NFL Draft 2011: Top 5 Miami Dolphins Possibilities in 3rd Round

Unless the Dolphins trade into the 2nd Round, which is not very likely, the Dolphins have a very important pick to make in the 3rd Round.

So the question is: offensive lineman or running back??

Apparently Jeff Ireland is into the safe pick because of the shortage of ammunition he has to work with. This means it will be the pick that most of the general public would make.

I believe it will be a running back in the third. Another lineman in the fourth.

The second round was shaken up when Christian Ponder was taken in the first. There will be a run of quarterbacks in the second. I predict that Colin Kaepernick might go sooner than expected because of Ponder's early exit.

I think the Dolphins like him more than we realize and there are not many teams who are now looking for a quarterback with his skill set.

And, even though I think the greatest need is at running back, I will include eligible offensive lineman. Here are my 5 finalists for the Dolphins 3rd round pick...

Jacquizz Rodgers

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 04: Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the 114th Civil War on December 4, 2010 at the Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Jacquizz Rodgers RB, Oregon St., 5' 7" 178.  

I have watched him play, and Jacquizz Rodgers does it all.

I would take a Darren Sproles-like player in the 3rd Round because of what he means to the offense and special teams.

He didn't fumble in two years of college ball.

I also see a multidimensional football player here. Drafting him in the 3rd Round is not a reach. Coach Sparano should stop looking for lineman who can play more than one position and find running backs or wide receivers who can.

Rodgers is a slot receiver, running back, and kick returner. He is not a full-time running back but he can play on any down and would add depth.

Bill Parcells refers to him as a "mascot" player. After drafting Pouncey in the first, the Dolphins need a "mascot" player.

Stefen Wisniewski

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Penn State Nittany Lions huddle up during the 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Stefen Wisniewski G, Penn State. 6' 3"306

This continues the Miami Dolphins run on rookie offensive linemen. You have to build from the inside out. He's a good, strong all around good offensive linemen. He fits into the Dolphins' draft system of drafting offensive lineman.

He was a starter since his freshman year, played guard and center, and was a well-decorated and awarded linemen. There are too many things to list.

I had to include him. He'd make a great Dolphin. He fits the leadership mold the Dolphins are looking for. He can challenge John Jerry immediately. He could start. He's athletic, smart, and strong.

Shane Vereen

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Shane Vereen #34 of the California Golden Bears in action against the Stanford Cardinal at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Shane Vereen RB, California, 5' 10" 210

Vereen followed Jahvid Best to have a good season at Cal.

He's strong (31 reps, 225 bench press) and quick. He also fits the multidimensional-pick mold as a situational running back and kick returner. He's also a great receiver.

The Dolphins need offensive weapons. Since Sparano focuses on what running backs are in the backfield, having several weapons is necessary.

Some have projected Vereen to a late 3rd or early 4th. However, we've seen some great trade action and "reaches."

I don't think Vereen is a reach when the Dolphins pick.

D.J. Williams

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: D.J. Williams #45 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs after a catch in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Phot

D.J. Williams H-Back, Arkansas, 6' 2" 245.

This is a pick purely based on what we know about the Dolphins needs. They need a quality H-back.

It is well-recorded that Ireland and Sparano like him. While interviewing fellow Razorback Ryan Mallet, Ireland had a brief interview with Williams, and since, his name has been thrown around in the news.

He would fit well into the Dolphins' offense. He is an all-around H-back who would compliment Anthony Fasano.

He can block and catch. He adds offensive productivity for the Dolphins. He has decent speed.

Don't worry about the height. The Jets didn't use that attribute when considering Dustin Keller (Williams is not as productive, just don't let the height keep the Fins from drafting him).

Daniel Thomas

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Carson Coffman #14 of the Kansas State Wildcats fakes a handoff to running back Daniel Thomas #8 before rushing six yards for a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 20, 2010 in Boulde

Daniel Thomas, Kansas St., 6'0" 230.

Big, strong, and he probably won't be around when the Dolphins choose in the 3rd, maybe.

He may be a copy of Lex Hilliard, but may be a little more talented.

He could compete to start.

He was productive at Kansas St. His size fits well with the Dolphins' system.

I just think he'll be gone.