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Published: Wednesday, 09 April 2014 08:27 | | 
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PHINFEVER MOCK DATABASE (56)
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SITE |
MOCK |
BIO |
COMMENTS |
UPDATED |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
The Dolphins have done well in free agency to address some of the holes. While the Dolphins will target the best offensive lineman available to them, they do not "have" to draft one in the first round... as long as they get one with one of their first two draft picks. If Zach Martin is not available at pick #19, there is a strong possibly they could go with ILB CJ Mosely or even TE Eric Ebron. One of those 3 should be available for the Dolphins. The Dolphins could even trade down later in the first round to take OT Morgan Moses. I think there is an excellent chance the Dolphins select ILB CJ Mosely with this pick as they did not address this position in free agency. Jeff Ireland's changes last year actually caused the Dolphins defense to slide. New GM Hickey offered MLB D'Qwell Jackson the starting MLB position with the thought of moving Ellerbe to OLB, but Jackson chose the Indianapolis Colts instead. A lot of times a GM will address one side of the ball in free agency and invest a high round draft pick on the other side. Mosely makes a lot of sense here as well as Zach Martin. (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 9 |
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CJ Mosely |
ILB |
Miami is certainly interested in adding an ILB, as there is talk of moving Koa Misi to ILB so Darnelle Ellerbe can be moved outside. Miami also had serious interest in D'Qwell Jackson, who ultimately signed with the Colts. Eric Ebron, the TE for UNC could be a consideration if he drops to Miami, but I don't think that will be the case. |
Mar 21 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Round One: Most mock drafts have the Dolphins picking Tackle Zack Martin in the first round. Martin is regarded as the fourth best lineman in the draft and the last of the top tier. If Martin is gone the Dolphins could trade down or reach for Guard Xavier Su'a-Filo ranked best of the second tier Offensive Lineman. They could also fill a need at Inside Linebacker with CJ Mosely from Alabama. If big Receivers Mike Evans or Eric Ebron drop they would be a steal. 1. Tackle Zack Martin - Compares to Logan Mankins |
Apr 6 |
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CJ Mosely |
ILB |
Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley has the versatility to line up anywhere on the second level but projects best as either an outside or inside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He is considered by many to be the best linebacker in the draft class. CBS Sports' Rob Rang compares Mosley to Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David: "Like David, Mosley's combination of toughness, elite instincts and superb athleticism offer the versatility of lining up inside or out, and have enabled him to be one of the nation's top all-around linebackers." (Last Mock: OT Zach Martin) |
Apr 8 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Miami addressed their 0-line in free agency but they still need more bodies. Martin is versatile and can play inside or out, so he’ll be an attractive candidate. |
Apr 4 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
With Branden Albert signed to take over at left tackle, the Dolphins can instead shift their draft-day focus towards boosting the play inside at guard. Zack Martin, unrelated to Jonathan Martin by genetics or style of play, is a coach's dream. While perhaps lacking the body type scouts prefer at tackle (where he started 50 of his 52 career games for the Irish), Martin slides well laterally and controls opponents with fierce hand usage. |
Apr 8 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
It's way too obvious. The Dolphis could play around with the idea of taking one of the top receivers on the board, and they might just go for the best player available, but there's no need to mess around when a need area could be taken care of with Martin. He might not be Jake Matthews, Greg Robinson or Taylor Lewan, but he's an NFL starter either at tackle or guard. |
Apr 6 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
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Apr 8 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
This is the best case scenario for Miami. They’ll have to trade up for any of the top three tackles, but Martin is the next best lineman in the draft and would be an immediate starter in Miami. If he’s gone, there isn’t an obvious next best choice, so they should strongly consider trading up a few slots to make this happen. If he’s gone, a wide receiver or a trade down might be the next option. (Last Mock: WR Allen Robinson) |
Mar 27 |
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CJ Mosely |
ILB |
(No comment given) |
Mar 19 |
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Eric Ebron |
TE |
While Charles Clay has been a productive receiving tight end, the Dolphins could use more at the position. |
Mar 16 |
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Morgan Moses |
OT |
As you may have heard, the Dolphins quietly went through some in-season re-shuffling of their offensive line last season. Losing two starters on the OL propels this into a giant need pick, and Moses might be the best of what's left at the OT position. Moses has drawn comparisons to former Chargers steal Marcus McNeil. Round 2: DE Scott Crichton, Oregon State |
Mar 3 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Their O-line is in complete shambles and they will not be able to function on offense if they don't fix it. Some people are projecting him to OG, but he's shown GM's and Scouts, first at the Senior Bowl then at the combines, that he can stay put at left-tackle and do just fine. (Last Mock: no change) |
