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Mock Draft 2.0, 5 weeks away.  The Dolphins focus has shifted strictly to the draft and off free agency.  In this mock, expect the unexpected.  The board falls a little funny but I address the focus of this team, defense, defense, defense.  Without further a-do:

Round 1 (22)- Jabril Peppers (S, Michigan)- Stephen Ross gets his dream scenario at 22, he gets his man from Michigan.  You’re probably wondering, how did he fall to 22?  This scenario saw 3 QBs taken before (Watson, Trubisky and Mahomes II).  Peppers pro day went so well, that he is now projected to go in the top 15.  But back on track, Peppers is 5’10, 213lbs.  Extremely versatile as he can also gimmick as an offensive player as well as return man.  In Miami, he will start next to Reshad Jones which will give Miami an excellent tandem.  He has great range in run support as well as good cover skills.  He did not have an interception in his college career but has great instincts.  Miami now has flexibility in the backend.

Round 2 (22)- Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)- Once again, the board falls in the Dolphins favor in this mock.  Landing the 6’1, 211lb corner bring another element to the secondary.  Wilson has great size and speed.  His coverage skills need some work but Burke will fall in love with his length and closing speed.  He locates the ball well and is big on the edge against the run.  The Dolphins continue to build up this secondary, and also gives the team options with Maxwell after the 2017 season.


Round 3 (33)- Kendell Beckwith (LB, LSU)- But Tom, you haven’t addressed DE yet.  You’re absolutely right, but whats wrong with finding that 3rd LB? Beckwith will give Miami a great tackling LB and has the power to stop the runner on the edge.  He needs to get better in coverage as he may slot as an SLB with the Dolphins, but the new secondary as you see above can help and have Beckwith focus on hitting ball carriers.


Round 5 (22)- Devonte Fields (LB/DE, Louisville)-  This guy has first round potential, however found himself in some trouble as well as some durability problems.  At 6’2, 236, he is a little too small to be an effective edge rusher but can slot in as depth at LB and compete with Beckwith for a spot.  Fields is good against the run but bounces off tackles at times.  The Dolphins continue to bolster their defense.

Round 5 (34)- Jermaine Eluemunor (OT, Texas A&M)- a tackle?  Its a depth move and a possible move to G for Eluemunor.  He has a big frame (330lbs and 6’4).  He needs work but is physical at the line and can sustain blocks.  He is no Laremy Tunsil, but Tunsil didn’t play a lick of G in his life and turned in a great year.  I think the Dolphins can use the versatility here and he is a great pick in round 5.


Round 5 (40)- Keionta Davis (DE, Chattanooga)- He is a raw prospect at DE.  He collected 10.5 sacks his senior season.  He will bring ability to set the edge and get after ball carriers as well as shed blocks to get to the QB.  He needs a great camp to make it on the roster but can do the dirty work which is what the defense needs.

Round 7 (5)- Joshua Dobbs (QB, Tennessee)- Miami takes a flyer on the 6’3 QB from Tennessee.  Dobbs will bring competition and youth.  Matt Moore will be in his final year and they need options.  Dobbs had an up and down career (28 fumbles) but found success with 29 TDs and just under 3000 yards in his final season.  He will provide competition for last years 7th round pick (Doughty). 

Defensive problems solved, well at least with depth.  If the draft falls this way, particularly Peppers in round 1 will easily solve the back end issues on defense and provide another great run defender with a healthy Jones back in the lineup.  Follow us on twitter @Dolphinstalk and you can also follow me @ternisse13.  I will be back again with another mock draft next week.  Finsup!

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