Breaking down 2022 NFL draft prospects who could be of interest to the Miami Dolphins in the third or fourth round
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Projected Role: Developmental starting center in a zone-blocking scheme
How He Fits with the Dolphins
Fortner is a great scheme fit in new head coach Mike McDaniel’s heavy outside-zone offense. He has experience working those concepts with the Wildcats, and he knows how to do it from both the center and the guard spots.
His movement skills would benefit the Dolphins greatly on screen concepts too. Miami invested in two speedy running backs during free agency — Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds — both of whom can break big plays off of screens. Some of Fortner’s best blocks came when he was getting out into space and blocking defenders more than 10 yards down the field.
Making the case for drafting Luke Fortner
Fortner’s most appealing quality outside of how well he fits the Dolphins' running scheme is his long-term projection as a starter. He’s got some technique and functional strength improvements he needs to make first, but the Dolphins can afford to invest in his development at this time.
Michael Deiter can hold down the starting center spot while new offensive line coach Matt Applebaum gets Fortner’s body right all while he becomes even more experienced as a zone blocker.
If Fortner develops the way Miami wants him to, he can be plugged in as an incredibly low-cost starter for the 2023 season and beyond. While Fortner doesn’t have a ceiling as a potential “star,” Miami is the best place for him to develop what traits he does have to become a reliable starter.