Mar 28 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
After the Incognito/Martin fiasco, targeting an offensive lineman here makes a great deal of sense for Miami. I'm not as bullish on Martin as some are, but his stock is on the rise and him going in a top 20 slot is entirely possible. (Last Mock: no change) |
Mar 31 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
The Dolphins replace one Martin with another. They added Branden Albert in free agency and now solidify their line with this pick. Martin is versatile but will likely lock down the right side for Ryan Tannehill. |
Mar 19 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
The Dolphins offensive line will be taking on major changes this offseason. Martin has the ability to play multiple spots which is exactly what the Fins need, depth and versatility. |
Mar 4 |
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Timmy Jernigan |
DT |
The Dolphins need to figure out how to beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots and interior pressure is the best way to rattle a quarterback. (Last Mock: OT Zach Martin) |
Mar 26 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Even with the signing of Branden Albert the Dolphins still need help all along the offensive line. Martin adds the ability to play offensive tackle OR guard. Round 2: Gabe Jackson G, MSU Round 3: Dri Archer RB, Kent St. |
Apr 7 |
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Eric Ebron |
TE |
(No comment given). (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 7 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
The Dolphins are in the process of rebuilding their offensive line and Martin has the ability to start opposite of Branden Albert and give the team a pair of bookend tackles, or kick inside to guard...his versatility is a plus. |
Apr 4 |
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Calvin Pryor |
S |
Top needs: RT, G, S, CB Round 1 (19) S Calvin Pryor, Louisville Analysis: Needs along the offensive line get skipped in Round 1 mainly because the board doesn't offer enough value at those positions in this slot. When Zack Martin went off the board at No. 17, it limited any possibility to go O-line here. Pryor is an impact player coming off a dominant season and can fill a need at safety. In Round 2 I go with Bitonio, a versatile offensive line prospect who can play either guard or tackle. Same with Mewhort in Round 3. I'd like to consider a cornerback in Round 3, but the issues on the line are more pressing. It's both a protection issue and about creating some running lanes. As it's currently constructed, I don't know if the line will be able to do either consistently, but this draft should help. (Last Mock: OT Zach Martin) |
Apr 3 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Offensive line was a serious problem area for the Dolphins last season, both on and off the field. They simply have to find a way to better protect QB Ryan Tannehill next season, after he was sacked a team-record 58 times, and Martin could provide immediate help -- especially in the running game, which is another issue for them. Martin has great experience and good technique, and he is a strong, tough player. His lack of ideal length limits his upside a bit, but I think he'll either develop into a solid NFL tackle or a top-level guard. |
Mar 6 |
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Xavier Su'a-Filo |
OG |
This pick is really strong, there aren't many likely alternatives (Last Mock: TE Eric Ebron) |
Apr 8 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Miami's offensive line needs help across the board. Martin could end up at guard, but he will get a shot at tackle too. Don't be surprised if Miami trades down just to add more picks, which they desperately need to fill their offensive line holes. |
Mar 11 |
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Cyrus Kouandijo |
OT |
Kouandijo was a big part of another awesome offensive line at Alabama. He is inconsistent at times, but he is a raw talent who has the potential to develop into one of the best left tackles in football. (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 8 |
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Louis Nix |
DT |
Both Randy Starks and Paul Soliai are free agents. Jared Odrick can fill in as a starter but Miami will likely need to add interior D-Line help this offseason. |
Mar 20 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
The Dolphins might have entered this off-season with the thinnest offensive line in the NFL. They signed Branden Albert this off-season and he’ll significantly upgrade their blindside protection. They signed Shelley Smith and are paying him starter’s money so he’s locked in at one of the guard spots. Dallas Thomas, a 2013 3rd round pick, can play either the other guard spot or right tackle. However, they still need offensive line help. Martin can play either right tackle or guard and his versatility is the reason he gets drafted over Lewan. He’s a week 1 starter who will probably start at right tackle like last year’s #1 pick Justin Pugh, but he could eventually end up at guard. |
Apr 4 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
(No comment given). (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 7 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
(No comment given). (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 6 |
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Kelvin |
WR |
Offensive line upgrades can wait. This offense needs more punch at wide receiver, and Benjamin improves the position out of the gates as a red zone threat. (Last Mock: OT Taylor Lewan) |
Apr 2 |
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CJ Mosely |
ILB |
If the supply of offensive tackles has run dry - and it has in this mock - the Dolphins could reach for the best available player. They have invested a lot in linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Weaver, yet haven't gotten big dividends. |
