NFL Draft 2011: 5 Prospects the Dolphins Could Select with Each of Their Picks
Everybody and their grandmother loves a great mock draft. Nothing else amply replicates the feeling of excitement that arises on draft day. Thoughts of how your team's first round pick will look in the uniform, and if that sixth round pick is the next Tom Brady or Marques Colston.
But as great as mock drafts may be, they fail to address the wild nature of actual draft. Teams have to be prepared for every single possible scenario such as an Aaron Rodgers free fall or a Darius Heyward-Bey reach.
So, in order to fill the mock draft's holes, here are five players the Miami Dolphins could draft with each of their eight draft picks.
1st Round: 15th Overall
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1. Trade Down
Miami has many needs to fill, but do not possess ample draft picks to fill them. Trading down into the back end of the first round or second round to stockpile picks is their best potential route.
2. Mike Pouncey, Center/Guard, Florida
Very favorable blend of size and agility that could easily land him a starting role with the Dolphins. I believe he will be Miami's pick here, and ESPN's Todd McShay is the first "draft expert" to catch on.
3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
Knee concerns and a rich abundance of high-quality, mid-round and free agent running backs decrease Mark Ingram's value to the 'Fins. But he runs angry, he runs fast, and he would fill a primary need.
4. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
Seems to possess the kind of character teams desire from a quarterback, but worries over his accuracy have lowered his draft stock. He'd be a big gamble at 15, but could pay off big-time in the future.
5. Aldon Smith, Defensive End, Missouri
The Dolphins have very few defensive needs, but if they want to draft the best player on their board, Smith could be their guy. He'd bring an explosive player to a defensive line lacking a young pass rusher.
3rd Round: 79th Overall
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1. Kendall Hunter, Running Back, Oklahoma State
A 5'7", 200 pound frame pose doubts about his NFL potential, but Hunter was a wrecking ball in college. Absolutely tore up opposing defenses and could be great if paired with a more physical back in a RBBC.
2. Edmond Gates, Wide Receiver, Abilene Christian
Miami desperately needs speed, and Gates has more than enough to fill that hole. He'll have to adjust from playing against D-II competition, but former teammates Bernard Scott and Johnny Knox panned out well.
3. Lance Kendricks, Tight End, Wisconsin
Ireland and Sparano love Big 10 prospects, and they might fill their obsession in the third round. Tight end is a primary need, and Kendricks looks like he has immediate starter potential.
4. Dion Lewis, Running Back, Pittsburgh
Very similar to Kendall Hunter, but smaller. Lewis is roughly 5'7", 193 pounds, but could be the next Brian Westbrook or Jahvid Best. Would definitely need to be paired with a big, physical back.
5. Martez Wilson, Linebacker, Illinois
Channing Crowder is aging and cannot stay healthy. Dolphins could benefit from acquiring a player like Wilson who could add youth and athleticism, and a future linebacking partner for Karlos Dansby.
4th Round: 111th Overall
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1. Luke Stocker, Tight End, Tennessee
Big, solid, sure-handed tight end who looks compares to Anthony Fasasno but more athletic. Could be an immediate red-zone target and could occasionally slip behind some linebacker corps.
2. Ronald Johnson, Wide Receiver, USC
Miami came up empty handed after gambling on Patrick Turner, but they could gamble on a second Trojan wideout. Ronald Johnson has 4.5 speed and is a pure, vertical threat. Exactly what the Dolphins need.
3. Bilal Powell, Running Back, Louisville
Extremely well-rounded, yet under-the-radar running back. Powell is 5'11", 210 pounds and a ran a 4.5 40. Doesn't do one thing extraordinarily well, but looks to have the measureables of an NFL contributor.
4. David Arkin, Offensive Guard, Missouri State
Dolphins' brass has a habit of finding contributing offensive linemen in the middle rounds. Arkin could be their next find. He dominated I-AA ranks and has the size to compete at the next level.
