The Miami Dolphins were a very underachieving bunch on defense in 2015. However, one year later, they have a big hole to fill in their secondary with the loss of cornerback Brent Grimes to Tampa Bay. They’ll be on the lookout to find that perfect fit to complete their D early on.
Meanwhile, on offence, there’s no “underachieving”, they just have problems. Their receiving core is getting there, but their quarterback just isn’t. Ryan Tannehill continues to struggle, but the team won’t throw in the towel just yet. Mostly because they can’t. They rewarded his nothingness with a contract extension of four-years and $77 million just one year ago.
Considering the man had not accomplished anything, it was a pretty surprising move. However, now that he’s locked into the lineup for the foreseeable future, you might as well protect him. Watch for the Fish to look for a few QB policemen after they fill that CB gap.
Round One: Pick #13 (13th overall) – CB Eli Apple – Ohio State
NEEDS AT CB: With the loss of Brent Grimes, the Fish have 48 tackles and four interceptions to replace. They need a leader in the secondary and while Apple may not be the man for the job right away, he’s definitely a step in the right direction. Apple finished second among Buckeye corners last season with 23 tackles and one pick.
STRENGTHS: He has excellent dimensions. At 6’1 he has great size for a defensive back. He has the ideal weight of 199 lbs and he almost has a ten foot wingspan at 9′ 3/8″. Very quick feet and aggressive hands separate him from the rest of the pack.
NEEDS AT RB: The Fish added Isaiah Pead and Brent Thomas this off-season, but they can’t act like the loss of Lamar Miller to Houston didn’t hurt. Miller was their leader out of the back field the last few seasons and their offense is now looking for a new identity. Derrick Henry could fill that hole in the backfield nicely.
STRENGTHS: Unlike most of the Miami Dolphins, Henry has championship experience. Mind you, we’re talking college ball, the kid still knows what it takes to win. He put his Crimson Tide on his back in the final game against Clemson as well. Henry has a ‘never say die’ attitude, which is something the Fish desperately need.
NEEDS AT G: Ryan Tannehill was hands down the most made fun of quarterback of 2015. Wait a second, that’s not including Johnny Manziel. We take it back. Anyhow, Tannehill heard footsteps more often than not and proceeded to find either the dirt or the other teams jerseys on countless occasions. Needless to say, they need some help up front in a dyer way.
STRENGTHS: At 6’4 – 312 lbs Garnett has the size and potential mobility to be a solid young guard in this league. He’s not the next Johnathan Ogden, but he could definitely fill a hole that’s leaking water in a bad way. He’s very good at centering his blocks. He could use a bit of help when defenders are coming in on angle, but dead on, there’s not many better.
Round Four: Pick #9 (107th overall) – OT Willie Beavers – Western Michigan
NEEDS AT OT: Although we were talking about a Guard a moment ago, read above.
STRENGTHS: Beavers is a three-star prospect and has excellent size at 6’5 and 321 lbs. He could definitely compete for a job early on or could at the very least provide some much needed insurance at the position.
Round Five: Pick #8 (147th overall) – OT Fahn Cooper – Ole Miss
NEEDS AT OT: The team added Jermon Bushrod and Sam Young this past off-season but still need to give all of the linemen a good run for their money in camp. The more insurance you can add, the better.
STRENGTHS: Fahn Cooper is a big boy. He’s 6’4 – 303 lbs and is a very patient player. Similar to any offensive line veteran, Cooper is beyond his years in waiting for the attack to come to him. He’s a smart player and can work the line better than any other fourth rounder on the board.
The Miami Dolphins have 8 picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