Apr 5 |
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CJ Mosely |
ILB |
Mosley is a smart, tough football player with a very high football IQ. He has rare instincts to go along with elite athleticism. He's very fluid in his motions and finds his way to the ball very easily, avoiding traffic and sheding blocks. Plays with a sense of urgency. He has excellent lateral agility sideline to the sideline and secures his tackles. He anticipates the play almost flawlessly, be it on run or pass plays which is partly due to his work ethic in the weight room and film room. Humble, high-character guys is what the Dolphins need and are looking for and Mosley fits the bill. He would instantly fix a line backing core that was terrible in 2013. Alternate picks: Eric Ebron TE UNC, Zach Martin OT Notre Dame |
Mar 24 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Miami allowed a league- high 58 sacks and couldn't protect Ryan Tannehill with Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito or without them. The Fish started the rebuild up front by giving left tackle Branden Albert a monster deal, but more needs to be done, making Martin the logical pick because he has a ton of position flexibility. |
Mar 28 |
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Eric Ebron |
TE |
Draft’s top tight end falls into the Dolphins’ lap and gives Miami a much-needed receiving threat with size. |
Apr 4 |
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CJ Mosely |
ILB |
I am still intrigued by Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, at 6’5″ and 240 pounds, but Mosley might be the only middle linebacker that could upgrade our defense, while Benjamin may not even be the best available receiver at this point in the draft.
The big, bruising running back would be a beast for Miami, especially on third down and short and at the goal line. Moreno would be the starter and Hyde would be the thunder to Lamar Miller’s lightning off the bench. |
Apr 1 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Ryan Tannehill was hit way too often last season. Martin can play a variety of positions on the offensive line and is a step toward protecting their young quarterback. |
Apr 6 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Even after signing Brandon Albert in free agency, the Dolphins need to address their offensive line early and often if they hope to get the most out of Ryan Tannehill this season. Martin is NFL-ready and can step in at right tackle immediately. He also can slide inside to guard if need be. |
Mar 26 |
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Tim |
DT |
One of the top offensive linemen will be drafted here if they fall to the Dolphins. Timmy Jernigan is an inside running lane road block. Top level inside instincts and agility. Good lateral quickness and hand use to stack and shed head-on running plays. Plays low and with leverage to hold his ground. A one-gap disruptive penetrator. NEEDS: OT,OG,RB,DT,CB SELECTIONS: 7 1/19, 2/50, 3/81, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Last Mock: no change) |
Mar 26 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Martin has been very quietly climbing draft boards. He is very technique sound and hasn’t missed a start in four years. He has added value in that he can also play guard. (Last Mock: no change) |
Mar 27 |
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Xavier Su'a-Filo |
OG |
No one will blame new GM Dennis Hickey for expending a top pick on an offensive guard after witnessing the Dolphins' offensive line woes a season ago. Su'a-Filo is a standout blocker with the toughness and physicality to take on the big-bodied defensive tackles that dominate the AFC East (Last Mock: DT Louis Nix) |
Mar 25 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Martin has more versatility to play multiple spots up front than any offensive lineman in draft. (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 8 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Dolphins hold their breath that Baltimore doesn't take the durable technician out of South Bend. |
Mar 18 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Miami moved quickly to sign Branden Albert, but there is still plenty of work to be done to rebuild this offensive line. |
Mar 20 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Martin helped his stock more than maybe anyone at the Senior Bowl. The Dolphins lost two starting linemen to the Incognito-Martin saga so they could pluck a few offensive line prospects in May. Martin will project inside for some teams but that works for the Fins who can use help all over the line. |
Mar 10 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Last offseason the Dolphins had an enormous hole at offensive tackle after losing Jake Long as a free agent. Miami could have traded for Branden Albert or drafted Lane Johnson but they instead chose to move Jonathan Martin to the blindside, where he struggled mightily as a rookie, and sign Tyson Clabo, who was well into his thirties and had just been released by the Falcons. Miami also selected tackle / guard ‘tweener Dallas Thomas in the third round. That plan blew up in their faces with Martin continuing to look overmatched before leaving the team amidst an embarrassing bullying scandal, Clabo resembling something akin to a revolving door and Thomas unable to crack the starting lineup inside or outside. Not only did the Phins completely fail to fix a significant problem despite ample resources and options but they actually made matters worse. Zack Martin | Notre Dame Fighting Irish Notre Dame OT Zack Martin isn’t an incredible physical specimen or particularly dominant but he’s a smart, technically sound, battle-tested, four-year starter with the ability to play left or right tackle or even guard at the next level. At one point Martin was considered to be more of a fringe first rounder but after a standout performance at the Senior Bowl it's unlikely he escapes the Top 20. Alabama OT Cyrus Kouandjio will be a possibility too if cleared medically. The o-line is such a glaring need is it even worth mentioning other alternatives? |
