A look at early Dolphins draft options at No. 13, mocks and who’s in play. And notes.
The Dolphins’ first-round draft options began to come to light Sunday evening when the team learned it would select 13th in the first round of April’s draft.
Though everything is fluid with the draft, here’s an early look at players projected for that range:
▪ ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks these players between 9 and 15 on his Big Board, in order: Georgia safety Malaki Starks (“doesn’t miss many tackles, closes so fast in coverage”); Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks (three sacks allowed in 40 starts); Arizona State 6-5 receiver Tetairoa McMillan (a matchup nightmare with 84 catches for 1,319 receiving yards, eight TDs this season); LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell; Georgia inside linebacker Jalon Walker (59 tackles, 6.5 sacks); Mississippi 305-pound defensive tackle Walter Nolan (12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks); Georgia outside linebacker Mykel Williams (10.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks), East Carolina cornerback Shevon Revel Jr. (two interceptions/coming off a torn ACL).
▪ CBS’ initial mock draft has the Dolphins taking Texas A&M edge player Nic Scourton, who had five sacks and 14 tackles for loss this season.
CBS’ Ryan Wilson says “Scourton is a power rusher who will long-arm you into the stands. He’ll also flash an inside spin move that puts OTs on their heels. Add the non-stop motor with which he plays, and it’s hard not to love his game.”
Kiper rates Scourton much lower, 23rd overall.
CBS has Georgia’s Walker and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell going just before Miami’s pick and has Georgia’s Starks and Tennessee edge player James Pearce Jr. going right after Miami’s pick.
▪ Pro Football Focus has the Dolphins picking Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons at No. 13. He would be an option if the Dolphins view him as a guard, which he can play.
PFF notes “Simmons got hurt midway through the season, so unfortunately, we haven’t seen him during Ohio State’s deep playoff run. But before he tore his ACL, he looked like one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. He has some of the best footwork in the class, with good athletic ability and smooth movements.
“The Dolphins just need to improve their offensive line in any way they can, and Simmons could play guard for them if Patrick Paul is a starter at offensive tackle. On 158 pass-blocking snaps this season, Simmons didn’t allow a sack and allowed just one pressure on his way to an 82.0 PFF pass-blocking grade.”
At this point, guard, safety, receiver, defensive line and cornerback would appear to be the Dolphins’ biggest draft needs, contingent on what they do in free agency.
Interview request
The Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints have requested an interview with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for their head coaching job, according to the Athletic. The Bears have also asked to interview Lions assistants Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn and Arizona offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
In Weaver’s first year as Miami’s defensive coordinator, the Dolphins this season finished fourth in yards allowed per game (314.3) and 10th in points allowed at 21.4.
Clark appreciative
This season, defensive line coach Austin Clark was in the unique position of coaching a player (Calais Campbell) who was four years older than him. And Clark, 34, will forever hold fond memories of coaching a future Hall of Famer with a larger-than-life persona.
“His preparation, mentality are second to none,” Clark said. “There aren’t very many people who have the knowledge of the game that he has. Real student of the game. I picked up a lot of things from him.
“It starts with his voice. From the first time you meet him, he’s got that presence. It’s been great for all the guys to see this is what it looks like [with a Hall of Famer].”
Clark marveled at how great players from other teams approached Campbell all season, before and after games, to show their respect.
“That’s what you want; you want those guys who lead the show, making tweaks and changes on the field” and being talkative and encouraging with teammates. “It’s infectious when someone can operate like that. It instills confidence in everybody. He’s [like], ‘If you need some juice, plug into me.’ I think players feed off that. You can’t have enough Calais Campbells. If you know where there’s more, let me know.”
Clark said “it’s extremely hard” for a player that old to be that durable.
“It speaks a lot to his preparation inside the building, outside the building, to maintain the shape he’s in,” Clark said. “He’s not just showing up Friday and Saturday walk-through. He practices. He plays the way he plays because of how he prepares. His availability week to week is very impressive.”
Campbell finished with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks in 17 games, and Pro Football Focus rated him the seventh best among 127 interior defenders this season. An impending free agent, he said he doesn’t know if he will retire but hopes to make a decision by March and will consider the Dolphins if he plays.
“I want him back,” Clark said. “I would love to have him back.”
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 11:21 AM.
