2010 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins Seven-Round Pick Possibilities

Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano are heading into their third offseason as the Miami Dolphins' trifecta. And although they team is in much better shape than they were before their arrival, there is still much work to be done.

Heading into the 2010 offseason, the Dolphins have glaring holes at wide receiver, nose tackle, inside and outside linebacker, and free safety.

Additionally, positions like running back, tight end, right guard, and cornerback could also use some depth or long-term help.

After following up an AFC East title in 2008 with a disappointing 7-9 record and third-place finish last season, the Dolphins find themselves picking 12th, and in possession of nine draft picks overall.

Miami Dolphins First-Round Possibilities

Best case: ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama

The Dolphins need some serious help at inside linebacker, as both Akin Ayodele and Channing Crowder have shown to be unreliable in nearly every facet.

McClain isn't on Patrick Willis' level, but he's closer than people think. He has ideal size for the position at 6'4" and 258 pounds; he is a great tackler; and he has the athleticism to go sideline to sideline with the better backs of the league.

Denver at No. 10 or 11 is the biggest threat to take McClain ahead of Miami, who will almost certainly draft him as a replacement for Andra Davis if they don't go with Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Worst-Case: S Earl Thomas, Texas

The Dolphins certainly need a free safety to replace free-agent bust Gibril Wilson, but No. 12 is too high for any safety not named Eric Berry.

If the Dolphins find themselves in a position where Bryant and any worthy linebackers are not available, they'd be best suited trading down into the late first round.

Most Likely: OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

McClain is a great talent, and although it's entirely possible he could be there at No. 12, it's also extremely uncertain.

One player that is almost certainly going to go no higher than No. 12 is Texas defensive end/outside linebacker Sergio Kindle.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock has called Kindle more refined than former Longhorns teammate Brian Orakpo, who went to the Redskins 13th overall in 2009.

If McClain or Bryant aren't on the board when Miami is on the clock, Kindle seems one of the most likely choices. He wouldn't be a bad one, either.

Miami Dolphins Second-Round Possibilities

Best case: WR Brandon LaFell, Louisiana State

It's no secret the Dolphins need a true No. 1 receiver, as 2007 first-round Ted Ginn, Jr. has been a disappointment, while most of the other receivers on the team profile more as slot guys.

The Dolphins would be ecstatic if LaFell was on the board when they are picking at No. 43, and would almost assuredly jump on him.

LaFell (6'3", 205 lb.) isn't quite on the same level as former Tigers receiver Dwayne Bowe, but he is quite similar and isn't far off.

With his good size, frame, and tremendous hands, LaFell could develop into the No. 1 receiver the Dolphins have needed for so long.

Most Likely: OLB Koa Misi, Utah

The Dolphins need to upgrade their pass rush with the imminent departure of Joey Porter, the questionable return of veteran free agent Jason Taylor, and the uncertain development of Cameron Wake.

Koa Misi fits that bill in the second round, and could be just what the Dolphins are looking for.

Not only does Misi have the size (6'3", 263 lb.) for the 3-4 outside linebacker position, but he also already has experience standing up at times with the Utes.

His college sack numbers (11 in three seasons and a career-high of five in '09) don't jump off the charts, but his strength, athleticism, and non-stop motor make him an intriguing prospect worth considering in Round 2.

Miami Dolphins Third-Round Possibilities

Best case: NT Cam Thomas, North Carolina

The Dolphins need a long-term solution at nose tackle with Jason Ferguson heading toward retirement and Paul Soliai being immature and inconsistent.

Thomas' stock has been on the rise all offseason, and it's quite possible he goes in the second round before Miami can grab him here.

If he fell into the Dolphins' lap in the third round, the Dolphins would almost certainly grab him, as he has the size and ability to develop into a highly-coveted 3-4 nose tackle.

Most Likely: NT Torell Troup, Central Florida

If the Dolphins miss out on Thomas in the second round and he doesn't last to the third, they will likely look to address nose tackle here with another prospect.

The most likely candidate at this point in the draft is UCF's Torell Troup, who has similar potential to Thomas—even if he isn't quite on his level.

Troup's stock is on the rise, and he'd be a great fit in the middle of the Dolphins' 3-4 defensive front.

Miami Dolphins Fourth-Round Possibilities

Best case: CB Javier Arenas, Alabama

The Dolphins don't have an immediate need at cornerback with two promising second-year players in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, as well as veteran Will Allen.

However, they'd be wise to consider the position sometime in the middle rounds with Allen recently arrested for DUI, coming off a torn ACL, and little depth beyond him.

