Miami Dolphins: 8 Possible 2012 NFL Draft Prospects

Yes, this is a little silly to start projecting for the 2012 NFL draft.

However, this article is just for fun and give my fellow Miami Dolphins something new to read besides draft grades or how picks fit into systems.

Obviously none of these guys could end up having a shot at being a Miami Dolphin in a year and some may not even declare early.

So sit back, relax and enjoy my best Nostradamus impersonation.

DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a defensive play against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonatha

Miami Dolphins DT Paul Soliai was hit with the franchise tag this past offseason in an effort to make him prove himself worthy of a long-term contract.

I love Soliai and I think he is going to have a great 2011 season. However, in the scenario that he does not, then the Dolphins will be looking for a new big man.

Worthy is so good, they say he could fit a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.

He is big and strong but can also get after the QB.

QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after he threw a 38-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miam

Let me first say that I in no way hope the Dolphins tank the 2011 season and pick No. 1 overall to select Luck. There is no such thing as a sure thing—remember all the high draft grades the Raiders got for taking JaMarcus Russell?

However, there is always a possibility for every NFL team to finish with the worst record.

I do like Luck. Stanford was one of my favorite teams to watch last season.

He runs a sophisticated offense and remained mentally tough through the tough early years he had with Stanford losing a lot of football games.

I am not going to anoint him a savior, but he would be worth taking a risk on.

LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Dont'a Hightower #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide pressures quarterback Jeremiah Masoli #8 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

When healthy, Hightower is an absolute animal. He is an excellent run-stopper with decent ability to get after the QB.

However, the key will be his health issues. If he stays healthy and has a good 2011 season, then he could be a good first-round option for the Dolphins. If he does not stay healthy, then he could be a nice late-round gamble.

LB Channing Crowder is most likely on his way out after this season and Hightower would fit in nicely next to LB Karlos Dansby.

S Kenny Tate, Maryland

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 10: Testudo, the mascot for the Maryland Terrapins, is seen during the first half of the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first round of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on Ma

I may not have been able to find a picture of him on Bleacher Report, but you can see Tate all over the football field.

Alright, lame jokes aside, Tate is a stud safety. He has blazing speed with the ability to knock your head off.

The Dolphins depth at safety is very weak, and bringing in a great athlete like Tate would solve that.

QB Nick Foles, Arizona

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Arizona Stadium on December 2, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Wildcat

He is not even the most popular QB in his own conference, but do not be fooled by that, because Foles is good.

Foles plays in a pro-style offense, so he could be NFL-ready right from the start.

He lacks mobility so he takes a lot of sacks.

However, he has a 2:1 TD to INT ratio and completes well over 60 percent of his passes, so he is very accurate with a good head on his shoulders.

I would not be upset if the Dolphins turn to Foles to be the QB of the future.

OT Ryan Miller, Colorado

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 20: The Colorado Buffaloes offenses huddles up against the Kansas State Wildcats at Folsom Field on November 20, 2010 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Kansas State 44-36. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

He got overshadowed by his fellow OL Nate Solder, but Miller has great talent and versatility.

With RT Vernon Carey aging, the Dolphins will need to start looking for the future.

At 6'8", 312 lbs, he has the perfect frame for a NFL RT. If that does not work, he could beef up and move inside to guard.

He would be a great value pick in the second round.

TE George Bryan, North Carolina State

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: George Bryan #84 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack celebrates on his way to defeating the Florida State Seminoles 28-24 during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Str

Bryan has been pretty productive for playing in an offense that has not had a good QB. He averages over 10 yards per reception.

Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano, despite the contract extension last season, could be on his way out after the 2011 season.

Bryan could fit into the Dolphins second- or third-round draft plans to replace Fasano.

OLB Adrian Robinson, Temple

Robinson had 12 sacks in 2009 to break onto the scene, but followed that up with only 3.5 sacks in 2010.

However, he had far more attention paid to him in 2010 than 2009 by seeing a lot more double-teams.

He also has played a lot of special teams, so he has displayed that he will do whatever is needed to help the team.

The Dolphins will need some depth behind Cameron Wake and Koa Misi. Robinson would fit perfectly as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme as a pure pass-rusher.