Miami Dolphins Mock Draft: Updated Day 3 Predictions

The Miami Dolphins couldn't have started the NFL draft any better on Thursday night, but on Friday night, Miami decided to focus on its defensive line by picking Oklahoma's Jordan Phillips. 

The draft pick came after trading down in the second round with the Philadelphia Eagles. Because of said trade-down, the Dolphins will have four fifth-round picks on Saturday to go along with their fourth-round pick, and no picks in the final two rounds. 

Due to this I had to rejigger my mock draft a little bit. Miami didn't hit on any needs, instead choosing to go best player available in Round 2. 

How will the Dolphins approach the final four rounds of the draft? I'll do my best to predict. 

Miami Dolphins Big Board

Here's a look at the updated Bleacher Report big board. The names of drafted players appear in grey rows, while those of available players are highlighted in full color.

This big board will be used to highlight who's still available after the first three rounds. 

Round 4

114. Jay Ajayi, Running Back, Boise State

I didn't expect for Boise State running back Jay Ajayi to last until Day 3. 

I don't think anyone else did either, yet here he is available at the start of the fourth round, just 15 picks away from potentially being a Miami Dolphin. 

Ajayi provides the Dolphins with a third-down running back who can complement Lamar Miller. Ajayi can get the short yards and grind out the clock in a four-minute offense, which was missing from Miami's offensive repertoire in 2014. 

Round 5

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

145. Jake Ryan, Linebacker, Michigan

The Dolphins don't seem to feel like they have a need at linebacker. If they did, Denzel Perryman would be a Dolphin. 

They might have their starting linebackers, but they do need depth, which is why I have Michigan's Jake Ryan with one of their fifth-round picks. 

Ryan has the size to work outside, but he primarily worked inside while at Michigan. He could use some help on his football instincts, but he has the perfect size (6'2", 240 pounds). 

Ryan could use some development, but I'm not looking at him as a successor to Dannell Ellerbe or Philip Wheeler this year—I'm looking at him as a Jason Trusnik replacement on special teams. 

Round 5

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

149th Overall: Kevin White, Cornerback, TCU

White's ability to play zone coverage and stay on the best receivers in the Big 12 makes him an enticing pick here for Miami.

The fact that he plays bigger than his size (5'9", 183 lbs) is what will draw the most attention, especially since he plays well as a boundary corner.

CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler highlighted other things about White that fans and coaches would like while also listing some detriments: 

"

He is pint-sized for the position and his lack of length shows up quite a bit in coverage, but he has the athletic process to plant, gather and go. Although his size limitations also hinder his ability as a run defender, White's cup is overfilling with confidence and toughness to hold his own as a nickel corner. He will guess wrong at times, but his short-area quickness and sticky cover skills transition well to the NFL level.

"

Considering that most of Miami's corners are small yet have had success, the 5'9", 183-pound White would fit right in. 

Round 5

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150. La'el Collins, Tackle/Guard, LSU

Since La'el Collins continues to slide due to unfortunate circumstances, you know at least one team will take a chance on him late. 

The Miami Dolphins might be that team. 

Why would they draft Collins? He can be plugged in at left guard from day one, and when the time comes, he can move over to left tackle to replace Branden Albert. Both of those positions are major needs for Miami. 

Odds are that Collins won't hold steady on the threat he made to NFL teams that he won't play if he's not drafted on Day 2. Since he's not a suspect, teams should pick him up if they have the chance. 

Round 5

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

156. Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan State

The Dolphins will double down at linebacker.

With the signing of Ndamukong Suh at defensive tackle, linebacker isn't a big need. Suh, Earl Mitchell and the development of Jordan Phillips up front would make a linebacking crew of Jelani Jenkins, Chris McCain and Koa Misi look good. 

The position still needs depth, though, which is why I went with Taiwan Jones. 

Jones would replace Jason Trusnik as Miami's special teams ace who can step in and start at middle linebacker when needed. An intelligent player, Jones isn't fast, but his size (6'3", 245 pounds) and tackling ability make him an intriguing pick for the Dolphins. 

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