Mar 9 |
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Taylor |
OT |
Miami made a big move in free agency by signing free agent left tackle Brandon Albert, but their overhaul of the offensive line shouldn't stop there. Miami's success is tied to young QB Ryan Tannehill, who has never been able to feel comfortable behind the sieve of an offensive line the Dolphins have put in front of him. Taylor Lewan would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle for the club as one of the draft's elite pass protectors and an excellent value at 19. Before a recent charge for his role in a fight last year there was talk that Lewan could end up in the top ten on draft day and that some viewed him as the class' second best offensive tackle. His stock has settled in the teens to early 20's and would be an excellent pickup for a team like Miami. (Last Mock: OT Zach Martin) |
Apr 7 |
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Morgan Moses |
OT |
For Miami in round one it will not be best player available; it will be best offensive lineman available. Right now the best could be the guard Yankey. But do they want another Stanford offensive lineman? I say no. Too many opportunities for the press to kick up the dirt. So welcome Morgan Moses to Miami. He will immediately be inserted at right tackle. (Last Mock: no change) |
Mar 30 |
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Xavier Su'a-Filo |
OG |
The Dolphins wisely added left tackle Branden Albert in free agency, but that's just one of several offensive line pieces that needs to be added. This pick is too early for one of the many right tackles in this year's draft. It is, however, a good spot for Su'a-Filo, the draft's top guard. Put him next to Albert and suddenly the Dolphins are set on one side. Other options: G Gabe Jackson, OT Cyrus Kouandjio, DT Louix Nix |
Mar 17 |
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Calvin Pryor |
S |
Louis Delmas signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins, meaning the team will again be looking to fill the safety position next year. Drafting Pryor gives them a dynamic safety option who could push to start this year, or develop behind Delmas for 2015. It would also allow the team to push Jimmy Wilson back to cornerback, slotting him as the nickel back. Ideally, Miami is drafting an offensive lineman in this position, but none of the first round tackles are still on the board. Pryor and defensive tackle Timmy Jerningan are the top rated players (according to my big board) still available, and you could make an argument for a defensive tackle, but the nod goes to the safety here. |
Apr 7 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
About nine out of every 10 mocks have locked in on Martin to the Dolphins at No. 19 for months now, and there's little reason to not go along with the crowd in this case. After targeting ex-Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert as its top priority in free agency, Miami still needs pieces for its rebuilt offensive line. Martin is versatile enough to play both right tackle or guard in the NFL, and that makes him an especially good fit for what the Dolphins face this season. Besides, this pick saves Miami a little money, with it already having offensive linemen-sized jerseys with the name Martin on the back of them. |
Mar 18 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
It’s clear that the Dolphins still need help along their offensive line — signing Branden Albert in free agency was a good first step, but there are other issues. Miami needs a left guard to replace Richie Incognito (which shouldn’t be tough; ancillary issues aside, Incognito played horribly in 2013) and right tackle Tyson Clabo allowed 11 sacks in 962 snaps last season. Martin isn’t an elite pass blocker, but he could slip inside to guard or move to right tackle and become a very solid addition to a front five that will get quarterback Ryan Tannehill injured if serious changes aren’t made. |
Apr 1 |
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Calvin Pryor |
S |
The Miami Dolphins get a top tier SS. |
Apr 7 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
(No comment given.) (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 3 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
He should start from Day One on a rebuilt offensive line. (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 6 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
Zack Martin had an outstanding Senior Bowl, and there's talk that despite his short arms, he could be used at left tackle. Worst-case scenario, he's a stud guard or a right tackle. Miami needs help at both positions in the wake of the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin incident. Also, here's something to keep in mind: As Charlie Campbell noted on our NFL Draft Rumors page, "Dennis Hickey has a huge inclination to go for high-character players. If a player is perceived to be a thug, gang-banger or have a drug issue, that could knock them off Miami's board. I could see Zack Martin being a fit." (Last Mock: no change) |
Apr 8 |
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Zach Martin |
OT |
WHY: An easy pick for a team needing help on the o-line. |
Apr 8 |
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Published: Sunday, 06 April 2014 13:40 | | | Hits: 4484
| | Hits: 4484With the 2014 NFL Draft about a month away, let's take a look at how I think the 2014 NFL Draft could possibly play out. A lot will change over the next few weeks, so my mock will change as well. Today, I will give my 1st 16 picks of the NFL Draft.
