Top 10 Game-Changers Dolphins Should Target in NFL Draft
Looking back at the Miami Dolphins’ 2014 draft class, general manager Dennis Hickey went shopping for meat-and-potato-type players. In case you’re wondering what that figure of speech means, just consider the players selected last year.
Hickey selected two offensive linemen in the first three rounds (Ja’Wuan James and Billy Turner) and an immediate-impact slot receiver (Jarvis Landry) in the sandwich pick between those linemen. On Day 3, the Dolphins took an athletically limited tight end (Arthur Lynch) and a developmental linebacker (Jordan Tripp).
The goal was to add a couple of solid starters and depth to the Dolphins roster, and the rookies that were able to get onto the field played well. Miami still has to add some talent to the trenches on both sides of the ball, but there is more flexibility to add playmakers in the 2015 draft because of the strategy taken last year.
Possessing seven selections for the draft, the Dolphins have the chance to add a couple of game-breakers to the roster. Miami has a few playmakers throughout the roster, but there’s always a need for more when the opportunity presents itself.
Let’s take a look at 10 game-changers the Dolphins should be targeting this draft season. Whether on offense or defense, these players have had a knack for altering the outcome of contests.
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
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The 6’3”, 210-pound receiver from West Virginia has the exact skill set the Miami Dolphins should be searching for at wide receiver. In his breakout senior season, White had more than 100 yards receiving in nine games, finishing with 1,447 total.
White’s combination of size, aggressiveness, reliability and underrated speed has the makings of a potential No. 1 target for any offense. He doesn’t have blazing deep speed or elite athleticism, but he wins at the catch point far more often than he loses while watching his tape.
Pairing White with Mike Wallace would allow the Dolphins to have a traditional deep threat next to a more physically dominant receiver. Miami needs a red-zone target badly, and White’s 15 career touchdowns have often exhibited his natural pass-catching ability.
To get White, Miami will have to spend their first-round pick on him. He’s arguably the top receiver in this class because of the way he wins in traffic.
Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
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Whether or not the Dolphins are able to bring incumbent Charles Clay back, adding a talent like Minnesota’s Maxx Williams is very intriguing. The 6’4”, 250-pound tight end was a highlight machine in his third season with the Golden Gophers. After his tremendous season, he’s riding a lot of momentum into the 2015 draft.
Miami wouldn’t have to compromise their current tight end tandem of Clay and Dion Sims to add Williams. Williams is a better tight end prospect than Eric Ebron was in 2014, possessing similar athleticism and more reliable hands. He can play inline or as a slot receiver for Miami.
Considering the lack of depth of the tight end position in the class, Williams is likely going to cost a first-round pick. The investment is steep, but it’s hard to find elite pass-catchers like Williams can become.
Hayes Pullard, LB, USC
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The former University of South California linebacker is feisty between the tackles but smooth and effective in coverage. As the Miami Dolphins need to upgrade the inside linebacker spot in their 4-3 defense, Hayes Pullard is the ideal candidate.
Pullard had a monster showing at the Senior Bowl, which was unsurprising after seeing how well he played in college. His ability to run with tight ends and running backs in open space will give the Dolphins defense great versatility and speed.
The Dolphins currently lack a true playmaker at middle linebacker, as Koa Misi is more of a strong-side player who operates better when he doesn’t have to read plays as quickly. Pullard is a potential immediate starter who could be taken at some point on Day 2 of the draft.
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Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)
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Speaking of riding momentum, Miami Redhawks cornerback Quinten Rollins hadn’t played organized football since high school since 2014. Instead he was the point guard for the basketball team, where he finished second in team history in steals.
It was a good decision to pick up football, as Rollins is skyrocketing with his 5’11”, 193-pound frame. Rollins has excellent fluidity and smoothness as he backpedals and covers receivers. His ability to play man or zone gives him valuable versatility to any defense. Most impressive are his natural ball skills, though.
For a player who participated in just one collegiate season, Rollins displayed excellent timing and natural awareness on tape and at the 2015 Senior Bowl practices. Those traits cannot be taught or coached up.
Rollins will likely be gone by the Dolphins’ third-round pick. He needs some time to refine his footwork and hand usage, but he’s a high-upside player who can become a very good second cornerback for Miami.
