Miami Dolphins 2012 Draft: 5 Things That Must Happen in Final Rounds

The Miami Dolphins' 2012 draft got off to an unsurprising start on Thursday night. 

Jeff Ireland used the team's first-round pick on quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a move that analysts saw coming from a mile away. 

Now that the Dolphins have a quarterback in place, they need to use these final rounds to address a long list of positions that need upgrading. 

Draft Two Pass Rushers

The Dolphins are so desperate for pass-rushers that they must draft two in the remaining rounds of the draft. 

I'd be shocked if Miami doesn't draft either Clemson's Andre Branch or Marshall's Vinny Curry with its second-round pick, but if a wide receiver such as Rueben Randle or Stephen Hill is available, Jeff Ireland will have a tough decision to make. 

Virginia's Cam Johnson and Miami's Olivier Vernon should be on the Dolphins radar, too. 

Draft Two Wide Receivers, or One Wide Receiver and One Tight End

Now that Ryan Tannehill is onboard, the Dolphins need to add some weapons for him to grow with. 

There is a long list of playmakers for Miami to target in these final rounds, and some players to keep an eye on include: Iowa's Marvin McNutt, Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles, Wake Forest's Chris Givens, Georgia's Orson Charles and even Stanford's Coby Fleener if he drops to 42. 

Because the Dolphins offense is devoid of any elite playmakers, Jeff Ireland has to use the rest of the draft to get Tannehill some help for the future. 

Bolster the Offensive Line

This one might not please the fans, but it's vital that the Dolphins draft an offensive guard or tackle within the next two rounds. 

Jake Long is entering the final year of his contract, and there's no guarantee Miami will have enough money to re-sign him. Even if they manage to re-sign Long, the right side of the line needs help, and it needs help now. 

Lydon Murtha deserves a shot at the starting right tackle job, but the Dolphins should bring in some young competition regardless. The team could draft a young guard and try to plug him in at right guard immediately. 

Draft a Cornerback or Safety—or a Player Who Can Play Both

There's a few reasons why the Dolphins must draft a defensive back in the remaining rounds of the draft. 

First, Sean Smith is entering the final year of his contract, and it's unlikely the Dolphins will have enough money to re-sign him unless he accepts a hometown discount. 

Second, Miami's pass defense ranked 25th in the NFL last season, so it's clearly an area that needs help. 

The Dolphins should have their eyes on players such as Georgia's Brandon Boykin, Montana's Trumaine Johnson and Boise State's George Iloka in the second and third round.

Iloka is a particularly intriguing prospect because of his blend of size and athleticism. He looks like he could become kryptonite to this new breed of super tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. 

Make a Move for Coby Fleener If He Continues Falling

Speaking of super tight ends, Stanford's Coby Fleener might be the next Rob Gronkowski, but, surprisingly, he was not drafted on Thursday night. 

The Dolphins are still kicking themselves for losing out on Jimmy Graham, but Ireland can redeem himself by making a move for Fleener. A player with Fleener's skill set is rare, and he could elevate Miami's passing game to new heights immediately. 

Fleener can grow with Ryan Tannehill to form a lethal duo for years to come.