1) Houston - QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - John McClain of the Houston Chronicle is pretty plugged in to what the Texans look to do, and he thinks the pick will be Bortles. They certainly have a need at the position with former starting QB Matt Schaub having been traded to Oakland. South Carolina uber talented DE Jadeveon Clowney is also a major consideration, and I would not be surprised if he is the pick. That said, new HC Bill O'Brien is knows
as a QB guru, and Bortles fits the mode of QB he likes.
2) St. Louis - Greg Robinson, OLT, Auburn - OLT Jake Long tore his ACL in December, and there is a major question of his availabilty for the Rams for the 2014 season. This is also the 3rd straight season that Long has suffered a serious injury. With QB Sam Bradford coming off a torn ACL, protecting his blindside is crucial.
3) Jacksonville - Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina - HC Gus Bradley is a defensive minded coach, and the Jaguars were last in the NFL in sacks with 31. The Jaguars have a need at QB, as 2011 1st round pick and disappointment Blaine Gabbert was traded to San Francisco, leaving Chad Henne as the starting QB. With that said, I believe Clowney is the pick.
4) Cleveland - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson - This is another team that could very well go quarterback, but they have very little talent at the skill positions as well, as WR Josh Gordon and TE Jordan Cameron are the only legitimate playmakers. Watkins has the hands, size and speed you want at the wide receiver position. He and Gordon would give the Browns a potent duo.
5) Oakland - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A & M - The Raiders have a need at QB even with the trade for QB Matt Schaub. Manziel is not your prototypical quarterback from a size standpoint, but he is a playmaker, and the Raiders OL is very much a work in progress, so his mobility could be a plus for him.
6) Atlanta Falcons - Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo - Atlanta could easily go OLT here, and Texas A & M OLT Jake Matthews has to be a prime consideration as well. But like the Jaguars, the Falcons have struggled generating a consistent pass rush, and Mack ranks very high on a lot of boards.
7) Tampa Bay - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A & M - Tampa Bay just traded the talented but troubled Mike Williams to Buffalo. While they have Vincent Jackson on one side, the Bucs have little else. They could go OL here as well and I have seen Michigan OLT Taylor Lewan mocked here as well.
8) Minnesota - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville - The Christian Ponder experiment has been a failure, and the clock is winding down on THE Elite RB in the NFL, Adrian Peterson. The Vikings have to address the QB position. Bridgewater has been considered the most NFL ready QB, and I am not going to let a sub-par Pro Day showing deter my thoughts on Bridgewater.
9) Buffalo - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina - The Bills just traded for talented but troubled WR Mike Williams of Tampa Bay. The Bills are looking to add a playmaker, and Ebron is considered to be THE top TE in the 2014 NFL Draft. Ebron has the ability to be a threat down the seams of a defense and can makes plays after the catch. He is a work in progress as a blocker.
10) Detroit - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama - Detroit lost S Louis Delmas to Miami, and Dix can be that player to come in and fill an immediate need for the Lions. Dix along with Louisville S Calvin Pryor are considered the top safaties in this draft.