David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
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Instead of investing a high-round draft pick into a running back, Miami should look to take advantage of the deep positional pool and take a well-rounded back who can split carries with Lamar Miller. With Miller seemingly on a 15-carry pitch count, adding another back with third-down value would be cost effective.
Minnesota’s David Cobb would certainly complement Miller’s skill set nicely. Cobb is compactly built at 5’10” and 229 pounds but shows good burst and quickness while he cuts through defenses. He’s an experienced player who also excels in pass protection.
Cobb lacks the name recognition that some of the flashier backs in the class possess, but he’s a value pick for a team that employs a scheme that doesn’t emphasize star power. Miami’s zone-blocking scheme has made stars out of numerous “lesser talents” because it requires a specific skill.
Eric Rowe, CB/FS, Utah
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With the ability to play either free safety or cornerback, Eric Rowe is a valuable commodity. He specializes in press coverage, so he’d likely be seen as a safety for the Dolphins.
Rowe spent three seasons at safety before moving outside to cornerback as a senior. His ability to play either was on display at the Senior Bowl, as he intercepted multiple passes in team passing drills. He’s a very smart and hard-nosed player, which makes him highly intriguing when combined with his physical traits.
For a player with Rowe’s capabilities, he should be selected in the first two rounds. He’s a playmaker in the secondary anywhere he lines up.
Clive Walford, TE, Miami (FL)
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If the Dolphins want to look for more of a value pick who is still a great schematic fit with physical upside, then Clive Walford should be a consideration late Day 2. Walford is coming off a strong Senior Bowl week. He showed that his time spent at the University of Miami wasn’t necessarily indicative of his complete skill set, and he was probably underutilized.
Adding Walford is more likely an option if Charles Clay walks away in free agency, as he isn’t overly dynamic. But he is more of a pure tight end and a solid blocker. His ability to fit into Miami’s zone-blocking scheme won’t be a question because he did the same in college.
Walford stands 6’4” and 251 pounds, and I actually thought he appeared bigger on the field. That’s the type of player Miami’s offense needs. A large catch radius in the red zone would be ideal for the Dolphins.
Gerod Holliman, FS, Louisville
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Louisville safety Gerod Holliman had a historic first season for the Cardinals, logging 14 interceptions. Holliman has truly rare ball skills as a safety, a trait that is supremely valuable to any secondary. His ability to change how an offense attacks the defense is something that gives him immense value.
Holliman’s issue is that he has a history of shoulder injuries, and it seems to have affected how he tackles in the run game. He is tentative, almost averse, to hard contact over the middle.
It’s hard to project where Holliman will go because he is such a poor run supporter. If he’s on the board in the third or fourth round, then all of a sudden, he isn’t a risky pick.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
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Doubling down at receiver is a good idea for the Dolphins if they end up moving on from multiple veterans who are still currently on the roster. Becoming more explosive and versatile should be the goal of this offseason, which is a transition from expensive and limited.
Enter Tyler Lockett as an ideal Day 3 prospect. He measured small at the Senior Bowl, standing 5’9” and 181 pounds. But if you think he’s lacking talent to overcome his size, you’d be wrong.
Lockett has tremendous route-running ability and quickness, making him a terror as an outside or slot receiver. His hands are small, so he has to body catch the ball to compensate. That’s an adjustment he’s had to make, and it’s paid off en route to his incredible senior season.
He tallied 106 catches, 1,515 yards and 11 touchdowns. To see just how good he was, check out this breakdown that Kyle Posey of SB Nation wrote on him.
Deontay Greenberry, WR, Houston
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The former Houston Cougar was a bit of a surprise addition to the 2015 draft class when he announced his entrance after his junior season. Greenberry is long and athletic, but he's not especially explosive. He primarily operated from the slot in Houston’s Air Raid-style passing attack.
Despite being raw as a route-runner and pass-catcher, Greenberry could prove to be a worthy investment on Day 3. He’s 6’3” and 198 pounds, though, and needs to add bulk to his thin frame. If Miami has patience, Greenberry could pay off big time in a season or two.
Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting, and analyst for eDraft.
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