A look at the Miami Dolphins’ second-day draft options and who they’ve contacted
The Dolphins enter the second day of the NFL Draft with picks 39 and 56 in the second round and selection No. 70 in the third round.
A look at potential options in need areas:
RUNNING BACK
The Dolphins must come away with one at 39 or 56, and should have a choice of at least one among Georgia’s D’Andre Swift, Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins, Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor and FSU’s Cam Akers at 39, with Boston College’s AJ Dillon and Utah’s Zack Moss both possibilities at 56 or 70.
The Dolphins have told people for months how much they like Swift. But Dobbins also is under the impression that Miami really likes him, too; the Dolphins rushed him to team headquarters — from his Aventura home — on the final day predraft visits were permitted on March 13 and have had contact since.
They also wanted to bring Akers to team offices for a “30” visit, but that was canceled due to coronavirus. They’ve reached out to Moss, who attended Hallandale High. And Mel Kiper said Dillon has risen to second-round range.
There has been less Dolphins contact with Taylor than with Swift and Dobbins over the past month. Dolphins running backs coach Eric Studesville spent time with Taylor the night before Wisconsin’s Pro Day last month; there has been contact since but it has been limited.
What’s clear is Miami must emerge from Friday with a 1 or 1A back to join Jordan Howard.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
This is a high priority; Davon Godchaux, Christian Wilkins and Zach Seiler are the only NFL-game experienced tackles on the roster.
The Dolphins hold Auburn defensive end/tackle Marlon Davidson in high regard, and they’ve also shown interest in Alabama’s Raekwon Davis and Utah’s Leki Fotu - two players with whom they’ve FaceTimed. Fotu could go anywhere between the second and fourth rounds.
Four other options Friday:Oklahoma’s Neville Gallimore (will be high on some teams’ boards), TCU’s Ross Blacklock (I’m skeptical because of his struggles against the run), Ohio State’s Davon Hamilton (Dolphins love Buckeyes defensive players), Missouri’s Jordan Elliott (Miami has been in touch with him in recent weeks), Baylor’s James Lynch and Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike (Miami has had only limited contact with him).
And don’t discount two others Miami has reached out to in recent weeks: LSU’s Rashard Lawrence and Penn State’s Robert Windsor.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Even with Miami drafting a left tackle in Austin Jackson, Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland shouldn’t be discounted; he has some support inside the Dolphins and can play either tackle spot or guard. Projected first-round left tackle Josh Jones remains available but could be off the board before Miami picks.
If Miami double-dips for a tackle, other options Friday include Auburn’s Prince Tega Wanogho (Dolphins have been in touch with him), TCU’s Lucas Niang, Washington’s Trey Adams, LSU’s Saadiq Charles (Miami FaceTimed with him), Connecticut’s Matthew Peart and Auburn’s Jack Driscoll.
The interior of the line remains the bigger need. Beyond tackle/guard Cleveland, remember that Miami holds Louisiana guards Robert Hunt and Kevin Dotson in high regard, having invited both for 30 visits. Hunt is the better prospect and looms as a serious Dolphins option today.
Michigan’s Ben Bredeson, Oregon’s Shane Lemiuex and Clemson’s John Simpson are big school guards on Miami’s radar.
With Ted Karras signed to a one-year deal, the Dolphins could use a young center with the ability to play guard. They’ve FaceTimed with Temple’s Matt Hennessy and Washington’s Nik Harris. And Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadasz and LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry also warrant consideration today.
EDGE PLAYERS
There’s a good chance Miami will add another pass rusher in the next three rounds, and there’s a lot of talent on the board.
Iowa’s AJ Epesena and Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos are first-round talents still on the board.
As we’ve noted, they like UF’s Jonathan Greenard (9.5 sacks last season), Michigan’s Josh Uche and Tennessee’s Darrell Taylor (16.5 sacks over past two seasons) and have reached out to Boise State’s Curtis Weaver.
Utah’s Bradley Anae, UF’s Jabari Zuniga, Wisconsin’s Zack Baun (Dolphins like Badger edge guys) and Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara warrant Friday consideration. Alabama’s Terrell Lewis is gifted but comes with injury concerns.
As we’ve noted, the Dolphins like this Auburn draft class, so keep in mind Davidson (who can play end or tackle) and edge rusher Nick Coe.
WIDE RECEIVER
Can’t be ruled out today because of the depth of talent at the position. Baylor’s Denzel Mims (a player the Dolphins like), Clemson’s Tee Higgins, Colorado’s Laviska Shenault, Southern California’s Michael Pittman (Kiper has mocked him to Miami), Texas’ Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay, Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool and Penn State’s KJ Hamler could all go off the board Friday.
And keep in mind two pass/run multi-dimensional options who would offer the type of versatility and explosiveness that Miami covets: Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden Jr. and Memphis’ Antonio Gibson.
Also with a chance to be drafted today: South Carolina’s Bryan Edwards, Ohio State’s KJ Hill, SMU’s James Prioche, Boise State’s John Hightower.
ELSEWHERE
Because of pressing needs elewhere, I’m not sure a safety would be the best use of resources at 39 or 56 after selecting a nickel cornerback at 30 (Noah Igbinoghene). But here would be the case to take one: The top six remain on the board: Alabama’s Xavier McKinney (has some support inside the Dolphins), Cal’s Ashtyn Davis, Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, LSU’s Grant Delpit, Southern Illinois’ Jeremy Chinn and Lenior-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger. And more importantly, Miami played six defensive backs 29 percent of the time last season, more than any other team in the league, per PFF’s Ryan Smith.
A bunch of good cornerbacks remain - Stefon Diggs, Kristian Fulton, Jaylon Johnson - but there’s no way to justify another cornerback Friday...
The Dolphins have spent a lot of time on tight ends, and did a FaceTime session with potential second- or third-round pick Adam Trautman, who had 14 touchdown receptions as a senior and 31 overall in 44 games at FCS Dayton. They’ve also had contact with Washington’s Hunter Bryant.
The top tight end - Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet - remains available, as do potential Friday options Albert Okwuegbunam of Missouri, Colby Parkinson of Stanford, and FAU’s Harrison Bryant….
Among inside linebackers (not a big Dolphins need), they’ve shown interest in Mississippi State’s Willie Gay, who could come off the board in round three, and Purdue’s Markus Bailey, a potential third or fourth rounder. Cal’s Evan Weaver, Wyoming’s Logan Wilson, Colorado’s Davion Taylor, Appalachian State’s Akeem Davis-Gaither and Ohio State’s Malik Harrison are other inside ‘backers who could hear their names called Friday.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Noah Igbinoghene.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Austin Jackson.
Here’s my piece on how the supplemental draft - during a pandemic - could impact the Dolphins and Hurricanes.
This story was originally published April 24, 2020 at 12:57 PM.