11) Tennessee - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State - The Titans just lost All Pro cornerback Alterraun Verner to Tampa Bay. Gilbert is a talented cover 
corner and a very good punt and kickoff returner as well. He fills an immediate need for the Titans.
12) New York Giants - Jake Matthews, OLT, Texas A & M - The Giants are coming off a season of struggles from their offense. A lot of those problems can be traced to the offensive line. Matthews is certainly considered one of the top 2 offensive lineman in this draft, along with Auburn OLT Greg Robinson.
13) St. Louis - Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville - With Ha Ha Clinton-Dix off the board, the Rams select Pryor to add to the secondary. Big, aggressive and a big hitter.
14) Chicago - Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh - The Bears defensive line has taken and hit with DT Henry Melton off to 
Dallas and DE Julius Peppers cut and signing with rival Green Bay. The Bears add the explosive Donald to help rebuild their defensive front.
15) Pittsburgh - Taylor Lewan, OLT, Michigan - The Steelers offensive line has been an area of concerns for years. Lewan would be an immediate upgrade at the OLT position.
16) Dallas - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State - Dallas defense was a disaster in 2013. They also have lost DE DeMarcus Ware to Denver and DT Jason Hatcher to Washington. The Cowboys have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball, and they start up from with Jernigan.
Join me next week as I will give the last 16 picks of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Published: Sunday, 30 March 2014 13:29 | | | | Hits: 6901
| | Hits: 6901So far in the early stages of Miami new GM Dennis Hickey regime, I have liked what I have seen from Hickey. He has come in and made it a point to communicate with HC Joe Philbin and his staff in regards to players, something that it is apparent that he and former GM Jeff Ireland did not seem to do as much as was needed. He has embraced Dawn Aponte, Vice President of Football Administration, something that was very key if Miami had any hopes of having a cohesive, working front office.
We will not know until the season begins in regards to free agency and how the Dolphins did, but my initial thoughts are that Miami has done a very solid job of addressing needs while doing a solid job of being signing most of these players to team friendly deals. You knew signing OLT Brandon Albert was going to be a deal that who ever signed him was going to overpay, but OLT is a premium postion and a dire position of need for the Dolphins. Some have questioned the money that the Dolphins gave to CB Courtnland Finnegan as well, but in my opinion and others as well, Finnegan is a upgrade over Nolan Carroll, who signed with Philadelphia. If the Dolphins get the player that played for the Titans and his first year with St. Louis, then the Dolphins have a steal.
DT Earl Mitchel, OG Shelley Smith, DT Randy Starks, FS Louis Delmas, RB Knowwhon Moreno and CB Brent Grimes all signed deals that are good deals for the Dolphins, and should leave them in good position in regards to the cap.
While free agency still continues, the next key stage for the Dolphins and the rest of the teams in the NFL is the 2014 NFL Draft in May. And in doing research on Hickey in his time with Tampa Bay, it is apparent that Hickey and the Buccaneers have a preference for prospects that have played for BCS schools. A large majority of the kids draft by Tampa Bay came from BCS schools, with a few exceptions.
Here is a look at the Tampa Bay drafts over the last 7 years.
