Dominik Believes Dolphins Will Target Playmakers

[Daytona Fin]

But it’s much less clear who the Dolphins will take with the No. 14 overall pick when the NFL draft opens on April 30.

“I think they’re in a spot where they’re not desperate at any position,” said former Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik, who worked with Hickey in Tampa Bay and is now an ESPN analyst. “I think they can go in a variety of avenues, which is always good in the draft because that way you know you’re looking at the board and you’re going to get the best available player. That’s something I know Dennis Hickey is a big believer in.”

Several early mock drafts have the Dolphins taking a linebacker in the first round.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Miami drafting Washington’s Shaq Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 231-pound outside linebacker who could be an instant upgrade over Philip Wheeler.

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah also had the Dolphins taking a linebacker, but he believes they’ll go for Mississippi State middle linebacker Bernardrick McKinney, which would move Koa Misi back outside.

Misi was solid when he played this year but also missed five games due to injury.

“McKinney has the size to bang inside with linemen and plenty of speed and athleticism to make plays in coverage,” Jeremiah wrote.

And while the Dolphins’ defense struggled down the stretch this year — giving up an average of 32 points over the final six games — Dominik said he thinks the Dolphins might look to bolster their offense in the first round.

“I think they’re going to continue to want to build with some playmakers and weapons around Ryan Tannehill,” Dominik said.

That means the Dolphins might consider using the No. 14 pick on a receiver.

The Dolphins only have one sure starter at both cornerback and safety in Brent Grimes and Reshad Jones, respectively. Starting cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Louis Delmas both suffered injuries this season and aren’t expected to return.

“I think the secondary will be a priority,” Dominik said.

One AFC East scout said he thinks the Dolphins should compete for the playoffs next year and need more of a fine-tuning than an overhaul.

“They have talent and there’s no glaring needs,” the scout said. “It’s just about getting the right chemistry.”

http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news...pbpstubtomypbp_launch#82fb79a5.3454205.735618

 

[Bob512]

Interesting read....thanks for posting!

 

[traptses]

Fantastic news. I was never a fan of Ireland reaching for need

 

[fishfanmiami]

Linebacker should be a priority for sure so we can jettison a couple of expensive non performers Jeff left us but I do like the idea of play making WR or TE early then get your linebacker in round 2 or 3.

 

[insom187]

I love the idea of Shaq Thompson flying around making plays for us but I feel it's inside linebacker we need more help with if that is the direction we're going. Still would not be bothered though if we drafted Thompson though as we could throw him in at safety or, hell, running back if need be.

 

[jlfin]

Id be happy with LB, WR or DT in 1st rd. BPA
I saw one mock with the phins drafting Landon Collins (Safety). I don't think he's as good as some people think.

 

[hoops]

you want to upgrade philip wheeler get rid of philip wheeler...done and done

 

[Dolph N.Fan]

Is it better to have a few big holes or a lot of little holes to fill?

 

[claytonduper]

Is it better to have a few big holes or a lot of little holes to fill?

It depends if we have a lot of draft picks or a few draft picks; also depends if we have a large cap space or a little cap space; and it depends if we have someone competent making these decisions. One step further, do have a coaching staff who can coach, develop and use the talent????

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

The only thing I disagree with is that Miami has some big holes to fill. I think some of that work will take place in free agency, but looking at needs here's what I see:

* Need an upgrade at middle linebacker (Don't see much in free agency there. The draft has McKinney, Perryman and Kendricks)
* Need an upgrade at LG (Maybe Franklin in free agency, would love that)
* Need a big, redzone wide receiver (Thomas from Denver would be nice, but not likely. Draft has Parker, White among others)
* Need a corner opposite Grimes (tough to find in free agency. Will probably have to draft one early)
* Need a run stuffing DT (I'd prefer to go free agent route. Interesting prospects in the draft include Sheldon, Brown, Davis)
* May need a safety if Delmas not signed (I'd sign Delmas and draft a safety in the middle to late rounds)
* Need a power back to compliment Miller (The draft is pretty loaded at RB. Ingram is interesting as a free agent.)
* Need a tight end to compliment Clay (That's assuming team signs Clay. I love Maxx Williams and believe he could go top 20 before all is said and done)

Admittedly some of those needs are smaller ones, but some are pretty huge needs. Who wants to go into the season with Misi at MLB and the crew we currently have at defensive tackle? Tannehill has to have more protection from the offensive line. That's such a huge need that if Miami strikes out in free agency it could spend the #14 pick on the offensive line.

 

[claytonduper]

In free Agency:

Realistically, we will not have much fire power in free agency even with re-structuring. I want a stout DT and a plug and play guard (assuming Billy Turner occupies the other side)

The biggest ??? is what will happen with Mike Wallace. I sure hope we can patch things up for this season and dump him after the season (unless he finds God or Nirvana). Regardless we draft a big receiver with above average speed. If Mike Wallace starts the season, but his attitude starts to sour, put him on IR and let the rookie take over.

I would use an early pick on another corner and add a 1-year trail for another veteran CB.

At safety, keep Delmas and hope he and Michael Thompson recover from their respective injuries.

Need a way to keep Clay for team friendly deal or least back loaded so he can be released in the next 1-2 years. Gives us a little more time to get that TE in the draft.

Draft a backup QB and release Matt Moore. His money can be better spent.

Need to release Sturgis; the kid just doesn't have it. If he comes back, I'm sure he will have another hamstring issue in preseason.

 

[FinHopeful]

I hope Hickey targets BPA regardless of position in the first round. Nothing but BPA on your board matters.

 

[Fin Fan in Cali]

Thanks for posting bro.:up:

 

[Perfect23]

That picture is like an evolution of hair loss.

 

[39wildman]

what we need
1. cb have one good cb, and other are sorry
2. rg/lg played better this yr need be upgrade
3.fs/ss need be up grade
4.mlb need be upgrade but can wait another yr
5.dt have fallen off little bit need be upgrade because dolphins depend on their defense more than starting qb.
6. back up qb
7. wr best position need make it work w Wallace

joe If u beat cowboys next year weather you make playoff or not I will support u... that only way