2011 NFL Draft: Miami Dolphins Day 2 Preview and Predictions

Day one of the 2011 NFL Draft was a success for Miami. 

It wasn't a knock-you-out-of-your-chair type of Round 1, but the Dolphins filled one of their top two needs with a player who was the best at his position coming into the draft.

I have heard today, and only today (never before have I heard this) fans complaining that Miami paid too much for Brandon Marshall in 2010 (giving up 2010 and 2011 second-round draft picks) and that could not be further from the truth, especially with Miami's second round draft pick failures in the last decade.

Obviously fans are a little worried that Miami is going to let some talent slip by since the Dolphins do not have a second-round pick, but that just may have to be the case.

What a realistic fan should hope for is that Miami doesn't trade up unless a valuable player falls late into the second round, and that when they do select they choose the best available player that fits the biggest remaining hole.

Preview

Miami currently owns only the 79th pick in the NFL Draft day two festivities, and then has five selections on day three.

The Dolphins' remaining areas of need are running backs, wide receiver, tight end, quarterback and depth anywhere on the defensive side of the ball, preferably at NT.

Look for Miami to address the running back position today or the wide receiver position if a speedy wide out is available.

If a few players fall past the 50's I would look for the Dolphins to trade up into those spots, depending on what the cost is.

Keep an eye out for players like TE Kyle Rudolph, QB Colin Kaepernick, WR Torrey Smith, WR Titus Young and with the free fall of Mark Ingram it is possible that RB Mikel Leshoure takes a memorable dip as well.

Although these are nice pipe dreams, the more likely scenario is Miami stays where they are at No. 79, and if anything, maybe trades back a little to acquire another fourth or fifth round pick. 

Some players who should be available in the third round would be WR Jerrel Jernigan, WR Edmond Gates, RB DeMarco Murray, RB Taiwan Jones, RB Shane Vereen, WR Greg Little, TE Lance Kendricks and QB Ricky Stanzi.

If Miami wants Jernigan it will most likely have to make a swap with Carolina, which doesn't own a second round pick either and with the first pick in Round 3 would love a speedy wide out to complement Cam Newton and Steve Smith. 

Dream Scenario

If I was Miami I would do anything in my power to either get Jerrel Jernigan or Taiwan Jones in the third-round. However, I am not sure that either player will be there at No. 79.

If that is the case I trade back into the end of the third round and maybe acquire a pick for next year's draft and pick up Edmond Gates, Jordan Todman or Ricky Stanzi, who all should be available anywhere from picks No. 90-100

Prediction

With the 79th pick in 2011 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Taiwan Jones, running back out of Eastern Washington.