The Dolphins look like a totally different team following the first wave of free agency as they’ve lost premier players in all three phases of the game. The Dolphins lost the most dominant defensive tackle in the NFL, Ndamukong Suh, record-breaking wide receiver Jarvis Landry, center Mike Pouncey and kicker Cody Parkey.
Defensive tackles Davon Godchaux, Vincent Taylor and Jordan Phillips will be asked to pick up the slack at defensive tackle following Suh’s absence, but the Dolphins had to bring in talent during free agency to supplement positions on offense. Miami signed Danny Amendola and Albert Wilson at wide receiver to help fill the void left by Landry. They also acquired center Daniel Kilgore and guard Josh Sitton to shore up the offensive line after parting ways with Pouncey.
Miami addressed needs in free agency, but still have holes to fill in the draft. Here are players I feel are best suited to fill positions of need for the Dolphins in rounds one through seven:
Round 1
Lamar Jackson – QB, Louisiville
Miami likes Baker Mayfield a great deal and fans get excited at the mere mention of his name but he likely won’t be available when the Dolphins make their first pick. While coach Adam Gase and Mayfield clearly have a connection, it would be wise for Miami to explore the possibility of taking Jackson to secure their quarterback of the future.
Round 2
Lorenzo Carter – OLB, Georgia
Lawrence Timmons was the Dolphins SAM backer last season and the Dolphins are in prime position to find his replacement in the draft. Miami views their strongside linebackers as additional pass rushers and Carter makes the Dolphins’ defense multiple with his versatility. He’s capable of rushing the passer and he has the athleticism to drop into zones and make plays on the football.
Round 3
Antonio Callaway – WR, Florida
Callaway had off the field troubles that kept him out of football in 2017, but he says his troubles are behind him and if that is the case, Miami gets a steal in Round 3. Callaway has 4.41 speed in the 40-yard dash and can separate at every level of the field. He can play all three wide receiver positions and can give Miami a boost in the return game.
Round 4
Natrell Jamerson – FS, Wisconsin
With this pick Miami could utilize T.J. McDonald in a more suitable fashion. Gase admitted that the safety play wasn’t to his liking in 2017 as McDonald and Reshad Jones are similar players. Acquiring Jamerson would allow him to function as a true center-fielding safety with McDonald at weakside linebacker, and Jones as a box safety in sub-packages. Jamerson is also capable of matching up in man versus slot receivers.
Round 4
Tony Adams – OC/G North Carolina State
Adams fits in a zone or a gap scheme and has proven capable of pulling and hitting moving targets. He does a great job of maintaining his blocks and has position flexibility as well. Adams can play center but he could compete for the right guard spot immediately. Once the 34-year old Dan Kilgore’s playing days are over, Adams would give Miami an option at the center position.
Round 6
Ryan Nall – H-back, Oregon State
Nall was an outstanding running back at Oregon State and he should still get opportunities as a ball carrier, but his receiving skills are intriguing. At 6-foot-2, 234 pounds, Nall has the skill and the frame to make the move to tight end. With Nall on the field at the same time as Kenyan Drake and Albert Wilson, Miami would have three players on the field they could turn around and hand the ball off to on any given play.
Round 7
Dee Liner – DT, Arkansas State
Liner is a space eating defensive lineman who is extremely tough to move off the line of scrimmage. He was double teamed often at Arkansas State and he could have a similar impact in the NFL. His presence could provide depth for Miami at defensive tackle.
Round 7
Ben Johnson – TE, Kansas
With Nall, Miami has a moveable chess piece but Johnson could become the pure tight end Dolphins need. Johnson can serve as an inline blocker but he also has enough athleticism to be a flex tight end. Johnson has soft hands and tracks the ball exceptionally well. He’s also very aggressive as a run blocker.