| 2013 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 2 | 43 | Johnthan Banks | CB | Mississippi State |
| 3 | 73 | Mike Glennon | QB | North Carolina State |
| 4 | 100 | Akeem Spence | DT | Illinois |
| 4 | 126 | William Gholston | DE | Michigan State |
| 5 | 147 | Steven Means | DE | Buffalo |
| 6 | 189 | Mike James | RB | Miami (Fla.) |
| 2012 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 7 | Mark Barron | DB | Alabama |
| 1 | 31 | Doug Martin | RB | Boise State |
| 2 | 58 | Lavonte David | LB | Nebraska |
| 5 | 140 | Najee Goode | LB | West Virginia |
| 6 | 174 | Keith Tandy | CB | West Virginia |
| 7 | 212 | Michael Smith | RB | Utah State |
| 7 | 233 | Drake Dunsmore | TE | Northwestern |
| 2011 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 20 | Adrian Clayborn | DE | Iowa |
| 2 | 51 | Da'Quan Bowers | DE | Clemson |
| 3 | 84 | Mason Foster | LB | Washington |
| 4 | 104 | Luke Stocker | TE | Tennessee |
| 5 | 151 | Ahmad Black | DB | Florida |
| 6 | 187 | Allen Bradford | RB | USC |
| 7 | 222 | Anthony Gaitor | DB | Florida International |
| 7 | 238 | Daniel Hardy | TE | Idaho |
| 2010 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 3 | Gerald McCoy | DT | Oklahoma |
| 2 | 35 | Brian Price | DT | UCLA |
| 2 | 39 | Arrelious Benn | WR | Illinois |
| 3 | 67 | Myron Lewis | DB | Vanderbilt |
| 4 | 101 | Mike Williams | WR | Syracuse |
| 6 | 172 | Brent Bowden | P | Virginia Tech |
| 7 | 210 | Cody Grimm | FS | Virginia Tech |
| 7 | 217 | Dekoda Watson | OLB | Florida State |
| 7 | 253 | Erik Lorig | FB | Stanford |
| 2009 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 17 | Josh Freeman | QB | Kansas State |
| 3 | 81 | Roy Miller | DT | Texas |
| 4 | 117 | Kyle Moore | DE | USC |
| 5 | 155 | Xavier Fulton | T | Illinois |
| 7 | 217 | E.J. Biggers | CB | Western Michigan |
| 7 | 233 | Sammie Stroughter | WR | Oregon State |
| 2008 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 20 | Aqib Talib | CB | Kansas |
| 2 | 58 | Dexter Jackson | WR | Appalachian State |
| 3 | 83 | Jeremy Zuttah | G | Rutgers |
| 4 | 115 | Dre Moore | DT | Maryland |
| 5 | 160 | Josh Johnson | QB | San Diego |
| 6 | 175 | Geno Hayes | OLB | Florida State |
| 7 | 238 | Cory Boyd | RB | South Carolina |
| 2007 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ||||
| RD | SEL # | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL |
| 1 | 4 | Gaines Adams | DE | Clemson |
| 2 | 35 | Arron Sears | G | Tennessee |
| 2 | 64 | Sabby Piscitelli | SAF | Oregon State |
| 3 | 68 | Quincy Black | LB | New Mexico |
| 4 | 106 | Tanard Jackson | FS | Syracuse |
| 5 | 141 | Greg Peterson | DT | North Carolina Central |
| 6 | 182 | Adam Hayward | LB | Portland State |
| 7 | 214 | Chris Denman | T | Fresno State |
| 7 | 245 | Marcus Hamilton | CB | Virginia |
| 7 | 246 | Kenneth Darby | RB | Alabama |
I think it safe to say that you can count on the majority of the prospects the Dolphins draft will be from BCS schools, with a few exceptions, and one of those could be the young man I am about to discuss and is a prospect to keep an eye on.
Dri Archer of Kent State, 5'8, 175 lbs, is a very explosive football player, a game changer. As a RB/KR for Kent State, Archer was the main weapon for the Golden Flashes. When I say explosive, I mean big play, he get's a step on you gone type of explosive. Archer ran a 4.26 40 at the combine, only .2 tenth off of Tennessee Chris Johnson record time of 4.24. And unlike some prospects that come in and run a fast time at the combine, but don't play at those timed speeds, Archer plays at his time. He is a legitimate, big play guy, and his versatility reminds me of Philadelphia RB Darren Sproles.
Archer rushed for career numbers 325 carries for 2,342 yards, which is a 7.2 yards per carry with 24 touchdowns. He also had 99 career catches for 1,194 yards and 12 touchdowns. Also, a lethal kickoff return man, Archer had 51 returns at 28.2 yards per return and 4 kickoff returns for touchdowns. Here is a youtube clip on Archer and you can see his big play ability and explosiveness.
In my last mock draft I had for Miami, I had Archer to the Dolphins in the 5th round, but Archer is a prime candidate to be drafted higher than he is pegged because of his big play ability. Miami has shown a good bit of interest in Archer as has the Bengals, and in my next mock draft, Archer will be moving up. How high up, I am not quite sure of yet, but Miami is interested. They had interst in former Chicago Bear and now Atlanta Falcon Devin Hester. Archer can be what Hester was in the return game and more for Miami.
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2019 Draft (Grier)
2018 Draft (Grier)
2017 Draft (Tnbaum)
2016 Draft (Tnbaum)
2015 Draft (Hickey)
