Miami Dolphins 2012 Mock Draft: Full 7 Round Predictions

Slowly but surely, the 2012 NFL draft inches closer to its commencement. 

If my math is correct (it probably isn't), then the Miami Dolphins will be on the clock in roughly 250 hours.

Pressure is on Jeff Ireland and the Dolphins brass to produce an outstanding draft class, and they've done an excellent job of keeping their plans under wraps. 

Nobody knows what Miami will do, but here's a look at how the Dolphins' draft might unfold. 

Round 1, Pick 8: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Nothing changes here.

The Dolphins desperately need a pass-rusher, and Coples has the anatomy of a dominant NFL player. Concerns about his work ethic and passion are valid, but don't overemphasize them. Coples was a disruptive force when he was on the field, and Kacy Rodgers, Miami's defensive line coach, habitually gets the most out of his players.  

I know most of you want Ryan Tannehill, but how can you justify drafting him with at top-10 pick? 

Drafting Coples might not enthuse fans, but that won't deter Jeff Ireland from doing so.

Round 2, Pick 42: Brock Osweiler, Quarterback, Arizona State

This pick remains the same, too. 

Brock Osweiler has a much higher ceiling than Brandon Weeden and Kirk Cousins, but it's vital that the Dolphins give him ample time to hone his skills and develop. If Osweiler is rushed into a starting role, he is bound to fail. 

Quarterbacks with Osweiler's combination of size, athleticism and leadership don't come around very often, and who better to oversee his development than Joe Philbin? 

Round 3, Pick 73: Marvin McNutt, Wide Receiver, Iowa

Now that Brandon Marshall is gone and the Dolphins are transitioning to a West Coast offense, Jeff Ireland has to rebuild his wide receiver corps. 

Iowa's Marvin McNutt is a perfect prospect for Ireland to target with the first of back-to-back third-round draft picks. McNutt is one of the most well-rounded wideouts in this draft class. He boasts a solid 6'3", 216-pound build, sub-4.5 speed, sure hands and leadership. 

Plus, Ken O'Keefe, Miami's new wide receivers coach, was McNutt's offensive coordinator at Iowa. Their relationship gives the Dolphins an inside track on McNutt's prospectus, and it could help him transition to the NFL. 

Round 3, Pick 74: Keshawn Martin, Wide Receiver, Michigan State

With their second third-round pick, the Dolphins should draft a quick, shifty and speedy complement to Marvin McNutt. 

Michigan State's Keshawn Martin is 5'11", 188 pounds, and ran a blazing 4.43 40 at the NFL combine. Martin can threaten defenses with deep speed and quick routes in the seam, which makes him a great fit for the West Coast offense. 

The Dolphins need to be patient with Martin while he gets stronger, but he's another perfect fit for this offense. 

Round 4, Pick 105: Brandon Mosley, Offensive Tackle, Auburn

Behind quarterback, the Dolphins' biggest need is probably right tackle. But, Lydon Murtha deserves a shot at the starting job, and Nate Garner and Artis Hicks can also compete for that role.

The Dolphins have chosen not to splurge on a free agent, and wisely so. Offensive lines can be built through the backend of the draft. For example, look at Green Bay's offensive line: Chad Clifton (second-round pick), T.J. Lang (fourth-round pick), Scott Wells (seventh-round pick), Josh Sitton (fourth-round pick) and Bryan Bulaga (first-round pick).

Auburn's Brandon Mosley is projected as middle-round pick, but he definitely has starter potential. He's a converted tight end who has the athleticism required of a West Coast offense lineman, boasts a 6'5", 314-pound frame (meets Jeff Ireland's size criteria), has long arms and started on a national championship team. 

Round 5: Jake Bequette, Defensive End, Arkansas

Randy Starks and Tony McDaniel are entering the final years of their contracts, and limited cap space will make it very difficult for the Dolphins to re-sign either. So, it's time to start grooming replacements. Plus, the Dolphins need to draft a second pass-rusher. 

Arkansas' Jake Bequette is a 6'5", 275-pound defensive end who registered 10 sacks last season. He was a four-year starter and a two-time team captain, and Pro Football Weekly's scouting report says that Bequette "will become a star if he becomes half the player he thinks he will be."

The Dolphins will have to keep Bequette in check, but he could be one of the draft's biggest steals. 

Round 6, Pick 199: Denagelo Peterson, Tight End, LSU

With Anthony Fasano and Charles Clay on board, the Dolphins can afford to wait until the latter rounds of the draft to pick up a seam-threat tight end. 

LSU's Deangelo Peterson is a developmental project who will require time and patience, but it could pay off down the road.

Peterson never found an established role in LSU's offense and he needs to bolster his blocking skills, but he has the athleticism and size to become a dangerous tight end in the NFL.  

Round 7, Pick 218: DeAndre Presley, QB/WR/CB, Appalachian State

With their final draft pick, the Dolphins could literally go in any direction, but why not gamble on a player like Appalachian State's DeAndre Presley?

Presley replaced Armanti Edwards as App State's quarterback in 2010, and finished his career with a 19-6 record as a starter. Despite his success, Presley is transitioning to cornerback as he prepares to leap into the NFL. 

The Dolphins are still hunting for more dynamic athletes to add explosiveness to the offense, and Presley could become a Brad Smith-type asset.