Miami Dolphins' 2012 Mock Draft: Analyzing Matt Miller's Most Recent Draft

With the NFL’s scouting combine coming to a close, and both free agency and the draft rapidly approaching, B/R NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller has updated his mock draft.

Over the past week or so there have been several prospects shoot up the draft boards with solid performances at the combine, while others have lowered their stock with poor efforts both physically and verbally.

The next few slides feature whether or not I “buy” or “sell” the picks that Mr. Miller has suggested for the Dolphins, with an explanation of why.   

Round 1, Pick 8

Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Sell

There are many people who probably view this as a great pick for the Dolphins because it would provide their defense with another quality pass rusher.

With that being said there are a handful of players that will be available on days two and three of the draft at both defensive end and outside linebacker that could come in and play well for Miami.

The team has bigger needs to fill going into 2012 and I see them with two options on draft day: Riley Reiff or trade down.  

Reiff would be an upgrade over Miami’s current right tackle Marc Colombo, and trading down would give the Dolphins a couple of extra picks allowing them to address several needs and add depth on both sides of the ball.   

Round 2, Pick 42

Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Michigan State

Sell

According to Mr. Miller’s mock, it will be the Washington Redskins who trade up to the number two spot while giving up their first, second and third round picks this year, along with their first and second round picks next year to draft Robert Griffin III.

This is not a price that Miami can even come close to paying so Miller looks into the second round, where he suggests that the Dolphins add Kirk Cousins.

Now, I am a Michigan State fan and would love to see Kirk Cousins do well at the professional level. However, given Matt Moore's performance in 2011 and the number of quarterbacks that could be available in free agency, Miami will not take a quarterback in the first two days of the draft.

There are a few different ways Miami could approach the second round given the players that Mr. Miller has ranked lower than pick 42.

Offensive tackle Mike Adams, defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, safety Mark Barron and tight end Dwayne Allen are all still on the board in his mock and would be solid additions to the roster.

Round 3, Pick 73

Amini Silatolu, Guard, Midwestern State

Sell

Carl Nicks, Ben Grubbs and Evan Mathis are three of the top interior linemen in the game and they will all be available in free agency.

If the Fins choose to address the right tackle spot in the first two rounds with someone like Riley Reiff, Jonathon Martin or Mike Adams then they likely will not pick up another lineman until the later rounds.

 Mr. Miller’s mock has Trumaine Johnson available when it is Miami’s turn to pick in the third round and he would be a great addition to the secondary. The cornerback out of Montana has the size (6’2, 204lbs) and skill set to make the transition to safety and it is that kind of versatility that the Fins need in their secondary.

Other options could include Bruce Irvin, outside linebacker out of West Virginia or A.J. Jenkins, wide receiver from Illinois.

Round 4, Pick 104

Josh Kaddu, Outside Linebacker, Oregon

Sell

Before we get started I will clarify that it is not the position that I am selling, but the player Mr. Miller has suggested the Fins take.

There is no denying that the Dolphins front seven could use some depth with some of last year’s players either retiring or expected to leave in free agency.

Instead of Kaddu, though, Miami would be better off with Emmanuel Acho, the brother of Arizona Cardinals rookie Sam Acho. He recorded 131 tackles in 13 games for the University of Texas, and plays both inside and outside linebacker.

Acho would likely be used in a situational role in his first year and develop into a starter down the road.

Round 5, Pick 138

Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Boise State

Buy

Assuming that Miami drafts Riley Reiff in the first round and Marc Colombo leaves in free agency, the Fins are left with four tackles—Reiff, Jake Long, Will Barker and Nate Garner (listed as both a guard and a tackle).

It is always good to have depth, especially on the offensive line where even one injury can cause an entire offense to struggle.

Adding a guy like Nate Potter in the fifth round would allow both the team and the fans to feel comfortable knowing that if Long or Reiff had to miss a bit of time, then they would have a promising young talent to replace them.

Round 6, Pick 187

Terrance Ganaway, Running Back, Baylor

Buy

Miami just drafted a running back in the second round of last year’s draft and signed a guy who rushed for over 1,000 yards this year. So why would they draft another back? Well let’s take a look.

Steve Slaton and Lex Hilliard are both free agents and may not be back with the team next year. Daniel Thomas did not have a standout rookie year, and struggled to stay healthy and Reggie Bush is, well Reggie Bush.

He is not the type of player that will give you 15+ carries a game on a consistent basis. Bush and Thomas can develop into a solid 1-2 punch while Ganaway and Jerome Messam battle it out for the third spot.  

Round 7, Pick 200

Adrian Robinson, Outside Linebacker, Temple

Buy

Adrian Robinson out of Temple is a pass rusher that can play both outside linebacker and defensive end. He'll be a good fit for new Miami defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle's combo 4-3 and 3-4 defense scheme.

When you get into the later rounds of the draft you start to see kickers, punter, full backs, etc. go off the board, and if there is one good strategy to follow, it is to draft the best player available.

Not only is Robinson the best player available, but he will also add depth for the Dolphins and could make an impact for the team going forward.