2012 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins Complete 7-Round Draft

After a 26-10 loss to the struggling Philadelphia Eagles, the Dolphins decided to pull the plug on Tony Sparano, but mysteriously, general manager Jeff Ireland will be sticking around next year.

They moved up a couple of spots on the draft boards to No. 7 and have a realistic chance of drafting a top-notch quarterback.

With Jeff Ireland being around, the Dolphins will probably not attract any big-name head coaches like a Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher.

They might look to go with an NFL coordinator, or even a college head coach. With Ireland calling the shots, there is not one person in the organization that knows who he is willing to draft.

Let's look at a possible scenario for the Miami Dolphins in the upcoming draft.

Round 1: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Since the Dolphins would miss out on Andrew Luck, they would target the next best quarterback.

In my opinion, Matt Barkley is better and more NFL ready than Landry Jones and Robert Griffin III.

He possesses good accuracy, good mobility and good pocket awareness. He can make all the throws he is asked and has the poise that people look for in an NFL quarterback.

Other Possible Picks:

Robert Griffin III

Landry Jones

Dre Kirkpatrick

Jonathan Martin

Riley Reiff

Round 2: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

This season the Miami Dolphins have had a very inconsistent and below average offensive line. Apart from Jake Long and rookie Mike Pouncey, the Dolphins lack dominant players to help the pass and run game.

The line had been playing well until last week when they gave up nine sacks and were responsible for having J.P. Losman try to lead them to a comeback win versus the Eagles.

The Dolphins need to upgrade the right tackle position more than any other on the offensive line. Marc Colombo is as bad a tackle can get and needs to be replaced immediately.

Ohio State tackle Mike Adams would give the Dolphins much-needed stability in the right side and would give them a tackle for the next 10 years. If he slips to the second round, Miami should definitely pull the trigger.

Other Possible Picks:

Mark Barron

Barret Jones

Stephon Gilmore

T.J. McDonald

Dwyane Allen

Round 3: Robert Lester, S, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins secondary is not the worst, but it's not by any means elite. Aside from Vontae Davis and Yermiah Bell, the Dolphins secondary is highly inconsistent and tend to give up big plays.

One reason for the Dolphins' poor secondary has to be the poor play at free safety. Chris Clemons was not horrible last year, but has been hurt most of this season; while Reshad Jones has shown no signs he can keep the position and be a game changer.

As a result, Yeremiah Bell has to worry about the other safety position rather than concentrate on his own, which has cost him in pass coverage.

Crimson Tide Robert Lester comes from a very good defensive program at Alabama, which ranks No. 1 in the country. He has good coverage skills and can move up to stop the run. He is a ball hawk and has big play ability.

Other Possible Picks:

Markelle Martin

Ray Ray Armstrong

Sean Spence

Coby Fleener

Tyler Eiffert

Round 4: Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

Anthony Fasano is not bad—he is an excellent blocker, is a big red-zone target, can pick up first downs, and always plays hard.

However, the Dolphins need an athletic tight end that can run downfield like a receiver and give them flexibility in the passing game. Many teams have included a two-tight end set into their offense, creating mismatches for the defense.

Orson Charles is an athletic tight end that can catch almost anything thrown his way. He has had a solid season for the Georgia Bulldogs with 44 receptions for 574 and five touchdowns.

Charles is extremely fast for a tight end and is a mismatch for opposing linebackers and safeties. It is still unclear if he will return for his senior season.

Other Possible Picks:

Ricky Wagner

Levy Adcock

Bruce Irvin

Chris Marve

Jerry Franklin

Round 5: DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins cornerbacks need help.

Sean Smith is as inconsistent as they get and Nolan Carroll is not a starter. Jimmy Wilson has shown some positives but is still extremely raw. Will Allen is injury-prone and you never know when he can get hurt. Vontae Davis is a solid cornerback that needs help on the other side.

DeQuan Menzie has been a key component for the Alabama defense and has increased his draft stock every week. He is a junior college transfer that has some upside and can help the Dolphins as soon as next year.

He has recorded 37 tackles with 11 passes broken up and an interception. He is Dre Kirkpatrick's partner in crime and should look to take his talents to South Beach.

Other Possible Picks:

Jamell Fleming

Brandon Boykin

Rokevious Watkins

Shayne Skov

Brandon Lindsey

Round 6: Jaymes Brooks, G, Virginia Tech

As I pointed out in an earlier slide, the Dolphins offensive line is below average.

When teams pick in the sixth and seventh round, they are not looking for immediate starters who can turn a franchise around, but instead, they are looking for developmental players they can mold into future starters.

Jaymes Brooks would be a great addition to the Dolphins, as they need as much offensive line help as possible.

The Hokie can be a solid pick in the later rounds that can anchor the inside of the line along with Mike Pouncey for a few years and help the Dolphins run game mature into an elite one.

Other Possible Picks:

Stephen Good

Greg Childs

T.J. Barnes

D.J. Holt

Blake Giddeon

Round 7: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith is not a player that will come in and compete for the starting safety spot right away. Keep in mind Yeremiah Bell still has some years left and I have Robert Lester going to Miami in this draft.

Smith is a captain at Notre Dame that can provide leadership and contribute in special teams early in his career. He will have some time to develop with absolutely no pressure to produce immediately and can become a starter in the future.

Other Possible Picks:

Jerrel Young

Darius Fleming

Chris Rainey

Johnny Adams

Dan Hoch