Arenas doesn't have ideal size or speed for a corner, but he does bring good technique and some upside. He'd be a good guy to bring in and develop as a reserve corner early on, as well upgrade over Davone Bess at punt returner.

Most Likely: OG John Jerry, Ole Miss

The Miami Dolphins have one of the best offensive lines in football, but over the past two seasons, the right guard spot has been problematic.

2008 sixth-rounder Donald Thomas squandered his opportunity to hold the job in 2009, while current "starter" Nate Garner doesn't offer much upside.

The Dolphins reportedly love Jerry's size at 6'5" and 335 pounds, and Peria's little brother would be a great prospect to groom for that opening on the offensive line.

Miami Dolphins Sixth-Round Possibilities

(Note: The Dolphins have no fifth-round pick, as it was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Tyler Thigpen last September.)

Best case: WR Riley Cooper, Florida

Cooper isn't an electrifying playmaker and could slip a bit, but he will likely be off the boards by the fifth round.

There's always a chance he could fall, however, and the Dolphins would be wise to consider him if they did.

Cooper has good size (6'4", 214 pounds), reliable hands, and surprisingly decent speed. He would make a good addition to a Miami receiving corps lacking talent.

Most Likely: FS Robert Johnson, Utah

The Dolphin need to replace Gibril Wilson at free safety, but the free agent market is bare and the Dolphins have plenty of other needs to consider in the early rounds.

Sean Smith's former secondary mate at Utah, Johnson would be a good value pick in the sixth round. He could be someone to develop at free safety and compete with Chris Clemons and Tyrone Culver.

Miami Dolphins' Other Sixth-Round Picks

(The Dolphins have two sixth-round picks in addition to their own, acquired from Kansas City for offensive linemen Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe, and from Washington for defensive end Jason Taylor in 2008.)

Best case: RB LeGarrette Blount, Oregon

The Dolphins don't have an immediate need for a running back, but Ronnie Brown is a year away from free agency; Ricky Williams is expected to retire after next season; and Lex Hilliard remains unproven.

Taking a running back in the later rounds, especially if there is good value in the pick, might not be a bad idea.

Blount obviously comes with some baggage, but he's a great talent and would be worth a flier this late in the draft.

Best case: S Myron Rolle, Florida State

One of the more popular human interest stories in this year's draft, Rolle may fall down the draft board due to commitment concerns, lack of big plays at FSU, and a year away from the game in 2009.

However, I consider Rolle to be one of the safest picks of the whole draft, and he has more upside than some know.

Despite his achievement off the field, Rolle is committed to his football career and has the physical tools and intelligence to be a long-time starting safety in the NFL.

Most Likely: WR Marcus Easley, Connecticut

The Dolphins may very well address wide receiver needs before the sixth round, but that doesn't mean they won't look for another one with a handful of late-round picks at their disposal.

Easley isn't ready to contribute, but he offers the intriguing blend of size (6'3", 214 lb.) and 4.4 speed that make him a worthwhile project.

Most Likely: TE Jim Dray, Stanford

Tight end Anthony Fasano took a step back as a receiver in 2009, while backups Joey Haynos and John Nalbone have shown little or nothing in terms of potential.

Dray has an injury history, but could one day develop into a starter and he might be worth a look in the late rounds.

Miami Dolphins Seventh-Round Possibilities

Best case: ILB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State

The Dolphins will look for a big name free agent like Karlos Dansby or high draft pick like Rolando McClain to fill their inside linebacker void, but more than one is needed overall.

Chaney has the talent to contribute on special teams right away, and could push for a starting job inside within the next year or two.

Most Likely: OLB Justin Cole, San Jose State

The Dolphins can't get enough pass rushers this offseason, and Cole is an intriguing prospect.

He's already played some linebacker with the Spartans, and could make for a good pass-rushing specialist in the 3-4.

Miami Dolphins' Other Seventh-Round Pick

(The Dolphins have one seventh-round pick in addition to their own, acquired from Kansas City for the Dolphins' 2009 seventh-round pick.)

Best case: CB Walter McFadden, Auburn

McFadden has flown under the radar despite being a productive corner in the always tough SEC, and his lack of ideal size or athleticism may cause him to fall in the draft—or even go unselected.

The Dolphin need depth at corner with Will Allen's future uncertain and Jason Allen and Nathan Jones being limited to special teams; McFadden would make a worthwhile project.

Most Likely: WR Joe Webb, UAB

A college quarterback, Webb is likely destined for receiver in the NFL, and would be an interesting project to take on.

Webb has great size (6'3", 220 pounds; he has adequate speed; and he is someone that could be brought along slowly as a receiver, while immediately contributing as a potential Wildcat threat.