2008 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins

To keep up with my writing quota during the NFL off-season, I’ll be taking a team-by-team look at draft day strategy, and following up with my NFL mock draft about two weeks before the draft.

(I understand that we're not in the off-season yet, but I can't stand the bye week...especially when the Patriots are involved.)

For the next couple of months, just consider me the Mel Kiper, Jr. of Bleacher Report—complete with great head of hair and an undeserved sense of self-worth.

Since the Dolphins have been on the clock since mid-October, we’ll start with them.

Outside of running back, the Dolphins are a team in need of a complete roster overhaul.  At each position, they’re old, thin, or completely empty.

The smart move would be to trade out of the No. 1 overall pick and try to collect as many first day picks as possible.  But if the Dolphins were to stick with the first overall pick (and they probably will, as there might be a fan revolt in Miami if they suffered through Cam Cameron and weren’t rewarded with the first pick in the draft), they could choose from a number of players possessing the qualities that Parcells and company will be looking for.

The Pick:  Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU     

The 6’2, 303 pound defensive tackle out of LSU is the obvious pick.  

He’s as athletic as he is big.  He has the skills to play either a DT in the 4-3 or a DE in the 3-4.  He reminds me of a young Richard Seymour.

One constant in the Bill Parcells coaching tree is that they build teams from the inside out.  Start with the defensive and offensive lines, worry about the skill positions later.

In Dorsey they would be getting a run-stopping, pass-rushing freak with superstar potential—the type of player you can build a defense around.

Second Option:  Jake Long, OT, Michigan   

Long is the top offensive lineman on the board.  He has the potential to solidify the Dolphins’ offensive line for years to come.  He’s a great pass blocker and an even better run blocker.  At 6’7, 320 pounds he has the size you want in an NFL left tackle.

He’s fast, has good footwork, and was the unquestioned leader of a pretty good Michigan offensive line.  As a bonus, he can play both left and right tackle, which makes him even more attractive to the Dolphins.  Unfortunately for them, he can't play both at the same time.  New head coach Tony Sparano knows what a good offensive line can do for a young quarterback (see Dallas, Tony Romo).

Plus, it would be nice to see Ronnie Brown running behind a good offensive line for a change.

Sleeper Pick:  Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

When Parcells took over the New England Patriots, the first thing he did was select Drew Bledsoe (first overall pick).

Well, now the Dolphins are short a franchise quarterback, and Matt Ryan is the closest thing to one in the 2008 NFL Draft.  Consider this—Matt Ryan put up great numbers on a team without a single decent NFL prospect at an offensive skill position.  As a matter of fact, there wasn’t a single decent athlete at an offensive skill position.

Ryan plays an NFL style offense.  He’s smart, reads defenses well, and has all of the physical tools required to succeed in the NFL.  He may not be worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, but if Parcells and company think he’s a franchise QB, don’t be surprised if they reach.

You just can’t win in the NFL with Trent Green, Cleo Lemon, and John Beck.

Outside Shot, WAY Outside:  Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

McFadden may be the top player on some team’s draft boards (he's No. 3 on mine, behind Dorsey and Long), and the thought of a one-two punch featuring Ronnie Brown and Darren McFadden is extremely enticing.  But the Miami Dolphins will not waste a first round pick on another running back.

The only way they take McFadden is if Ronnie Brown’s injury is much worse than expected—and presently all indicates that he’ll be fine.

McFadden won't last long on draft day, but his name won't be the first one called.


It’ll be a big off-season for one of the historically great franchises in the NFL.  I, for one, hope they get it right this time.  After all, the AFC East is getting boring…even for a Patriots fan.



I’m SeanMC.

 

If you're tired of listening to SeanMC, you and his wife have something in common.  If you're not tired yet, you can read more of his articles in his archive.