can line up at multiple positions but his struggles with tackling may keep him out of the box at the next level. Sydney is a Day 2 prospect.
“He has great range,” Jeremiah said. “You’ll see him undercut routes. He is explosive. I think he is going to test really, really well. He is outstanding on special teams.”
Also look out for: UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet, Iowa TE Sam LaPorta, Alabama OL Tyler Steen, Georgia OL Warren McClendon, Utah OL Braeden Daniels, Alabama CB Eli Ricks
This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 9:29 AM.
