Miami Dolphins Team Needs and Mock Draft 1.0

The key to building any successful franchise is the ability to pick consistent talent throughout the NFL Draft.  Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers,  Indianapolis Colts, and Green Bay Packers have made a habit of sniffing out talent through the draft.

In previous years, the Miami Dolphins have famously picked players that were either unproductive or just down-right not a position of need.  Players like 2006 first-rounder Jason Allen, 2003 second round pick Eddie Moore (Who?!), and 2001 first round pick Jamar Fletcher.

(When Miami picked Eddie Moore, Anquan Boldin was still available to be drafted.)

It is no question that the woes from the past decade are because of poor draft assessment.  The Dolphins' Trifecta (Bill Parcells, Tony Sparano, and Jeff Ireland) normally fare pretty well on draft day, and if I was in their shoes this would be my pre-draft assessment.

Team needs (in no specific order)

Inside Linebacker :

Channing Crowder has provided a solid option as a starting inside linebacker, but the talent next to him has been suspect since Miami has been running the 3-4 defense.

While Crowder hasn't produced much in the form of sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles, Akin Ayodele shows even less explosion and play making ability.  Ayodele has become a target for opposing tight ends because his slow feet leave him usually behind the play, trying to catch up from behind.

Ayodele has also been an inconsistent tackler, sometimes missing sure tackles and failing to bring down an opposing ball carrier without help from his team mates.

Free Safety :

For Miami fans, "The Gerbil" (Gibril Wilson) has been the sole cause of anger management problems and high blood pressure.

As a true Strong Safety playing Free Safety, Gibril Wilson has let up numerous big plays by over-running his coverage either too shallow or too deep.  His failure to be in the right place at the right time has left rookie corners Sean Smith and Vontae Davis helpless in many cases.

Even the best corners need help over-the-top, which Gibril Wilson has failed to provide.

Outside Linebacker :

One of the biggest needs in my opinion is a complete outside linebacker.  Joey Porter, Jason Taylor, and Cameron Wake all provide pass rush options, but it sometimes seems like they become invisible when the opposing team is running the ball.

While Cam Wake could still be an option as an every down starter at OLB, he has yet to show he can be viable in coverage and stopping the run.

There is no "it" factor on the Dolphins roster in the linebacker corps.  No player has the ability to change a game.  No player has the ability to scare the opposing offense every time they get on the field.  I expect that to change entering the 2010 season.

Wide Receiver :

Need I say more?  The lack of a play-making receiver has left the Dolphins' offense nearly one dimensional.

As a run first offense Miami faced many eight or nine man fronts because of their lack of skill at receiver.

With Chad Henne's strong arm and a number one receiver, this Miami offense would be very hard to stop.

Nose Tackle :

Jason Ferguson has done a very nice job in the middle of the defensive line, anchoring a very skilled group.  His injury in 2009, however, has left question as to who will fill his place if his time is done.

Paul Soliai finally showed his potential plugging up the middle of the field, often taking the attention of multiple offensive lineman.  If Soliai can keep his focus on football and keep in shape he could be a force to be reckoned with.  If he can't then this will be very important gap to fill. 

Mock Draft: 1.0

Round 1 : Rolando McClain: Alabama (ILB)-The Quarterback of the defense.  McClain is a smart, tenacious linebacker that has intelligence to go along with a mean streak.  If McClain is available at this spot, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be a Miami Dolphin.

Round 2 : Brandon Lang: Troy (DE/OLB)-A big guy with a high motor.  at 6'4" and just above 250, weight won't be a problem for a transition to hybrid outside linebacker.  Also, who better to groom a hybrid OLB than Jason Taylor and Joey Porter?

Round 3 : Dan Williams: Tennessee (NT)-A line plugger.  Dan Williams would be a fantastic player to bring in to compete for a nose tackle spot.  He has the size (320 pounds) to be a force in the middle of the defensive line.

Round 4 : Marcus Easley: Connecticut (WR)-Big frame with speed.  After hopefully bringing in a free agent or two at receiver, Easley is a later round player that has a tremendous amount of upside.  He is tall (6'2") and fast (4.41 40 time).  He is definitely a guy that can be groomed for a few season and then unleashed onto the field.

Round 6a : Danny McCray: LSU (FS)-A late round sleeper.  Danny McCray played for a big time program and coach.  He has a 40 time of 4.55 and weighs enough (212) to be able to put a good hit on opposing players.

Round 6b : Chris Marinelli: Stanford (OT)-A good pick for offensive line depth.  Marinelli is big bodied and will be able to provide depth for both offensive tackle spots.  Standing at 6'7", 305 pounds he definitely has the size to be a potential late round sleeper.

Round 6c : Albert McClellan: Marshall (OLB)-A Bill Parcells type player.  McClellan is 6'4" and 254 pounds which means he has the size to fit into the Dolphins 3-4 scheme.  Although these picks often don't make the final roster, I think McClellan definitely has the intangibles for turning some heads during training camp.

Round 7a : Larry Asante: Nebraska (SS)-This is a depth pick.  Asante is one of those late round picks that is very intriguing.  Obviously as a seventh rounder he isn't expected to make much noise in training camp but you never know.  I like the upside of guys coming from big programs in late rounds because if they were good enough to start at their position they are doing something right.

Round 7b : Austin Thomas: Clemson (OG)-If there is one thing Miami loves its depth at offensive line.  While this is a seventh round pick you better believe that the front office is going to take this pick as seriously as a first day pick.  Miami tends to do well with late round offensive lineman and as far as Austin Thomas goes, he could very well be mixed into the offensive line rotation.