Miami Dolphins Offseason: Mock Drafts 2.0 & 3.0

If you haven't read my first article on my mock draft and the direction of this team, it would probably be a good start before you read this article.

My first article can be viewed below:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/330972-miami-dolphins-team-needs-and-mock-draft-10

Since I published that article a little over a month ago, there have been some updates and rumors that could completely change the Dolphins' draft outlook.

1. Joey Porter's imminent release:  Miami had already released Porter, but due to the rules for the uncapped 2010 season, he is not able to be released quite yet.  I expect this move to either promote Cameron Wake up to a starting spot, or hint at Miami taking an OLB in the first few rounds of the draft.
2. Receiver Rumors:  The Dolphins have reportedly been in talks with Arizona over receiver Anquan Boldin.  Boldin could only be acquired by trade so I would expect Miami to look at other options like Buccaneers receiver Antonio Bryant, or players early in the draft.  Whichever option is chosen, Miami needs receiver help.
3. Arizona...Dolphins?  Karlos Dansby and Antrelle Rolle have both reportedly shown interest in Miami, and it looks like Miami has returned the favor.  Sources have said that Miami is willing to give Dansby the pay day he is looking for after being a very productive linebacker for 'Zona the past 6 seasons.  Rolle could fill in the free safety spot, left extremely vacant by Gibril Wilson.  Both would require a very generous contract offer.
4. Cornerback Follies:  With Will Allen coming off a torn ACL and Nate Jones hitting the open market, Miami could need some serious focus on cornerback this off-season.  With two rookie starters last year, I expect Miami to try to bring in a veteran like Leigh Bodden or Dunta Robinson.  If not a veteran, expect a mid to late round pick on a corner, which would still leave Miami very young and inexperienced at corner.
5. Running back:  There have been doubts of Ronnie Brown's durability after he failed to finish another season.  With Ricky Williams in possibly his last year,  Miami could be in a serious predicament going into 2011.  If a good running back is still on the board in the 3rd or 4th round, then "book em', Dano."

There are two likely scenarios the draft could likely head in.  I will post both of them below. (Both of these drafts are assuming the high probability of Karlos Dansby landing in Miami)

Mock Draft 2.0 (assuming signing of free agent WR)

Round 1 : Brandon Graham, Michigan (OLB) - Graham has the ability to take over any game he plays in.  With Joey Porter leaving and Jason Taylor's age, Graham could be the next great defensive playmaker in Miami.

Round 2 : Cam Thomas, North Carolina (NT) - Cam Thomas is one of my favorite prospects in this entire draft.  He has the size, determination, and work ethic to make a name for himself at the next level.  I think his intangibles will be too much to bypass at this spot in the second round.

Round 3 : Jimmy Graham, Miami (TE) - I don't really think Miami needs a tight end, but after Fasano's decline in 2009, Miami could seriously consider this.  He is tall and explosive.  His blocking skills aren't raved about, but he could turn some heads as he makes his move to the NFL.

Round 4 : Marcus Easley, Connecticut (WR) - This is a mid-round prospect that has intrigued me.  He has the size and speed to make it at the next level. Playing at a smaller football program, Easley's skills could have been under-examined in his time spent at UCONN.

Round 6a : Jamar Chaney, Mississipi State (ILB) - Solid late round prospect who could be a special teams contributor before possibly competing for a starting spot in a few seasons.

Round 6b : Patrick Stoudamire, Western Illinois (CB) - Good size and speed for a late round prospect.  Likely a dime corner or a special teams player, Stoudamire has shown ability in college to stick to his man and cause discomfort for opposing receivers.

Round 6c : Chris Marinelli, Stanford (OT) - Would contribute immediately to the offensive line as a depth player.  With an NFL body type, Marinelli could have scouts drooling at his potential.

Round 7a : Randy Phillips, Miami (FS) - Playing in Miami, Phillips would probably be excited to play in his home town.  Playing at a big program, Phillips has already shown that he isn't phased by a large crowd and the national spotlight.

Round 7b : Sean Allen, East Carolina (C) - Jake Grove has had some injury history, so this pick would be a no brainer.  You can never have enough offensive line depth and this pick would provide even more competition going into training camp.

Mock Draft 3.0 (Assuming no free agent WR signing)

Round 1 : Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (WR) - Though I'm not a big fan of this pick, if Miami doesn't sign a receiver this free agency they will need a guy that could make an impact right away.  He doesn't have lights out speed, but he can still threaten the end zone on every play.  He has solid hands, a big frame, and the ability to gain separation.

Round 2 : Jerry Hughes, TCU (OLB) - In the absence of Joey Porter, Hughes could step in and contribute right away.  He is the complete outside linebacker Miami is looking for.

Round 3  : Cam Thomas, North Carolina (NT) - Cam Thomas is one of my favorite prospects in this entire draft.  He has the size, determination, and work ethic to make a name for himself at the next level.  I think his intangibles will be too much to bypass at this spot. (Same as seen in the above mock)

Round 4 : Major Wright, Florida (FS) - Playing at a major program, Wright has flown under the radar as a Gator.  Wright could possibly be able to fill in the hole in the secondary as a free safety.

Round 6a : Lonyae Miller, Fresno State (RB) - Miller has a killer mix of size and speed.  For a late round pick, he shows a lot of promise to make an impact right away.

Round 6b : Micah Johnson, Kentucky (ILB) - Though he has the size to be an NFL linebacker, there are questions about his speed.  He is a decent late round pick to fill Miami's need for anything ILB

Round 6c : Verran Tucker, Cal (WR) - Tucker is fast and decently tall (6'2).  He played for a big program in California and he has had the opportunity to face a slew of NFL prospects in his conference.

Round 7a : Will Barker, Virginia (OT) - Will Barker has the size and strength to be a solid player at the next level.

Round 7b : Sherrick McManis, Northwestern (CB) - McManis is tall and fairly fast.  He would provide solid depth and would give Miami an even younger foundation in their defensive backfield.