5. Kenrick Ellis, Nose Tackle, Hampton
As of now, Paul Soliai is only under contract for one year, and could be a one year wonder. Miami would be wise to add some depth inside, and Ellis is a 6'5", 346 pound monster from K. Langford's alma mater.
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5th Round: 146th Overall
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1. K.J. Wright, Outside Linebacker, Mississippi State
Miami needs to add some depth at outside linebacker where Misi and Wake are the only reliable bodies. Wright was a tackling machine in college who has some nice pass-rush potential.
2. Ricardo Lockette, Wide Receiver, Fort Valley State
Another small school speedster who might have to fight through a learning curve. Lockette is 6'2" yet ran an amazing 4.37 40. Might be a project well worth investing in.
3. Jeremy Kerley, Wide Receiver, TCU
Kind of a BCS version of guys like Gates and Lockette. Kerley doesn't have the same kind of speed (4.59 40), but has proven himself against elite competition. Also a great kick returner.
4. Derrell Smith, Inside Linebacker, Syracuse
Was an absolute tackling machine at Syracuse, finishing his career with 525. Could be a nice developmental linebacker who could provide immediate help to one of league's worst special teams.
5. Greg McElroy, Quarterback, Alabama
Strikingly intelligent quarterback who lacks a rocket arm or great athleticism. But has pinpoint accuracy, and that, combined with his football IQ is remnant of a young Chad Pennington.
6th Round: 179th Overall
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1. Nathan Enderle, Quarterback, Idaho
Under the radar, small D-I school quarterback. Enderle was a four-year starter, has promising accuracy and has a Peyton Manning-esque presence at the line of scrimmage. Could be a nice project for the 'Fins.
2. Graig Cooper, Running Back, Miami
Major knee injury during his junior season derailed his NFL prospectus, but Cooper could find himself competing for a contributing role with a team like Miami next year. Productive all-around back with upside.
3. Julius Thomas, Tight End, Portland State
At 6'4", 246 pounds, Thomas still managed to run a 4.66 40. Only played one year of college football at Portland State, so he is still very raw. But, if his athleticism is any indicator, could become a steal.
4. Buster Skrine, Cornerback, Chattanooga
The Dolphins have no need for a cornerback, but youth and speed are always a welcome addition in training camp. Skrine ran a 4.43 40, and although he is undersized, might have the athleticism to compete.
5. Mario Fannin, Running Back, Auburn
Was projected to go as high as the second round after he blew up at the combine. Has a 5'11", 231 pound frame and ran a 4.43 40. Had only limited carries at Auburn, so while he looks the part, still needs to prove his actual football skill.
7th Round: 217th, 218th, and 235th Overall
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1. Aldrick Robinson, Wide Receiver, SMU
Blazing fast, vertical threat wide receiver who could compete for kick return duties right away. Ran a 4.43 at the combine and caught 10 touchdowns for SMU last season.
2. Andrew Jackson, Center, Fresno State
Four year starter for Fresno state with ideal size for a Dolphins lineman. Blocked for Ryan Mathews and could eventually compete for the center job with Berger possibly gone and Incognito unproven.
3. Da'Rel Scott, Running Back, Maryland
Drew headlines for his impressive combine performance. At 5'11", 211 pounds, ran a 4.36 40, but durability issues and a lack of production at Maryland hurt his stock. Makes for a great late-round pickup.
4. Pat Devlin, Quarterback, Delaware
Enjoyed great success at I-AA Delaware, but does not compare to predecessor Joe Flacco. Struggled at the East-West Shrine game, but might just need time to develop the necessary traits for an NFL QB.
5. Mario Addison, Outside Linebacker, Troy
Hailing from the same alma mater as Demarcus Ware, Addison makes for an intriguing pass-rush developmental project. Almost 6'3" and 245 pounds but ran a 4.64 40. Had 10.5 sacks in 2010.
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