Let me start out by saying I would do everything in my power to try and trade down, this team has so many needs and this is a deep draft. I would even sell low (give me a top 10, a 3rd, and a 5th and I’ll deal) to get extra picks. You will still get a quality pick, pick up another potential starter (the 3rd), and get rid of the ‘1st overall pick drama’ (the expectations and the money). Teams are built through drafts and this draft is a great one to start building the foundation.
I would address the NT, WR, SS, and an OG in free agency.
Draft:
1- Jake Long OT Michigan
http://www.dolphinsnation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209543
2- Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M
May be considered a reach by some at the 32nd pick, but he’s been projected to go anywhere from the 1st-3rd rounds. He’s a huge TE (6’7 250#), has good hands (49- 587- 4), has great athleticism (high-profile basketball player), and an excellent blocker (67 knockdown blocks in a run-orientated system). I’m not saying he’s the next Antonio Gates, but he’s definitely of a similar mold. Plus, we all know the Tuna loves big TE.
2- Antoine Cason CB Arizona
I would be thrilled if he fell this far, which is reasonable if he runs a 4.55 and other CB’s run faster. He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but he has balled for 4 years now and has all the intangibles that make a great player. He is a playmaking CB that will prosper in the NFL.
(If Cason is gone, I can see Terrell Thomas taking this spot)
3- Jonathan Goff ILB Vanderbilt
A big (6’4 240#) middle linebacker that has a nose for the ball is something we need. He has been very productive in the SEC and it will carry over into the NFL. While he will not replace #54 he will be a good 3-4 ILB.
4- Adarius Bowman WR Oklahoma State
While his stock is falling pretty fast right now, you can’t overlook two great years and his physical attributes for a bad Senior Bowl week. He has everything needed in a big-time NFL receiver; he might just have to put it all together mentally after dropping so low.
(If Bowman is gone, I really want DaJuan Morgan, safety out of NC State, here. He’s good enough in run support and a great overall safety to turn into a good SS)
6- Kerry Brown OG Appalachian State
Small-school linemen don’t seem to have as much trouble adjusting against greater competition than other positions. Brown is big (6’6 310#) and strong. He might take a year of teaching, but he will be worth it.
7- Brian Johnston DE Gardner-Webb
He could make it this far down by not getting an invite to the Combine, but Johnston is a beast. He’s big (6’5 280#), relentless, and a bull rusher. He’s been extremely productive, given it’s at a lower level, by tallying 24 TFL and 6 sacks this past season, giving him 20.5 sacks for his career. He could also run in the low 4.7’s.
Start out with this class, throw in a relentless DT that can gain some weight and learn the NT position, a project OT, a couple converted 3-4 OLB pass rushers, a tall red-zone threat receiver, and a couple of guys like A.J. Raebel or Adam Bishop from the list below as undrafted free-agents and that would be a great day.
http://www.dolphinsnation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209249
I would address the NT, WR, SS, and an OG in free agency.
Draft:
1- Jake Long OT Michigan
http://www.dolphinsnation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209543
2- Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M
May be considered a reach by some at the 32nd pick, but he’s been projected to go anywhere from the 1st-3rd rounds. He’s a huge TE (6’7 250#), has good hands (49- 587- 4), has great athleticism (high-profile basketball player), and an excellent blocker (67 knockdown blocks in a run-orientated system). I’m not saying he’s the next Antonio Gates, but he’s definitely of a similar mold. Plus, we all know the Tuna loves big TE.
2- Antoine Cason CB Arizona
I would be thrilled if he fell this far, which is reasonable if he runs a 4.55 and other CB’s run faster. He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but he has balled for 4 years now and has all the intangibles that make a great player. He is a playmaking CB that will prosper in the NFL.
(If Cason is gone, I can see Terrell Thomas taking this spot)
3- Jonathan Goff ILB Vanderbilt
A big (6’4 240#) middle linebacker that has a nose for the ball is something we need. He has been very productive in the SEC and it will carry over into the NFL. While he will not replace #54 he will be a good 3-4 ILB.
4- Adarius Bowman WR Oklahoma State
While his stock is falling pretty fast right now, you can’t overlook two great years and his physical attributes for a bad Senior Bowl week. He has everything needed in a big-time NFL receiver; he might just have to put it all together mentally after dropping so low.
(If Bowman is gone, I really want DaJuan Morgan, safety out of NC State, here. He’s good enough in run support and a great overall safety to turn into a good SS)
6- Kerry Brown OG Appalachian State
Small-school linemen don’t seem to have as much trouble adjusting against greater competition than other positions. Brown is big (6’6 310#) and strong. He might take a year of teaching, but he will be worth it.
7- Brian Johnston DE Gardner-Webb
He could make it this far down by not getting an invite to the Combine, but Johnston is a beast. He’s big (6’5 280#), relentless, and a bull rusher. He’s been extremely productive, given it’s at a lower level, by tallying 24 TFL and 6 sacks this past season, giving him 20.5 sacks for his career. He could also run in the low 4.7’s.
Start out with this class, throw in a relentless DT that can gain some weight and learn the NT position, a project OT, a couple converted 3-4 OLB pass rushers, a tall red-zone threat receiver, and a couple of guys like A.J. Raebel or Adam Bishop from the list below as undrafted free-agents and that would be a great day.
http://www.dolphinsnation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209249
