Miami Dolphins Mock Draft: Final 7-Round Predictions

It's a day of hope for all 32 teams across the NFL. That day, of course, is the NFL draft. 

For the Miami Dolphins, that hope is the addition of the final pieces to take the team from the 7-9 and 8-8 mediocrity of the past seven years into an era of true contention in the AFC. 

The Dolphins only have six draft picks this year, jettisoning their third-round pick in a package that included Dannell Ellerbe's bloated contract earlier this offseason to New Orleans in exchange for wide receiver Kenny Stills.

They then sent their seventh-round pick along with Mike Wallace to Minnesota in exchange for an additional fifth-round pick. 

Miami could still make trades for additional draft picks, and while I certainly expect the team to do so, I can't make this mock draft while assuming said trades are made. 

This is the final Bleacher Report mock draft prior to the draft for the Dolphins. I made all the picks based on who I feel will be available in what round, along with how the team will address its needs.

Round 1

Pick 14: DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver, Louisville

This is the man the Miami Dolphins really want. 

Why am I convinced of that? Look at the Dolphins wide receivers. They're a good group, but not great. 

Parker can make them great, something that the Dolphins know, which is why they not only met with him at the combine in February but also hosted him at their training facility earlier this month. 

By adding Parker, the Dolphins get a true No. 1 threat and someone who has shown the ability to perform regardless of who his quarterback is. 

In 2012 and 2013 while working with Teddy Bridgewater, Parker had a combined 95 catches for 1,629 yards and 22 touchdowns. 

In 2014 Parker only played in seven games with three different quarterbacks. He still caught 43 passes for 855 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 19.9 yards per catch. 

By adding him, the wide receiver unit would make that proverbial jump from good to great. They would have that No. 1, alpha-dog receiver who not only opens up the underneath lanes for Jarvis Landry and Greg Jennings but also clears out deep routes for Kenny Stills. Parker would demand a double-team, which would free up one of the other receivers on the roster to go off in any particular game. 

Round 2

Pick 47: Ali Marpet, Guard, Hobart

This might look like a reach. 

It's not by any stretch, especially after you see how athletic Hobart guard Ali Marpet is. 

He impressed NFL scouts in the Senior Bowl and during the combine with his athleticism. While playing guard for the first time (he was a tackle at Hobart), he constantly frustrated potential first-round pick Danny Shelton during the Senior Bowl, 

Marpet ran a 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds (linemen rarely break 5.0), did 30 reps on the bench press and had an impressive 7.33 second three-cone drill. 

While playing as a tackle in college and projected to possibly be a center, Marpet would work out well as a guard in Miami's zone-blocking scheme due to his athleticism. He might need some time to develop, but he won't be as big of a project as some of the past Dolphins linemen who have received the redshirt treatment. Rather, Marpet could compete with Dallas Thomas for one of the starting jobs this training camp and would be the proverbial favorite. 

The Dolphins have had an eye on Marpet, hosting him at the team facilities earlier this month. Seeing as how general manager Dennis Hickey isn't afraid of small-school guys, this would not be a stretch of a pick. 

Round 4

Pick 114: Ramik Wilson, Linebacker, Georgia

This is the type of draft pick this Dolphins regime salivates over. 

Ramik Wilson was a three-year captain at Georgia, anchoring a stout defense. 

The 6'2", 237-pound linebacker has the ability to play any linebacker position—versatility that is valued in Miami's current defensive setup. 

Wilson's final two seasons at Georgia were impressive, as he racked up 243 tackles, with 18 for loss and six sacks. 

The big issue with Wilson is how he plays in coverage, which could be detrimental in the AFC East against players like Rob Gronkowski and Charles Clay. However, Miami can mitigate this by having Jelani Jenkins play in coverage while sending Wilson after the quarterback instead. 

Round 5

Pick 149: Kevin White, Cornerback, TCU

TCU's Kevin White is an undersized (5'9", 183 lbs) corner who was the leader of his team's secondary and usually matched up against the opposing team's best receiver. 

In other words, Kevin White was TCU's Brent Grimes. 

Despite his size, White has tremendous athleticism and a great ability to stay on top of his receivers. He's built for Miami's off-man coverage scheme and could go on to compete for the starting job in training camp. 

Pick 150: Karlos Williams, Running Back, Florida State

I wanted a running back who could complement Lamar Miller, who had an excellent 2014 campaign.  

Karlos Williams can, and as a fifth-round pick, he makes sense. 

Williams ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He also has ideal size and power at 6'1", 230 pounds. 

I was concerned about his pass-blocking (a concern with everyone from Florida State's offense in 2014), and while he's a capable receiver out of the backfield, that's the best thing I can say about that skill. 

There are issues with Williams in a lot of areas, but as a low-risk fourth-round pick, he could work. 

Round 6

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Pick 191: Tavaris Barnes, Defensive End, Clemson

I went edge-rusher in Round 6 because the Dolphins can never seem to have enough players at the position. 

With Dion Jordan's yearlong suspension, this position became more important from a developmental standpoint. 

Tavaris Barnes was never a full-time player at Clemson and could use more fine-tuning at rushing the passer, but he has plenty of athleticism and upside. He would be worth the time the coaching staff would have to put in to develop him. 

Miami does have depth at defensive end, but remember that Olivier Vernon is entering a contract year in 2015, while Cameron Wake (as productive as he continues to be) is on the wrong side of 30. It's better to keep developing the position now rather than wait for it to become a need later on. 

 

Statistics provided by Sports-Reference.com/cfb. 

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