Miami has had a busy free agency adding players in key roles on both sides of the ball but as the free agency slows to a crawl there are still some final pieces needed to make this a playoff team. The Dolphins come into the draft with seven total picks, only one in each round. Lets take a look at what selections the Dolphins can potentially make:
Round 1 (Pick 19) – Zack Martin (T)
While the Martin name brings some cringing faces to bear, this is not the same Martin as last year. Zack martin is a solid choice for the Dolphins first round selection. Opposite of Branden Albert, Martin can easily become the starter at the RT position. His durability is unquestionable in South Bend as he holds the school record with 52 straight starts. The only draw back is the speculation that Martin would best fit the Guard position on the line.
Round 2, (Pick 50) – Carlos Hyde (RB)
One of the Miami Dolphins’ big moves this offseason was the signing of Knowshon Moreno from the Denver Broncos. His deal is the wait and see type as he was inked in for only one year and the Dolphins are far from set behind him. Lamar Miller is more of a speed burner type of back and needs a wide open field to contribute with his skill set and Daniel Thomas, although a better blocker this past year, has been a bit of a disappointment at the cost of a trade up in the 2011 draft. Carlos Hyde is the type of back the Dolphins need, the typical every down back that already comes with the size the NFL requires. With an already suspect offensive line, Hyde will be Miami’s best option for short yardage situations.
Round 3, (Pick 81) – Dakota Dozier (G)
Speaking of NFL size, Dakota Dozier already comes equipped with a 6’4″ frame and 315 pounds as well as the added bonus of athleticism. An excellent run blocker he could easily find his way up the lineup as a starter before the 2014 season ends. Dozier is recognized as the FCS All American in 2013 and was part of the Southern California all conference team on three separate occasions.
Round 4, (Pick 116) – Christian Jones (LB)
As a 3 year starter in Seminole Country, Christian Jones is another athletic player coming in at 240 pounds. Jones has the size and speed to play inside linebacker in the NFL and can easily play on the outside. During the Florida State BCS National Championship run last year, Jones actually spent some time as a defensive end giving him the value of versatility. Adding to his size and versatility, Jones’ speed will also go along way towards adding depth to a Miami defense that needed it towards the end of the season last year.
Round 5, (Pick 155) – Kenny Ladler (S)
A solid move for the Dolphins this free agency period was the signing of ex-lion safety Louis Delmas, but depth is still an issue for the secondary and Delmas’ deal is another wait and see one year signing. The Vaderbilt safety, Kenny Ladler, could very well end up being a steal for the Miami Dolphins in the 5th round. Much like Delmas, Ladler is a big hitter type and can take command of his post. A solid tackler, Ladler forced five fumbles for the 2013 Commodores.
Round 6, (Pick 190) – Brandon Coleman – (WR)
The recently signed Damian Williams will help the Miami Dolphins add depth to the WR corps, but Miami still finds themselves in need of the big physical over the middle type catcher. Brandon Coleman could very well fit that role to a tee coming in at 6’6″ and 225 ponds. Despite his deceptively large build, Coleman averaged 19 yards per catch as a Rutger and is number 2 in the schools history with 20 career touchdown catches.
Round 7, (Pick 234) – Jonathan Newsome – (LB)
One of the areas the Miami Dolphins linebackers struggled last season was in the blitz, Jonathan Newsome excelled as a blitzer in 2013 as a Ball State linebacker. Although still a raw prospect, Newsome could eventually blossom into a specialist in that regard and in a short period of time. Newsome comes into the draft with 8 sacks, more than the entire Dolphins entire linebacker corp mustered this past season.
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