2011 NFL Draft: Is Mike Pouncey or Mark Ingram the Favorite for the Dolphins?

For the Miami Dolphins, Mark Ingram seemed to be the favorite for the fifteenth overall pick.

Running back will be a huge need once free agency picks up and with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown both potentially departing.

DeAngelo Williams was in the discussion as a possible target in free agency, but it appears that he may return to Carolina.

If this proves to be the case, Miami will need to look for their next running back in this year's draft.

Ingram doesn't have the speed of Chris Johnson or the power of Peyton Hillis. However, Ingram has a balance of both and plays in the mold of all-time great Emmitt Smith.

Some question taking a running back in the first round because there is quality in the second and third rounds. However, a player selected later is more of a risk.

The other player slotted in the fifteenth selection is guard Mike Pouncey from Florida.

Pouncey's brother Maurkice went eighteenth last year to Pittsburgh and made the Pro Bowl in his first year.

Though Mike is scouted to be less skilled, he is still built in the same mold and is considered the only interior linemen-worthy of a first round pick.

ESPN's Todd McShay recently had Pouncey selected by Miami, while Mel Kiper held true to Mark Ingram.

Both players have the potential to be future Pro Bowlers, but at the same time, either player could be a reach at fifteen.

In my most recent mock draft, I had Ingram slotted at fifteen. However, Pouncey is close, and could get the call.